Session Speakers:
Anna Roscio
Executive Director Sales & Marketing Enterprises, Intesa Sanpaolo
Bruno Bartocci
Partner, Legance
Fabrizio Testa
CEO of Borsa Italiana
Federico de Rosa
Chief Editor, Corriere della Sera
Ladislao Balbiani
Founding Partner at IDEAS
Maria Paula Milheirao
Partner, SRS Legal
Nader Albastaki
Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund
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Key Takeaways
- Capital markets play a crucial role in supporting SME growth by providing financial instruments and fostering collaboration between investors and small businesses.
- Government initiatives such as PNRR and Industry 5.0 aim to facilitate SME transitions and stimulate investments in digitalization, sustainability, and energy, yet there is still a wait-and-see approach in investments by companies.
- Investors are guided towards SME investments by factors such as excellence in niche sectors, facilitation of generational transitions, and opportunities for internationalization, which can significantly improve revenue, employment, and profitability.
- Strong collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for long-term projects, urban requalification, and accessing credit more effectively, ultimately contributing to SME growth and quality improvement.
- With abundant talent and various forms of capital available in Italy, there are significant opportunities for international investors to collaborate, leverage capital, and boost business growth in Italian SMEs.
In the bustling landscape of global economies, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) stand as pivotal players, driving innovation, fostering employment, and fueling economic growth. Recognizing their significance, industry experts convened in a recent panel discussion to explore strategies and opportunities aimed at unlocking investment potential in SMEs.
Marta Testi, representing Borsa Italiana, underscored the indispensable role of capital markets in propelling SME growth. She emphasized the need for financial instruments and collaborative frameworks that bridge investors with SMEs, facilitating innovation, and enabling expansion.
Anna Roscio, Executive Director at Intesa Sanpaolo, shed light on the impact of government initiatives like the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and Industry 5.0 in aiding SME transitions. Despite these efforts, a cautious sentiment prevails among companies in 2024 regarding investment, suggesting a need for further encouragement.
Bruno Bartocci articulated the allure of Italian SMEs to international investors, citing excellence in niche sectors and opportunities for generational transitions and internationalization. Studies reveal that SMEs with foreign capital witness significant revenue growth, employment expansion, and enhanced profitability.
Ladislao Balbiani emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in fostering SME growth. He highlighted the necessity of effective project management and urban requalification to access credit efficiently and enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces.
Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund, expressed keen interest in investing in Italian SMEs, citing the abundance of talent and various forms of capital available in Italy. He stressed the importance of collaboration and relationship-building to unlock investment potential and stimulate business growth.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the imperative of unlocking investment opportunities in SMEs becomes increasingly vital. By leveraging capital markets, government initiatives, and international collaboration, SMEs can realize their growth potential, driving innovation, employment, and economic prosperity in the years to come.
