War benefits few. Arms dealers and manufacturers, major financial speculators in commodities (oil, for instance), and those who raze entire cities (Gaza, for example) only to rebuild them. With a few other exceptions, for the rest it is a disaster. First and foremost, for the destruction and the deaths; for the orphaned children; for the shattered lives of the many who so much more peacefully deserved better. And for the poverty that spreads, burning through resources that could have been put to far better use.
Except for a few, war is a terrible business. Yet they carry on.

Rightly set against a dark brick-red background, Il Sole24Ore ran a disturbing front-page story a few days ago (on 3 April, to be precise). The full-page headline read: ‘Europe at risk of a technical recession’. The figures are all negative. GDP is slowing, inflation is rising, the economy is struggling and jobs are being lost. These are all familiar phenomena to those who deal with the economy on a daily basis. More generally, in simple terms, this means there is far less money available in the coffers of national governments and the EU to fund a range of essential expenditure and investment, for public services and for wages. Recession is a nightmare and a threat of further political and social tensions.

Towards the end of his pontificate, Pope Francis spoke of a ‘piecemeal third world war’. He was right. Just look at a map and mark out the conflict zones: the Strait of Hormuz, the tense areas of the Middle East, Gaza and Ukraine, and the skies criss-crossed by warplanes at perpetual risk of collision. Fleets on the move towards strategic locations, starting with the waters around Taiwan, Greenland being claimed by fair means or foul, and so on, the situation is getting worse. The latest reports tell us of a massive military standoff in the space above us.
This might bring to mind a giant game of Risk, except that it is not a game; history concerns us all. If we pay attention to the words that fill our everyday language, we realise that the number of words used in an aggressive way has increased. Terrible threats have become commonplace in political discourse. Trump: ‘Another two or three weeks of conflict. We will send Iran back to the Stone Age’.

The Stone Age…
Apart from the realisation that no terrible action exists that does not provoke equally terrible ones (common sense, not sophisticated studies from West Point; and Iran is armed with intercontinental missiles capable of reaching major European cities), the issue on which those who still reason, politicians, and people of culture and knowledge who still know how to deal with a conscience should focus their utmost attention is how to play the few cards on the table to prevent disaster. Today it’s recession, tomorrow it’s the hell of Hormuz, and the day after it’s Star Wars.

In this dire scenario, Europe plays a far from marginal role. It has solid democracies (although these are too often thrown into crisis by the mediocrity of its ruling elites), a robust ability to balance welfare, business and freedom, and a well-established tradition of negotiation. Its limitations in terms of political clout have been laid bare during this period of dramatic crisis. But its diplomatic capabilities remain intact when dealing with vast regions of the world, such as India, Latin America and Canada. There remains a solid shared culture upon which to build policies and institutions to re-establish a period of exchange and find ways to avoid muscular confrontation between the US and China. We are the democratic West and we have cultures and capabilities to champion and assert.

In short, what is needed is a Europe that, first and foremost, develops a sense of its own identity and, together with an initial group of countries, tackles the issues of security, energy, innovation and the patient rebuilding of international trade networks. The ‘Draghi Plan’ offers useful guidance in this regard.
Amidst the confusion of bellicose rhetoric and the growing difficulties facing Western institutions and NATO itself, Europe is showing small but significant signs of resilience and of strengthening its role, this is an essential path to follow.

In terms of language and popular culture, while some refer to the ‘Stone Age’, it could also be beneficial to draw on cinema to remind people, particularly the younger generations, of the reality of war. This is not to glorify spectacular scenes, but to highlight the burden of destruction, suffering and death beyond them.
Maybe it would be useful if the world’s major television networks began to broadcast films about the folly and devastation of war. From classics such as ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and ‘The Desert of the Tartars’, to ‘The Great War’ starring Gassman and Sordi, Clint Eastwood’s ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ and ‘Darkest Hour’ starring Gary Oldman. Lest we forget.

A series of studies drawing on business administration techniques seeks to shed light on the relationship between innovation and production management

Smart technologies for better business management  are not just about efficiency; they are also about making responsible decisions and acting ethically.  In other words, they equip people to cope with the speed and flexibility of the day-to-day realities of the factory and office. The series of research studies and analyses carried out within the framework of SIDREA (Italian Society of Teachers of Accounting and Business Economics) revolves around these topics and others besides, and have been put together in this recently published volume.

The research as a whole focuses on one central theme:  the impact of digitalisation and smart technologies on corporate governance, decision-making processes, and models of value creation.

The contributions to the research are divided into three sections:  the role of digital technologies in business processes; the challenges of sustainability and the ESG approach; and developments in corporate governance, control systems and finance for corporate governance.

