With the return to economic growth, the scenario that is emerging is that of a production system characterised by areas of strength but also elements of weakness
Analysing their performance in international markets, some segments of Italian industry have proven, in fact, to be particularly dynamic even in the worst phase of the crisis. On the other hand, some structural business weaknesses - lack of scale, low capitalisation, poor internationalisation, low propensity for innovation - continue to hamper the development of our business economy.
The need for equity is a priority for the Italian production system, which should receive structural support.
Greater capitalisation allows businesses to embark on growth projects with greater stability, particularly as regards international expansion and R&D, driving an increase in competitiveness.
FSI – A modern industrial policy tool
In this context, the creation of the Fondo Strategico Italiano (FSI) has the specific aim of supporting the growth and development of businesses in sectors considered to be strategic for our economic system, providing financial resources in the form of new venture capital.
FSI can be considered a modern industrial policy tool, which provides "patient capital", with a longer investment horizon than traditional private equity, attracting private financial resources, including from abroad, to invest in the development of businesses.
At present, against an initial capital base of €5.1 billion, FSI has:
An analysis of the main investments made and their impact in terms of economic activity and employment levels directly or indirectly activated shows, first of all, that FSI has managed to increase the attractiveness of our economy, becoming in just a few years the main channel for foreign investment in Italy.
At the same time, FSI is facilitating the international development of enterprises by improving their foreign development plans and involving strategic international partners. Furthermore, the investments made, especially in very long and/or labour intensive production chains, are having an impact on (and partly driving) significant levels of employment.