Italy

Companies in the non-ferrous metals sector are experiencing significant tensions. In May, Italy’s industrial production decreased by 0.7% month on month and by 0.9% compared to May 2024. However, there was an average increase for the March-May period of 0.6% when compared to the previous three months.

The index increased on a monthly basis only for energy (+0.7%) while it decreased for intermediate goods (-1%) and consumer goods (-1.3%). Furthermore, the Misery Index - which signifies how citizens are doing economically - climbed 0.4 in June to 10.8, thus reaching its highest level in the last year. This figure reflects an increase in inflation for frequently-purchased goods and services (2.1%) and a stabilisation of unemployment at 7.3%.

The number of Italian businesses actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations has doubled over the last year, according to a survey included in the Aspen 2025 Report. The study, conducted across a sample of 54 Italian companies and highlighting a strong consolidation of AI within the country’s industrial fabric, reveals that the proportion of companies launching concrete initiatives in this area has increased from 30% in 2024 to 67% this year.

At the same time, the voices of young entrepreneurs are becoming louder, seeking to represent their companies through discussion, training and networking, leading them into an increasingly fast-paced future. In this period of economic hardship, the country’s entrepreneurial community is proving resilient and will call on a wealth of skills to relaunch its businesses.