What emerges from the body of research carried out within the SIDREA framework is an integrated and multidisciplinary view of the use and role of new technologies in businesses, an approach capable of combining theory and practice, technological innovation and social responsibility. All this is examined not only from a theoretical perspective but also from sectoral and operational angles, with in-depth analysis of cases such as those in the industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, credit and banking sectors, and corporate research.

Digitalizzazione e tecnologie intelligenti per il governo delle aziende. Il contributo dell’economia aziendale al Sistema Paese

Nicola Lattanzi, Stefano Mascara

Franco Angeli, 2026

The fourth edition of the OTEA study highlights a shift in manufacturing culture

Having the right information is essential for acting more effectively and with greater foresight.  It is also vital to have access to reliable data on the context in which one operates.  This is why the fourth OTEA report, ‘Osservatorio sulle trasformazioni dell’ecosistema automotive italiano 2025’ (report on the transformation of the Italian automotive ecosystem 2025), which was coordinated by Giuseppe Giulio Calabrese and Francesco Zirpoli, is so important. This year, in particular, as it analyses the impact of technological transformation on the Italian automotive sector.

OTEA’s research aims to examine how the accelerated move towards the commercialisation of zero-emission vehicles, alongside the evolution of product and process architectures that are increasingly characterised by digitalisation and software, is altering the structure and functioning of the supply chain. The research will also consider whether these changes primarily give rise to challenges or opportunities.

OTEA also examines how the supply chain is adapting its production structure to capitalise on opportunities arising from the development of software- and electronics-related components and modules. It is worth noting  that the traditional boundaries of the automotive supply chain are expanding to encompass companies involved in digitalising products and processes, and developing technologies for connected cars. In other words, it is no longer just about mechanics; it is far more complex and varied than that.

Against this backdrop, the OTEA research project is moving from analysing a single supply chain to examining what is known as the ‘industrial ecosystem’, a concept encompassing technologies, innovations and human relationships that will ultimately lead to a shift in manufacturing culture.

Osservatorio sulle trasformazioni dell’ecosistema automotive italiano 2025

edited by Giuseppe Giulio Calabrese and Francesco Zirpoli

Venice, Edizioni Ca’ Foscari – Venice University Press, 2025

A book explores the topic of diversity management, seeking to understand its current state and future prospects

Diversity is a source of richness.  This is not a recent discovery, but a principle that has long been proven by time.  And it should be finding renewed recognition, even if this is often not the case.  Indeed, the idea often takes the form of a question.  Meanwhile, diversity management is often said to be in crisis. In fact, to put it another way, it seems that the current focus on diversity in society and organisations is more divisive than inclusive.

‘Per un diversity management di classe’ (For first-class diversity management), a book written by Marco Guerci, Alberto Lulli and Gabriele Ballarino and recently published, examines precisely what is happening in this area.  It seeks to understand why, as well as to identify solutions.

It all begins with an observation:  the term ‘woke’, meaning being aware of issues of diversity, appears to have become a divisive label, while the social legitimacy of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives seems to have diminished. So, following a period of expansion, companies and institutions are now taking a step back, driven by growing political and cultural polarisation surrounding the promotion of diversity.

The authors of the book therefore set out to answer a series of questions:  what happened,  and why does an idea conceived to reduce inequality now seem to divide rather than unite?  And, above all, how can we revive the promotion of diversity as a shared value?

The book examines the causes of the diversity management crisis and proposes a way forward:  broaden our perspective by including socio-economic background as one of the aspects of diversity to be protected and promoted within the company. In other words, while traditional dimensions of diversity such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability remain fundamental, we must also recognise that people from disadvantaged backgrounds continue to face barriers when accessing career opportunities. The authors argue that empirical evidence shows that it is often the human resources policies adopted by companies that reinforce this disadvantage. These policies leave intact the powerful mechanisms that generate inequality, thereby undermining the credibility of all corporate inclusion policies.

So, what can be done? The book’s central argument is that diversity management can regain its significance and gain widespread acceptance if it addresses the professional disadvantages that arise from differences in social background. This perspective requires not only a theoretical extension of the concept of diversity management, but also the development of new perspectives and skills by the professional community of human resources practitioners and businesses in general.

Guerci, Lulli and Ballarino’s book will not be to everyone’s liking.  That is precisely why it must be read —  and read carefully.

