The seventh Nomisma, CRIF, CRIBIS report on ‘Controvento (against the wind) companies’ is published

‘Controvento companies’, which have been the subject of detailed analysis for some time, serve as sources of inspiration, not models to be slavishly imitated. They are well-rounded businesses in the Italian manufacturing sector, capable of achieving above-average results even in challenging economic conditions. There are many such companies, and as noted, they are the subject of specific studies carried out by the ‘Controvento:  le aziende che guidano il Paese’ (Against the wind: the companies leading the country) Observatory. The seventh report was recently published by Nomisma in collaboration with CRIF and CRIBIS, a CRIF Group company specialising in providing businesses with information, solutions, and consultancy services.

These are companies that serve as role models. They have continued to grow stronger over the years, which suggests that their success is no fluke. They clearly draw strength from their own unique production culture, which is distinctive yet not inimitable. However, the annual survey indicates that ‘Controvento companies’ reveal a structural divergence between production models capable of generating value, and those that struggle to embark on a sound growth trajectory. Nevertheless, researchers at Nomisma, CRIF and CRIBIS warn that this group of well-managed companies is by no means a minority. An analysis of aggregated 2024 financial statements — the most recent figures analysed by the researchers — reveals that 7.4% of Italian manufacturing companies are so competitive that they fall within the ‘Controvento enterprises’ group, spanning all size categories from small and medium-sized enterprises to a smaller core of large companies with significant revenue. This distribution shows that the ability to achieve above-average performance depends on a combination of factors, not just the scale of production.

So, what are these factors? The indicators analysed by the Observatory paint a picture of a business sector characterised by greater resilience, a strong willingness to embrace change, and a more pronounced competitive focus. In other words, these characteristics signify a focus on innovation and the ability to adapt, as well as consistent production performance and a focus on change. They also signify the integration of digital technologies with what is broadly referred to as ‘human capital’.

The research carried out by Nomisma, CRIF and CRIBIS is part of a series of analyses and studies designed to shed light on the current state of the economy and the businesses driving it, as well as its future prospects.

Controvento: le aziende che guidano il Paese

VARIOUS AUTHORS.

Nomisma in collaboration with CRIF and CRIBIS, 2026