We actually hold 3 best and 4 second-best positions in the 14 macrosectors analyzed on the basis of the 2008 figures, immediately after Germany, which has 7 best and 2 second-best competitiveness positions.

We are first in textile products, clothing and leather/footwear products.

Made in Italy quality and Italian industry reactivity to the market needs are still the key factors that can boost Italian export.

A starting point from Abravanel: he took the first definition of merit by Michael Young (1958) to start the discussion. The formula is I+E=M where I stands for intelligence and personal abilities and E for effort; the result is M= merit. According to Abravanel, the only solution to avoid the Italian decline is to give power to merit.

 From Abravenel’s analysis on economic, social and education data Italy sorts as anything but a meritocratic country, a place without social mobility, same opportunity and prizing system on merit. 

A meritocracy system, replacing the present recommendation system, could really change Italy and give a real boost to economy, having the right people at the right places. However, even we Italians, we are loosing our hopes of change.

When I watch tv, I think this is not the society I recognize with. Veline (semi-nude females dancing in tv programmes) and raccomandati (people who reach key positions in private and public companies as they are recommended), is this Italy? But as basically I’m an optimist, I answer myself this is not Italy, because real Italian brains do not loose their time going on tv or in politics.

Let’s change this awful period of crysis, veline and raccomandati, speak up!