wo new studies by the Blue Economy Monitor, the observatory promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo and the SDA Bocconi School of Management, show that Italy can become the strategic link between Europe, Africa and the Middle East for data and energy, but that it needs investment, skills and a transformation of the port system.
The new competition for energy, data and infrastructure security is moving towards the Mediterranean, where a decisive role will be played for the competitiveness of Europe and Italy. This is what emerges from two new studies conducted by…Monitor of the blue economy, the Observatory promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo and the Sda Bocconi Management School which analyzes the main transformations of the maritime economy and the contribution that the sector can make to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the country.
Research shows how, thanks to its geographical position and one of the most advanced industrial chains in the world in the fields of submarine cables, offshore engineering, shipbuilding and telecommunications, Italy has the opportunity to establish itself as a strategic center. Between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the energy and digital flows of tomorrow are essential. At the same time, Italian ports are called upon to transform themselves to support the energy transition and integrate into the new industrial supply chains linked to renewable energies, electrification and decarbonization.
« The blue economy is confirmed as one of the most promising engines of development for the country, capable of generating innovation, attracting talent and investment, and creating new opportunities in strategic areas such as underwater infrastructure, offshore wind energy, the energy transition of ports and digital technologies, » he explains. Elisa Zambito Marsala, Head of the Educational Ecosystem and Global Value Programs Intesa Sanpaolo, According to the report, « the ongoing transformations in maritime economies require new skills and new professional profiles. Therefore, investing in research and training, strengthening dialogue between companies, universities and research, is creating new opportunities for young people, fighting the flight of talent and attracting qualified skills, which contributes to the competitiveness of the country in the European and international context. «
Of the same opinion also Stefano Caselli, dean of SDA Bocconi The School of Management highlights how the « SDA Bocconi Blue Economy Monitor, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo », aims to highlight macroeconomic trends that influence, and will increasingly influence, business strategies and public policies in a sector of growing importance for the Italian economy. Today’s event and the research presented contribute not only to the transfer of knowledge, but also to the clarification of the opportunities and risks for the Italian economic system, from a broader geoeconomic and geopolitical perspective in the Mediterranean.
The first research on Italy and underwater infrastructure
The first study, conducted by Oliviero Baccelli and Stefano Riela, highlights how Italy can leverage its geographical position and industrial skills to become a reference point in underwater electricity and digital networksThe study identifies underwater electrical interconnections, telecommunications cables and energy transition infrastructure as some of the main drivers of the development of the European blue economy. Growth prospects are important: by 2050 Offshore wind could cover up to 30% of demand The European electricity sector is experiencing a strong expansion in demand for high-voltage submarine cables needed to connect renewable energy plants, storage systems and increasingly integrated energy networks.
The study also highlights the role of key infrastructure projects such as the Tyrrhenian link, which will connect Campania, Sicily and Sardinia via 950 kilometers of submarine cables, for a total investment of 3.7 billion euros; the Italy-Tunisia electric interconnection (Elmed), which received €307 million in European funding, confirming the strategic importance of the Mediterranean as an energy bridge between Europe and North Africa; and the arrival points of international data cables in Genoa, Bari, Catania and Mazara del Vallo, which strengthen Italy’s role on global digital roads.
The analysis also highlights the value of the Italian industrial supply chain This project brings together leading companies in the cable manufacturing, underwater engineering, shipbuilding and telecommunications sectors, and represents an important lever for the country’s competitiveness and to seize growth opportunities in this sector.
The second study is on Italian ports
The second study, conducted by Oliviero Baccelli and Susanna Dorigoni, analyzes the role of Italian ports in the energy transition. The study highlights how the port system The national sector is called upon to manage a profound transformation: today, 40% of the goods handled in Italian ports are still attributable to fossil fuels, This makes ports particularly vulnerable to the effects of the energy transition, while opportunities multiply thanks to the electrification of docks, renewable energies, offshore wind logistics and carbon capture and storage projects.
Through a comparative analysis of the Italian port authorities, the research shows that unequal preparation for new challengesSome regions, such as Ravenna, are distinguished by their ability to develop projects related to the energy transition, while others are more exposed to the effects of the gradual reduction in traffic related to fossil fuels.
The sea as a lever of competitiveness
Francesco Perrini, the scientific director of the Blue Economy Monitor at SDA Bocconi University explains: « These two studies show that the energy transition and the development of the underwater economy are increasingly redefining the strategic role of Italian maritime infrastructure. In this context, greater integration between ports, submarine networks and public policies It appears as a determining factor for energy security, economic growth and technological autonomy of the country, which is increasingly positioning itself as a leader in the Mediterranean on these issues. «
The two studies converge on a common message: the sea represents a strategic lever For the competitiveness and sustainability of the country, the development of underwater and digital energy networks, combined with the evolution of ports towards more advanced energy and industrial functions, can generate new opportunities for development, employment and innovation, provided that investments, skills and public policies are implemented in a coordinated manner.
