L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 I t a l y h a s a l o n g a n d remarkable history of technological innova- tion, yet paradoxically, this is not one of the first qualities typically associ- ated with the Bel Paese. We are a nation of inventors and creative minds, but this solid l e g a c y i s r a r e l y a c k n o w l - edged, despite our contribu- tion to a vast array of inven- tions that have changed the world. From Alessandro Volta's electric battery to Antonio Meucci's telephone, from Luigi Palmieri's electromagnetic seismograph to Guglielmo Marconi's radio, from Enrico Forlanini's hydrofoil to the internal combustion engine Italy's exceptional – yet often overlooked – innovative potential From the Editor developed by Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci (which we feature in this very issue of our column celebrat- ing Italian ingenuity), from Corradino D'Ascanio's heli- copter to Giulio Natta's isotactic polypropylene, from Can- d i d o J a c u z z i ' s w h i r l p o o l t u b t o F e d e r i c o F a g g i n ' s microchip: the list goes on, spanning all fields of scientific knowledge and practical problem-solving. We've even invented the coffee machine, both moka and espresso. It's true that we could do much more. According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom lead the global ranking, while Italy ranks only 26th among innovative nations. Yet this doesn't tell the whole story. Even in sectors where innovation might not seem obvious, such as the "very Italian" field of fashion, Italy thrives on it. The textile and clothing industry is driven not only by our inimitable aesthetic sense and the creative flair of Italian designers who set global trends, but also by cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies: from augmented reality to enhance customer experience, to digital platforms that let consumers try on clothing virtually before buying; from the use of regenerated materials that help reduce microplastic pollution in fabrics, to capsule collections that transform low-quality garments destined for landfill into refined, eco- conscious textiles that reduce energy and water consump- tion and shorten supply chains. Italian universities and research centers actively collabo- rate with industry to drive innovation. Groundbreaking d e v e l o p m e n t s a r e t a k i n g p l a c e i n h e a l t h ( i n c l u d i n g advanced studies on gene therapy and nanotechnology), mechanics and mechatronics, chemistry and pharmaceuti- cals, as well as in emerging sectors such as artificial intelli- gence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. Technologi- cal innovation, now a key driver of business growth, is also a vital tool for enabling digital transformation. That said, Italy still lags behind leading countries and urgently needs greater investment in research and develop- ment to compete at the highest level. But the fact remains that wherever new technologies are being developed – whether in cloud computing, outer space, particle physics, nanorobotics, sustainable mobility, cybersecurity, biotech- nology, or next-generation materials like graphene – there is almost always an Italian researcher involved. That, in itself, speaks volumes about the country's potential. To truly harness this potential, Italy must act quickly to overcome certain challenges: boosting investment in human capital and technology, reducing bureaucratic red tape, encouraging a more dynamic and flexible entrepre- neurial culture, and strengthening strategic infrastructure. Regions such as Lombardy, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna are already leading the way, thanks to their ability to inte- grate local excellence into global dynamics. And yet, despite these heavy burdens, Italy often manages not only to keep up, but even to gain an edge. This makes it clear that the potential is there in full. The credit goes above all to our human capital: Italy ranks seventh in the world and second in Europe for the number of highly cited scientists. That figure alone speaks volumes about the quality of Ital- ian research. It shows that if we choose to compete on the global stage by investing in people, beyond technology or the percentage of GDP allocated to research, we not only stand out, but consistently achieve outstanding results. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization), www.italoamericano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian news- paper in America, not to mention the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTOR Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2025 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano P.O. Box 40156 Pasadena CA 91114

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