Per un diversity management di classe

Marco Guerci, Alberto Lulli, Gabriele Ballarino

Franco Angeli, 2026

‘I was learning so many things while I taught.  For instance, that others’ problems are like mine. To come out of them together is good politics. To come out alone is stinginess.’ This now famous passage appears in Letter to a Teacher by Don Lorenzo Milani, a seminal work on pedagogy, civic education and good politics.  It was essential reading for the tens of thousands of young people who discovered the injustices of the school system in the mid-1960s. The system with a tendency to marginalise the weakest and poorest children and contradict the Constitution’s aim to pave the way for and favour ‘the capable and the deserving’.

Don Milani’s words are worth reading carefully once again, particularly at a time when the younger generation is facing a barrage of conflicting judgements:  a lack of interest and apathy towards civic engagement and solidarity, and emotional reactions to major global issues alongside an excess of fickle emotionalism.

According to Don Milani, there is one word that deserves our attention:  ‘together’. It was precisely this combination of commitment and mobilisation that had a significant influence on the outcome of the recent referendum on the separation of judicial careers, resulting in a resounding victory for the ‘no’ vote. This was largely due to the younger generation’s decision to vote in large numbers and reject what they perceived as an amendment to the Constitution that touched upon its fundamental principles.

It is still too early to say that there is a certain political wind blowing or that renewed interest in the country’s future is emerging. Of course, anyone observing the ideas, tensions and passions of younger generations will notice a growing awareness of major social issues,  such as uncertainties about the future against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts, sweeping changes to the world of work, a lack of authoritative points of reference, and a school system that is perceived as failing to provide students with the tools to understand radical global changes or the skills to navigate technological shifts and enter and progress in the world of work.

These are times of uncertainty and hardship.  But now there is something more to it, as demonstrated by the voting trends in the referendum:  the desire to be part of the process, combined with a willingness to have their say without placing their trust in traditional political leaders. ‘If young people vote for an idea rather than specific politicians,  voting “No” in the referendum is not a vote of confidence in the centre-left, but an expression of their personal opinion,’ comments Matteo Lancini, a scholar specialising in the turbulent years of adolescence (La Stampa, 27 March).

It’s good that people are taking an interest in politics and  civic values again.  For what are known as ‘republican virtues’, the ability to breathe new life into the political sphere and the values cast aside by decades of cynicism and the mere exercise of power for power’s sake.

Indeed, the world of volunteering, in all its forms, both Catholic and secular, demonstrates a profound social and civic commitment. It shows a growing willingness to work together to overcome problems, which is the very opposite of selfishness.

However, there are also other signs that are worth picking up on and turning into expressions of engagement, an understanding of changing circumstances and personal commitment. These include the emergence of political schools distinct from traditional party schools,  associations such as Vedrò (which enjoyed success in terms of debate and political analysis a few years ago),  and above all, growing participation in literary and historical festivals, book clubs, discussions and shared reading groups. There is a community spirit,  but also a desire for debate beyond the confines of a political landscape that, sadly, seems to have little to say about the future, such as the  environment, employment, peace, social and civil rights, and equality. And the hope of a better future.

In light of these considerations, the theme of the new Turin Book Fair, which opens in a few days’ time, seems perfectly apt:  ‘The world saved by kids‘.

The title is inspired by one of Elsa Morante’s finest books: a collection of poems, songs, nursery rhymes, games, and reflections. It is a movement ‘against the hypocrisy of adults’, encouraging us to break down the barriers of power and selfishness.

The title carries the weight of a glimmer of hope. The kids at the Book Fair could really bring its spirit to life.

(photo by Giulia Travaglio)

15 April is National Made in Italy Day. Established by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, this day celebrates Italian creativity and excellence.

The event recognises the social impact of ‘Made in Italy’ and its vital contribution to the nation’s economic and cultural development. It also honours the rich heritage these products represent. The day also aims to raise awareness of the value and unique qualities of Italian products and craftsmanship. By doing so, it encourages young people to pursue creative and artisanal careers within the manufacturing sector.

To celebrate, the Pirelli Foundation and the Pirelli Cycling Plant in Bollate are offering guided tours for university students. The facility is the heart of ‘Made in Italy’ bicycle tyre production.

The plant manufactures top-of-the-range cycling models using highly automated lines and cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest quality standards.

During the tour, the students will be able to observe the production process at close quarters and gain insight into the evolution of industrial processes from the past to the present day. The visit also includes an exhibition that tells the long story of a company founded 154 years ago – an organisation that has always been and remains focused on the future and is a global leader in Italian excellence.

The event is free of charge and will take place on 15 April 2026 at the Pirelli Cycling Plant in Via S. Bernardo, 91, Bollate.

The universities will need to arrange transportation to the plant.

The visit will last approximately an hour and a half, with two available slots at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

To join the initiative, please email the Pirelli Foundation at scuole@fondazionepirelli.org