« Go back Crisis of Entrepreneurial Ambition: Italian Youth in Serious Difficulty
The loss of orientation toward entrepreneurship among young Italians
is jeopardizing the country’s economy. While foreign-owned businesses continue
to grow, Italians are increasingly abandoning the dream of building an independent
future. In an era where the world of work is constantly evolving, young Italians
seem to have lost their way; the aspiration to become a top manager has
supplanted the desire to embark on an entrepreneurial career characterized by
apprenticeship and sacrifice. This trend is not merely a matter of personal ambition but reflects a profound
crisis threatening the economic fabric of our country. According to ISTAT
data, from 2008 to 2023, the number of businesses managed by Italians has
decreased drastically, showing a 20% decline. Simultaneously, new businesses started by foreign entrepreneurs,
particularly non-EU citizens, have increased by 40%. This phenomenon is
not only statistically significant but foreshadows a future where our country
could face a generation of graduates forced into precarious and unfulfilling
occupations. It is alarming to note how the idea of starting one's own business
is becoming more of a mirage for young Italians. Entrepreneurship is not just
about launching an activity; it is about building a future. However,
many young people seem to reject this concept, preferring to take refuge in unrealistic
expectations of immediate success without sacrifice. The "everything now" culture is fueling a frustration that
translates into a lack of initiative. New generations, despite being
highly educated, appear to be abandoning the family tradition of creating and
managing businesses, ending an era in which entrepreneurship was considered
a fundamental value. The data is clear: in 2022, 70% of new businesses in Italy were
founded by foreigners, while Italian entrepreneurs—often faced with a difficult
market and stifling bureaucracy—frequently find themselves closing their
doors. This situation has direct consequences for our society; if we do not
reverse this trend, Italian graduates risk ending up in a cycle of
precariousness, accepting low-value jobs while non-EU citizens continue to
invest and create new opportunities. It is fundamental that institutions and associations such as Federcamere
commit to promoting an entrepreneurial culture among the youth. We must
encourage them to view entrepreneurship not just as an option, but as a mission.
Our society needs innovation, fresh ideas, and courage. The challenge is significant, but the future of Italy depends on the
ability of our young people to embrace risk and build a path toward a better
tomorrow. In this context, it is essential to create a favorable environment
for business, breaking down bureaucratic barriers and promoting initiatives
that incentivize the desire to undertake new ventures. Only then can we hope to see a new generation of Italian entrepreneurs
ready to restart the country's economy, rather than seeing them relegated to
marginal roles. In conclusion, the message is clear: if we want to safeguard
the future of our youth and the entire Italian economy, we must awaken the
passion for entrepreneurship. We cannot allow ambition to turn into resignation. It is time to act, to invest
in the talent and creativity of our young people, so they can be
protagonists of a new era of entrepreneurial rebirth. Maurizio Carnevale, President of Federcamere
Turin, February 5, 2026