Thematic areas

Urban Economy Forum 2024

The Urban Economy Forum 15 of the Municipality of Milan took place from 17 to 2024 February 2024: three days of comparisons, debates and testimonies on the Proximity Economy and organized in collaboration with local institutions and the main trade organizations to understand the present and the future of the economic activities that animate the streets and neighborhoods of our city.

Thursday 15 February, in Milan Luiss Hub (via D'Azeglio, 3), the Mayor Giuseppe Sala and the Councilor for Economic Development and Labor Policies Alessia Cappello, together with other representatives of the institutions, opened the Forum with a dedicated morning listening to local activities: historic shops, young entrepreneurs, municipal market operators, entities capable of combining relationships with the community and digital tools, economic sustainability and social impact.

On the afternoon of 15 February and 16 February, 8 different in-depth meetings were held in various places in the city, organized by trade and craft trade associations with experts, business stories and representatives of city institutions.

In the final session on Saturday 17 February at BASE Milan (via Bergognone 34) - after the intervention of the European institutions and a comparison between Milan, Barcelona and other cities in the world - the Municipality presented the Three-Year Plan of interventions for the Proximity Economy .

Below is the complete program, also available in printable version.

Thursday 15 February 2024, from 10:00 to 13:00, at Milano Luiss Hub, via D'Azeglio, 3

Opening meeting - THE WORD TO PROXIMITY BUSINESSES 
organized by the Municipality of Milan - Department of Economic Development and Labor Policies

All good politics comes from listening. For this reason, the opening meeting of the 2024 Urban Economy Forum was dedicated to the testimonies of a series of local businesses operating in Milan. 
After the interventions of the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, the Councilor for Economic Development and Labor Policies Alessia Cappello and a representative of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Monza, Brianza and Lodi, the experiences of the trade and business operators were presented neighborhood craftsmanship, historic shops and workshops, social impact businesses and municipal market operators.  

9am - reception and registration of participants

10:00 - opening of the Forum

  • Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan
  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work 
  • Enrico Brambilla, member of the Chamber of Commerce Council of Milan, Monza, Brianza and Lodi

10 - The Municipality of Milan for trade, crafts and neighborhood businesses

  • Annibale D'Elia, Director of Urban Economy, Fashion and Design
  • Paolo Seris, Director of the Commercial Activities Area and One Stop Shop for Productive Activities 

11:00 - The word to the companies

12 Milanese entrepreneurs talk about what it means to do local business today: problems, challenges, difficulties but also solutions, strategies and opportunities to be seized.

Session broadcast in streaming on the web TV of the Municipality of Milan Link


Thursday 15 February 2024, from 14pm to 30pm - Civic Aquarium - Viale Gadio, 17

THE ECONOMY OF US: COOPERATION, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, PROXIMITY 
edited by the president of the Civil Economy Council Commission, Valerio Pedroni

Cooperation and social entrepreneurship are fundamental components of what we now call proximity economy. The social and environmental impact, the employment inclusion of vulnerable people and the vital dialogue with the territory become the distinctive and essential features of a way of doing business: in catering, in commerce, in food processing, in craftsmanship or in cultural production .

Participants:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Marta Battioni, Lega Coop Lombardia
  • Sara Mariazzi, Equa social cooperative
  • Niccolò Cerulli, Insulanet cooperative
  • Federica Verona, Noicoop aps
  • Luigi Saracino, Guardians of beauty
  • Silvia Bartellini, Living cooperative
  • Isnaba Miranda, Social cooperative stage industry
  • Francesco Purpura, Rob de Matt
  • Giovanni Carrara, Confcooperative Milan
  • Andrea Miotti, Via Libera Cooperative and Agrivis
  • Annibale D'Elia, Director of Urban Economy, Fashion and Design 

He moderated:
Valerio Pedroni, President of the Civil Economy Council Commission


Thursday 15 February 2024, from 15pm to 00pm - Palazzo Castiglioni veranda - Corso Venezia, 16

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CITY TOLD BY THE LOCAL BUSINESSES: DUC and STREET ASSOCIATIONS
edited by CONFCOMMERCIO Milan 

The productive forces of Milan tell how the city has changed and will evolve in the future. The stories of the entrepreneurs will highlight the importance of the Urban Commercial Districts, the role of the Street Associations for the vitality and livability of the neighborhoods and the value of the Historic Businesses as a guardian of tradition and a resource for the attractiveness of the city, with positive examples of generational change and resilience towards a world that changes and grows rapidly. Finally, a focus on e-commerce which has become a complementary tool to "physical" business activity and a key to success.

