Headlining the first appointment are journalist and author Monica Maggioni and ISPI Scientific Committee President, Paolo Magri.
ANFAO and Confindustria Belluno Dolomiti have launched SCENARI – Tomorrow’s Challenges, a new series of meetings developed in collaboration with ISPI (Italian Institute for International Political Studies). The inaugural event was held in the historic Sala Rossini at Caffè Pedrocchi in Padova.
Created to provide businesses with analytical tools and strategic perspectives for understanding the major economic and geopolitical forces reshaping the global landscape, the opening session featured journalist and author Monica Maggioni, Paolo Magri, President of ISPI's Scientific Committee, and Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO and Confindustria Belluno Dolomiti.
The discussions explored the impact of international tensions, shifting trade policies and profound changes that are reshaping the global economic order, and highlighted how the ability to interpret these developments has become a critical factor in guiding business decision-making.
Today's international environment is defined by an unprecedented level of interconnectedness, where geopolitics, energy, technology and artificial intelligence influence one another, making it increasingly difficult to view individual events in isolation. From tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine to ongoing changes in global leadership, to the resurgence of protectionist policies, rising energy costs, inflation and digital transformation, the discussion emphasized that understanding today's international landscape is now essential for making informed strategic business decisions.
Artificial intelligence, identified as one of the key forces set to redefine competitiveness, organizational structures and productivity, is no longer simply an emerging technology. Instead, it has become a crucial asset that companies must integrate into their operations to drive innovation, strengthen decision-making and respond more effectively to an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Against a backdrop of growing instability and constantly evolving international rules, the ability to adapt quickly to changes has become as much a competitive factor as the skill to interpret them. Businesses must therefore develop greater strategic agility, continuously reassessing markets, investment priorities and organizational models.
“Competitiveness is also built through the ability to understand geopolitics, economic trends and the evolution of markets that directly influence industrial strategies,” said Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO and Confindustria Belluno Dolomiti. “That is why we created this format: to provide companies with a space to explore authoritative insights, analytical tools and opportunities for discussion, enabling them to make increasingly informed decisions. Our companies possess all the expertise needed to navigate this period of transformation while continuing to strengthen their international market presence through innovation, quality and greater market diversification.”
“We live in a world where geopolitics, energy, technology and artificial intelligence can no longer be viewed as separate spheres,” emphasized Monica Maggioni. “Every crisis rapidly generates global consequences that affect production systems, markets and society. Understanding this network of relationships means equipping oneself with the tools to interpret the present. Today, integrating artificial intelligence into business processes is no longer an option – it is essential to remaining competitive.”
“The challenge facing companies is no longer that of finding a definitive course, but developing the ability to continually adjust it,” stated Paolo Magri. “We live in a more fragmented world, marked by greater uncertainty and an increasing demand for protection. In this context, strategic flexibility becomes the defining competitive advantage. Success belongs not to those who can predict everything, but to those who can adapt most quickly to an evolving international environment.”
Through SCENARI, the aim is to provide companies with the tools for in-depth analysis and opportunities to engage with leading experts, promoting a greater understanding of the forces shaping today's economic landscape.
The series will continue on September 9 with its first in-depth webinar, focusing on analysis of the key economic and geopolitical factors expected to influence the competitiveness of Made in Italy.