Talenti e competenze nell’Europa del futuro. I dati del XIII rapporto annuale sull’economia dell’immigrazione

The historical period we are experiencing is considered a crucial transition due to its relevant de- mographic, economic, social, health and environmental changes. The COVID-19 pandemic re- shaped how also in the perception of such phenomena, allowing a change in paradigm that trans- lates in unprecedented policies and investments. Particularly, at the European level, the core of such a paradigm is shaped by the green and digital transitions. According to the European Commission, such changes plead for new skills that will inevitably affect the labour market and the socio-eco- nomic dynamics. For that reason, 2023 was declared the «European Year of Skills», with actions and investments dedicated to the empowerment and enhancing of individuals’ skills and to favour the link between expertise and labour opportunities. In this regard, the situation in Italy appears particularly delicate, with high rates of female and youth unemployment and a strong turn-out of young people that do not study nor work (NEET). Moreover, even the presence of immigrants in Italy, that has steadily grown and represents more than the 8% of the population, suffers from the difficulties of the labour market. Italy mainly attracts unskilled labour, that is found in seasonal and manual works. Even skilled workers are often placed in low-level jobs («overqualification»), creat- ing a social immobility that limits integrational chances and determine talent waste. Nonetheless, immigrants enduringly represent a tenth of Italian employment and support production for the 9% of the GDP, with even greater peaks in the agricultural and building sectors. Italy and Europe are therefore bound to face many challenges if they wish to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda) and those of the EU Next Generation plan (implemented in Italy through the PNRR). Undoubtedly, the enhancement of youth, women and immigrants’ talents represent one of the key points of such journey. It is no coincidence that the Italian government has foreseen the entry of 452,000 non-EU workers for the three-year period 2023-2025, effectively reopening a channel that had remained virtually unused for about a decade. Furthermore, immigrant entrepre- neurship is continuously growing, confirming the propensity of immigrant workers to start their own business. Such phenomena, which, on the one hand, represents the continuation of a path of emancipation and stabilisation, on the other hand, it shows challenges, especially regarding its co- existence (and the creation of synergies) with the native productive structure. The 2023 Report on the economics of immigration is the opportunity to trace a snapshot of Italy from the point of view of talent promotion, by highlighting also migration dynamics and to how these can commit to the economic recovery.