Italian chambers of commerce conference stresses youth talent and EU competitiveness

The second day of the National Conference of the Italian Chambers of Commerce in Capaccio Paestum highlighted the link between young talent and corporate productivity. Studies presented by Unioncamere and the Centro Studi Tagliacarne showed that firms employing more workers under 35 enjoy a 7.2 % productivity edge and grow faster in revenue and employment. The conference warned of an ageing workforce—workers over 50 now make up about 40 % of the labour force, while the share of under‑35s has fallen below 25 %—and warned that the emigration of young Italians, which has nearly doubled in the past decade, represents a loss of over €159 billion in human capital. Unioncamere estimated that repatriating just half of the expatriates from the last five years could inject up to €12 billion into the economy, roughly half a percentage point of GDP.

The first day examined Europe’s role in today’s “global disorder”, discussing geopolitical shifts, strategic corridors, and how finance and credit can support European growth. Speakers stressed the importance of education, innovative entrepreneurship, and youth wellbeing, and reiterated that Europe must remain competitive against the United States and China. Unioncamere president Andrea Prete warned of demographic challenges, the need to accelerate youth training, and the risk of further brain‑drain, urging policies that close wage gaps and create faster career pathways for young Italians.