The 22nd Italy4Innovation event was held on 14 July 2022. It examined the investment opportunities offered by Italy, particularly in the sectors of transport, digitalisation and energy, in the context of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). A large proportion of the NRRP funds is assigned to these sectors, which are of strategic importance in reducing Italy’s infrastructure inequalities and stimulating growth.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency’s department for investment attraction, and the Global Infrastructure Investor Association (GIIA). With associates representing around $1trn-worth of potential investment, the GIIA was able to publicise the event widely.
The audience included representatives of around 50 investment funds (sovereign funds, pension funds, investment banks, private equity funds and venture funds).
The panel presented Italy’s excellent results in the flow of direct foreign investment in 2021 (+80%, according to a recent study by Ernst&Young). They also discussed the opportunities created by the relaunch of construction and infrastructure made possible by the NRRP and resulting reforms, and gave an update on the procedures for authorising projects and an overview of the moves towards simplification.
The speakers included representatives of Invitalia (who discussed the incentives and objectives of the NRRP), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (a local partner for foreign investors) and Deloitte Italy (who discussed current trends in Italy, presented some key figures relating to the NRRP, and explained how private funds can complement public funds).
The presentations and Q&A session demonstrated and further stimulated a clear interest in the opportunities offered by Italy, both for existing investors in the country and for potential new investors who are approaching the Italian market for the first time. The picture that emerged showed a country that is rising up the rankings and that is increasingly open to foreign investors and being seen increasingly favourably by them.
