Research, Quality, Competitiveness : European Union Technology Policy for the Knowledge-based Society

Scholars have long been fascinated by the flexibility and attention to design and quality that are hallmarks of Italy's small firms. Yet as the nature of the global economy shifts and the role of technological innovation becomes ever more important for the advanced industrial economies, the ability of Italian industry to compete will depend far more than in the past on its ability to make use of the resources and networks provided by the European Union. An enlarged Union now provides more opportunities for Italian firms but also increased competition for access to those EU programs that can help firms and governments provide the foundations for future economic growth and international competitiveness. The European Union has become and will remain a critical actor for all those in any member state concerned with the competitiveness of firms and the creation of wealth within the framework of sustainable development in an increasingly competitive global economy. The European Union is of special importance, however, for Italy. As this volume explains so well, Italy's challenge is a particularly difficult one. Policymakers, academics, and businesspeople all will need to participate in EU programs in new ways in order to maximize the opportunities that the EU provides. Italy's future is inextricably tied to that of the European Union, and its leaders in all sectors of life must grasp the opportunities provided by the EU in order to meet their own home-grown challenges.