A session of the cross-media event moderated by Andrea Cabrini, editor-in-chief of Class CNBC
Signs of robust growth and resilience are emerging for Puglia, which continues to stand out on the Italian scene thanks to a healthy entrepreneurial system and growing operating margins. It is in this context that the two-day event organized by Milan Finanza And Class Editorin cooperation with Puglia Orizzonti, Profondo Capital, Feedel Ventures and the collaboration of Setonix, at Masseria Salamina in Fasano (province of Brindisi) during the “Motore Italia – Apulia Orizzonti” which brought together experts and economic operators on November 7 and 8 for an in-depth assessment of investment opportunities in the regional territory. The event was co-financed by the European Union in accordance with the Puglia 2014-2020 Operational Program.
A growing system, demonstrating healthy and sustainable development
“We envision a growing system,” said the Leanus director, Stefano Carrarawhich presented an analysis based on around 2,000 companies in Puglia with a turnover above 2 million euros, representing almost a third of the regional turnover. “Not only did revenues increase, but also operating margins, showing healthy and sustainable growth.” In total, the turnover of these companies amounts to 13.9 billion euros, with an increase in investments of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Carrara pointed out that the majority of these companies have an overall positive risk assessment, with 15% of them classified as low-risk companies and around 300 companies that do not rely on bank loans.
“These companies manage to finance themselves and do not need to resort to bank loans,” explains Carraraemphasizing effective working capital management. The stress tests carried out by Leanus show the resilience of the Puglia entrepreneurial system, capable of coping with a drop in turnover of up to 22% while maintaining positive margins, and an increase in payment terms of 34 days without endangering its liquidity. On the macroeconomic level, Vito Péragineprofessor of political economy at the Aldo Moro University of Bari, confirmed this positive picture, saying that “in 2023 Puglia was one of the Italian regions with the best growth. Despite the slowdown in the national economy during the first six months of 2024, “Puglia continues to perform above the national average”. The tourism industry recorded a 15 percent increase in the number of foreign visitors in the first six months of 2024, while the expansion of the services sector helps strengthen the economic fabric of the region.
However, Peragine also highlighted some criticisms, such as the decrease in exports in the steel and automobile sectors, mainly due to a decrease in European demand, notably from Germany. Overall, Puglia seems poised for sustainable growth in the medium and long term, thus confirming itself as one of the Italian regions with the greatest development potential. Carrara expressed optimism: “I am absolutely optimistic. There will be difficulties, but Puglia seems strong and personally I would invest there without hesitation.”
Investments, the Region’s strategy
With an ecosystem combining economic development, innovation and quality of life, Puglia is becoming more and more attractive to national and international investors. “We have created a system of incentives for all sizes of companies, from startups to large corporations, to promote innovation and research. With our instruments and equity funds, we are transforming the region into a place where investing is profitable and sustainable,” explains Gianna Elisa Berlingeriodirector of the economic development department. “We want Puglia to become the land of opportunities,” confirms the advisor in charge of Economic Development, Alessandro Delli Noci. “We have invested in training and digitalization, and today many startups, including international ones, choose to develop here. We work to create an environment that not only attracts talent, but also retains it, with programs that support businesses over the long term, such as TecnoNidi, which offers specific incentives for innovative startups, and program contracts and PIA (Integrated Incentive Programs). , which support small and medium-sized businesses on their path to growth.”
In support of the strategic vision, Silvia Viscianoregional manager of Research and International Relations, emphasizes the importance of well-being: “Attracting capital is not enough. We must also guarantee the well-being of people. Puglia is at the forefront in this sector, offering support to families and services that make quality of life a decisive factor in the decision to invest and live in our region.”
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