« Go back Education as the Engine of Export: Italy and the Bet on Quality for Future Competitiveness
Recent Eurostat data has brought attention back to education levels in Europe, highlighting how Italy is still in second-to-last place for the percentage of young people (aged 25-34) holding a tertiary education qualification (around 31.6% compared to an EU average of 44%). Although the data indicates a structural delay, it is not an end point, but rather the measure of an immense untapped potential and a clear indication of the strategic direction to follow for the country's economic future.
The most encouraging aspect lies in the quality and employment impact of Italian graduates. Despite the lower quantity compared to European partners, an academic qualification confirms itself as an insurance for the future: the employment rate for new Italian graduates has reached 77.3%, showing a significant gap compared to those with only a high school diploma. This demonstrates that the Italian labor market rewards the excellence and specialized skills that emerge from our system.
The growth potential is concentrated in sectors where Italy boasts excellent schools, essential for its international leadership:
- Innovation and New Products (B2B): The high level of preparation in key disciplines, particularly engineering, design, and applied technologies (the technologically advanced Made in Italy), is the foundation for launching new high-value products. For example, leading Italian companies in the mechanical, automation, or advanced materials sectors base their B2B proposition abroad on the technical sophistication guaranteed by specialized know-how.
- International Attractiveness and Major Events: Italy must leverage its reputation as a pole of excellence. International events and trade fairs such as the Salone del Mobile, the Marmomac fair (stone sector), or EIMA International (agricultural machinery) are global showcases. Publicizing the quality of Italian education abroad attracts talent, foreign investment, and B2B buyers, strengthening the country's image as a hub of innovation and high-end manufacturing.
In this future-oriented vision, the role of organizations like Federcamere becomes fundamental. The chamber network can act as a strategic mediator, ensuring that educational pathways, including the Higher Technical Institutes (ITS), are aligned with the real needs of international markets.
Investing in education in a targeted manner, by narrowing the quantitative gap with the EU, is not just a social goal, but the most effective and necessary long-term strategy to support and enhance Italian export.