Rome Hosts Debate on Strategic Autonomy in a Shifting World
On March 24th, a significant event unfolded in Sesto Fiorentino, where the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham) organized an insightful dialogue titled "Strategic Autonomies in the New Global Scenario." The gathering brought together notable figures including Eugenio Giani, the President of Tuscany, Florence’s Mayor Sara Funaro, and Daniela Ballard, the US Consul General in Florence. This discussion marked the inaugural session of the "Future Callin – Policy Dialogues" series aimed at fostering constructive exchanges between institutions and businesses regarding the ongoing transformations across Europe and Italy.
The central theme of the meeting was the notion of strategic autonomy, which signifies Europe's ability, along with its member states, to operate independently in critical sectors such as health, energy, defence, technology, and industry. This autonomy is not about isolation, but rather creating robust synergies to guide responsive decision-making through cooperation with trusted partners, notably American firms active in Italy as well as Italian companies in the US.
Ballard expressed her delight that such a vital national and European event was hosted in Tuscany, at Eli Lilly’s prestigious site, underscoring the importance of addressing key issues like trade and investment stability in the current global marketplace. Giani remarked that strategic autonomies are crucial in reducing vulnerabilities within critical supply chains while enhancing capacities across various sectors, ultimately bolstering Italy's competitiveness.
Funaro added that engaging in high-level discourse in Florence, a city known for its entrepreneurial excellence, could be pivotal in maximizing synergies for the benefit of the local and broader economic systems. Moving forward, establishing a national strategy for the life sciences sector, backed by consistent industrial policies and regulatory frameworks, is imperative for ensuring timely access to innovation and healthcare solutions.
The upcoming discussions will tackle the future of businesses through the lens of ESG, as well as the opportunities and challenges posed by AI between the US and Italy. These exchanges aim to facilitate proactive assessments of risks while emphasising the importance of dynamic cooperation in research and production.
