Journal of
Italian
Banking
Association
year 100
Italian
Banking
Association
year 100
Investing in the future: young people, innovation and human capital
Fabio PanettaMay 2026 - n. 5
Keywords: Politiche demografiche, giovani, innovazione, capitale umano
Jel codes: J13, J24, O33
The Italian economy is strong, but remains held back by structural weaknesses, including stagnant productivity. The decline in the birth rate and the shrinking working-age population are critical factors. In this context, investment in human capital is crucial. Universities play a central role in training, research and technology transfer, the latter of which is still limited. Delays in the number of graduates and low educational returns persist, while wage gaps with Europe widen. This fuels the emigration of skilled young people and makes it difficult to attract talent. Strengthening education, innovation and birth rates is essential to support growth and cohesion.
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