A session of the multimedia event hosted by Andrea Cabrini, Editor-in-Chief of Class CNBC
Signs of strong growth and resilience are showing in Puglia, which continues to stand out on the Italian scene, thanks to a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing operating margins. This was the context presented during the two-day event Milan Finance and Class editorsin collaboration with Puglia Orizzonti, Profondo Capital, Feedel Ventures and in collaboration with Setonix, at Masseria Salamina in Fasano (Province of Brindisi) during “Motori Italy – Puglia Orizzonte” The event, which brought together on November 7 and 8, experts and economic players to conduct an in-depth assessment of investment opportunities in the regional area. This event was co-financed by the European Union in accordance with the Puglia Operational Program 2014-2020.
A growing system, demonstrating healthy and sustainable development
“We are looking forward to a growing system,” said the Leanus director. Stefano Carrarawhich presented an analysis based on around 2,000 Polish companies with revenues of more than €2 million, representing almost a third of the regional turnover. “Not only were revenues increasing, but operating margins were up as well, demonstrating healthy and sustainable growth.” Overall, the turnover of these companies amounts to 13.9 billion euros, with a 6.2% increase in investments compared to the previous year. Carrara He pointed out that the majority of these companies have an overall positive risk assessment, with 15% of them classified as low-risk companies and about 300 companies that do not depend on bank loans.
He explained, “These companies are able to finance themselves and do not need to resort to bank loans.” CarraraEmphasizing the effective management of working capital. Stress tests conducted by Leanus show the resilience of Puglia’s entrepreneurial system, able to cope with a decline in sales of up to 22% while maintaining positive margins, and with increased payment periods of 34 days without jeopardizing its liquidity. On the macroeconomic front, Vito PeraginProfessor of Political Economy at the Aldo Moro University in Bari confirmed the positive picture, noting that “in 2023, Puglia was one of the Italian regions that achieved the best growth. Despite the slowdown in the national economy in 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 service industry is contributing to strengthening the economic fabric of the region.
but, Travel around He also pointed to some critical factors, such as declining exports in the steel and automobile industries, mainly due to lower European demand, especially from Germany. Overall, Puglia seems poised for sustainable growth in the medium and long term, confirming itself as one of the Italian regions with the greatest development potential. Carrara Show optimism: “I’m quite optimistic. “There will be difficulties, but Puglia looks strong and I personally would invest there without hesitation.”
Strategic investments in the region
With an ecosystem that combines economic development, innovation and quality of life, Puglia is becoming increasingly attractive to national and international investors. “We have created an incentive system for all sizes of companies, from startups to large corporations, to encourage innovation and research. Through our tools and equity funds, we are transforming the region into a place where investment is worthwhile and sustainable,” he explains. Gianna Elisa BerlingerioDirector of the Department of Economic Development. “We want Puglia to become a land of opportunities,” stresses the advisor responsible for economic development. Alessandro delle Nosi. “We have invested in training and digital transformation, and today many startups, including international companies, choose to grow here. We are working to create an environment that not only attracts talent, but also retains it, through programs that support companies in the long term, such as TecnoNidi, which offers specific incentives to innovative startups, software contracts and PIAs (Integrated Incentive Programs) that support SMEs in their growth path.”
In support of the strategic vision Silvia VecianoThe Regional Director for Research and International Relations stresses the importance of well-being: “Attracting capital is not enough. It is also necessary to ensure people’s well-being. Puglia is at the forefront of this sector, providing 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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