The Value of Made in Italy Beyond Rhetoric – HuffPost – Pietro Paganini
On April 15, Italy celebrates the Giornata del Made in Italy, a day dedicated to recognizing the value of what we create, export, and represent around the world.
I’m proud to have contributed to this occasion with a commentary published by HuffPost, which has devoted a special section to the strategic importance of Made in Italy.
Read the full article here >>>
The Value of Made in Italy Beyond Rhetoric
In my piece, I reflect on the need to move beyond celebratory rhetoric, and instead adopt a clear and forward-looking vision to protect and relaunch the Italian identity in global markets.
Made in Italy is not just a label of excellence; it is a living system rooted in artisanal skills, family entrepreneurship, aesthetic sensibility, and a lifestyle centered on balance—symbolized by the Mediterranean Diet.
READ THIS: THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AS A BALANCED LIFESTYLE
Often reduced to the “3 Fs” (Fashion, Food, Furniture), Made in Italy extends far beyond. It includes agricultural products, industrial components, and the ecosystem of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that continue to innovate despite bureaucratic inefficiencies and structural obstacles.
Among its most strategic sectors is the agri-food supply chain, which generates nearly €335 billion in value added – 19% of Italy’s GDP – and demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of global crises.
But defending Made in Italy requires more than national pride. It demands a strategic approach:
- Protecting intellectual and industrial property,
- Investing in education to foster critical thinking and entrepreneurship,
- Encouraging technology as a tool for evolution rather than disruption,
- Simplifying regulation and empowering private initiative.
I also argue that tariffs, while threatening, can become strategic levers. High-value cultural products tend to have inelastic demand. By investing in branding, storytelling, and connection to a healthy lifestyle, Italy can turn higher prices into symbols of quality and authenticity – strengthening export resilience and reinforcing the global appeal of the Mediterranean way of life.
Ultimately, Made in Italy must be treated not as nostalgia, but as a strategy. One that demands vision, courage, and the capacity to renew itself – starting now.
