Italy is not appealing to foreign managers
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Italian companies are making significant strides in the realm of sustainability, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and employee well-being. A study conducted by AstraRicerche for Manageritalia and Kilpatrick has revealed that while Italy may lag behind in some areas, the country's businesses are demonstrating a growing commitment to these key dimensions.
The study, which will be presented today at the Milan conference "The Power of Sustainable Business," delved into the dimensions of environmental sustainability and employee well-being at work in Italian companies. The findings suggest that while twice as much attention is given to environmental sustainability abroad compared to Italy (Italy 25.1%, abroad 44.6%), Italian companies are advancing significant initiatives in this area.
Prominent Italian companies like Leonardo and those in the food and wine sectors are leading the charge. Leonardo's 2025 roadmap centres on climate action, decarbonization, circular economy, biodiversity protection, and responsible resource use, aligned with Science Based Targets for emission reductions. The Italian food sector, particularly certified B Corp companies, is also showing rapid growth, with a 166% increase in three years. This growth is marked by a focus on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and land enhancement, with wine producers standing out as ambassadors of sustainability.
Global luxury group Kering, with strong operations in Italy, also demonstrates high standards in environmental management. The company has rigorous targets for fresh water use reduction, water stewardship, and supply chain engagement.
Regarding employee well-being and social sustainability, Italian firms are increasingly recognising social impact as central. Leonardo promotes inclusion, diversity, and STEM education as innovation drivers. Intesa Sanpaolo supports SMEs through programs that integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria with fair labor practices and community engagement, facilitating sustainability-linked growth and internationalization. The Italian B Corp movement, encompassing tens of thousands of employees, implies a strong commitment to social responsibility and transparency.
The growth of certified sustainable businesses and large-scale ESG programs puts Italy among progressive countries for integrated sustainability. While detailed direct comparisons with foreign companies were not included in the study, the strong national increase in certified sustainable companies (such as B Corps) and integrated strategies in large groups like Leonardo indicate an emphasis at least on par with global sustainability trends.
In summary, Italian companies are actively advancing environmental sustainability, with a focus on carbon reduction, circular economy, biodiversity, water stewardship, and regenerative agriculture. There is a strong emphasis on employee well-being, inclusion, diversity, fair labor, and community impact as part of social sustainability strategies. The growth of certified sustainable businesses and large-scale ESG programs puts Italy among progressive countries for integrated sustainability, with notable specific initiatives supporting SMEs and cultural heritage.
Over 500 Italian managers living abroad were interviewed for the study, offering valuable insights into the global perspective on sustainability in Italian companies. Despite the findings that Italy is less attentive to sustainability than companies abroad, the study signifies that Italy's sustainability practices in business align well with international best practices, often tailoring approaches to national strengths in culture, agriculture, and innovation ecosystems.
- The study reveals that although twice as much attention is given to environmental sustainability abroad compared to Italy, Italian finance businesses are showing significant initiatives in this area, such as Leonardo's focus on climate action and decarbonization.
- Global luxury group Kering, with strong operations in Italy, demonstrates high standards in environmental management, with rigorous targets for fresh water use reduction, water stewardship, and supply chain engagement, aligning with Italy's growing commitment to environmental sustainability in the business sector.
