Intesa Sanpaolo, a monitor to understand the fragility of Italy: Making growth more inclusive

Intesa Sanpaolo has launched the “Monitor for the Geography of Vulnerabilities and Inequalities,” a new research initiative aimed at analyzing the vulnerabilities of Italian territories through a multidimensional approach. This project, developed in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo for the Social Sector, Aiccon, Srm, and the Research Department of the group, seeks to go beyond traditional measures such as income alone. Instead, it considers a wide range of factors including economic, demographic, occupational, and social aspects to provide a more comprehensive understanding of regional challenges.

The study is based on approximately 150 indicators collected across 11 domains and 37 dimensions, ranging from employment and health to education and social inclusion, as well as the quality of services and environmental and productive components. The analysis highlights the central role of human capital as the primary driver of territorial competitiveness. Regions where employment, businesses, incomes, and services grow together tend to develop virtuous cycles of growth and social cohesion.

The Monitor confirms the existing gap between northern and southern Italy but also reveals a more complex geography of vulnerabilities. It identifies areas of weakness even within economically advanced provinces, suggesting that vulnerability is not confined to less-developed regions. One of the most innovative elements of the study is its examination of the disparity between community needs and the capacity of local services to respond. This aspect brings to light imbalances in healthcare, child services, educational inclusion, and elderly care.

Paolo Bonassi, Chief Social Impact Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo, emphasized that inequalities are complex and nonlinear phenomena that manifest differently across regions. He noted that the analyses conducted by the Monitor will help guide the Bank's actions and serve as a tool for institutions, companies, and the third sector to achieve greater social impact. The initiative aims to support informed decision-making and policy formulation by providing detailed insights into the varying levels of vulnerability and inequality across Italy’s regions.

The launch of this monitor represents a significant step towards understanding the multifaceted nature of social and economic disparities. By integrating diverse data points, the initiative provides a nuanced view of how different regions fare in terms of their ability to meet societal needs. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each area, which can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation.

The findings from the Monitor could influence both public and private sector strategies. For instance, local governments might use the data to prioritize investments in underdeveloped areas, while businesses could align their corporate social responsibility efforts with the specific needs identified in the report. Additionally, nonprofit organizations and civil society groups may leverage these insights to enhance their programs and better address the gaps in service provision.

As the Monitor continues to evolve, it is expected to generate further discussions and collaborations among stakeholders interested in addressing social inequalities. Future updates may include more detailed breakdowns of the data, comparisons over time, and case studies highlighting successful initiatives in reducing vulnerabilities. This ongoing effort underscores Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth across Italy.