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Marco Barbieri, General Secretary of Confcommercio Milan
  • Gabriel Meghnagi, President of the Confcommercio Milan Association Network Area and coordination of the DUC of Milan
  • Pier Vito Antoniazzi, President of the Isola Revel Association and member of the Isola District executive
  • Francesco Novetti, President of the Sarpi Doc Association and member of the Sarpi District executive
  • Alberto Somale, President of the Ascoconcordia Association
  • Andrea Sangalli, President of Laghetto District
  • Sabrina Frigoli, Porta Romana Bella Association
  • Mattia Abdu, President of Municipality 1 
  • Alessandro De Chirico, City Councillor 
  • Giacomo Negro, President of the Trade and Security Commission, Municipality 6


Thursday 15 February 2024, from 16pm to 45pm - on the veranda of Palazzo Castiglioni - Corso Venezia, 17

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CITY TOLD BY THE LOCAL BUSINESSES: HISTORICAL COMPANIES 
edited by CONFCOMMERCIO Milan 

The owners of some prestigious historic businesses in Milan talk about the changes over the decades in their businesses and their neighborhoods and the experience of belonging to the Historic Business Club, a community of similar businesses that develops initiatives to enhance their business model .

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Marco Barbieri, General Secretary of Confcommercio Milan
  • Francesca Giuliani, Occhiali Pelo, Vice President of the Historic Businesses Club
  • Loredana Rossetti Demaldè, Demaldè Gioielli, Club Imprese Storiche Confcommercio Milano
  • Marco Ghelfi, Asnaghi Tessuti, Historical Enterprises Club Confcommercio Milan
  • Fulvio Rossi, Hodeidah Torrefazione, Club Imprese Storiche
  • Angelo Anzalone and Raoul Iacometti, photographers of the La Storia Continua exhibition
  • Mariangela Padalino, City Councilor

 
Thursday 15 February 2024, from 17pm to 45pm - Veranda Palazzo Castiglioni - Corso Venezia, 18

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CITY TOLD BY LOCAL BUSINESSES: E-COMMERCE AND DIGITAL
edited by CONFCOMMERCIO Milan 

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work 
  • Marco Barbieri, General Secretary of Confcommercio Milan
  • Annarosa Racca, Vice President of the City Council, President of Federfarma Lombardia 
  • Mauro Orso, President of the Trade Council Commission
  • Francisco De Assis, Founder of Ortofresh
  • Roberto Liscia, President of Netcomm

Friday 16 February 2024, from 9 to 30, at Milano Luiss Hub, via D'Azeglio, 11

MARKETS AND TERRITORY, BETWEEN TRADITION AND NEW MODELS
organized by the MUNICIPALITY OF MILAN, Department of Economic Development and Labor Policies

The local markets, both covered and street markets, are among the most consolidated shopping places for the Milanese: for their widespread and widespread presence in the area, for the continuous offer of fresh quality products in synergy with the largest agri-food market in the wholesale, due to the high product specialization and proximity to the life of the inhabitants and visitors of the neighbourhood. Their evolution must be aimed at responding to emerging macro trends in demand: attention to products and their origin, new consumption styles and circularity, covered markets such as Food Court, hybridization between sales and administration, but also equipped areas and multipurpose spaces to promote sustainability, sociality and cultural and recreational activities.

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Giacomo Errico, President of Apeca Confcommercio
  • Maurizio Vailati, Anva Confesercenti     
  • Nicola Zaffra, Director of the Milan Fruit and Vegetable Market - Foody So.Ge.Mi 
  • Sergio Monfrini, President of the Morsenchio Market Consortium
  • Carmine Laganà, Administrator of Mediolana Mercato Isola 
  • Davide Fassi, OFF Campus Nolo - Polytechnic of Milan

Moderated by:
Paolo Seris, Director of the Commercial Activities Area and One Stop Shop for Productive Activities 

 
Friday 16 February 2024, from 11:00 to 13:00 at MILANO LUISS HUB, via D'Azeglio, 3

FROM THE WORLD TO THE CITY: SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR ARTISAN ENTREPRENEURS OF FOREIGN ORIGIN
organized by the ARTISANS UNION of the Province of Milan, in collaboration with CNA Milan

One craftsman in three in Milan is of foreign origin. And it is a continuously growing figure: in some sectors it exceeds 50%. But who are they and what are they asking for today? Are they able to make the best use of the services and incentives available in the city? Unione Artigiani will illustrate a survey with unpublished data, initiatives and proposals in the presence of the Consular Corps of Milan and Lombardy. The meeting, organized in collaboration with CNA Milan, will present the experiences of the CNA WORLD patronage, of the Work and Economy sector of ISMU and of Formaper's Futurae Project. 

Opening and greetings:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Verónica Crego Porley, Dean of the Consular Corps of Milan and Lombardy and Consul General of Uruguay
  • Marco Accornero, General Secretary of the Milan Artisans Union

Testimonials:

  • Carlos Antonio Centeno Segura
  • Rodica Hrom 
  • Abdelaziz Kabar
  • Ann Chen

Panel discussion:

  • Marco Accornero, General Secretary of the Milan Artisans Union
  • Irene Pavlidi, CNA World – Milan
  • Laura Zanfrini, Head of the Economy, Work and Welfare Sector of the ISMU Foundation
  • Paola De Fortunatis, Project Manager Formaper, special company of the Milan Monza Brianza and Lodi Chamber of Commerce
  • Gianmaria Radice, Vice President of the Budget and Real Estate Council Commission 
  • Luca Stanzione, General Secretary of the Milan Chamber of Labor

Comment:

Ana Teresa Lecaros Terry, Consul General of Peru

Conclusions:

  • Marco Accornero, General Secretary of the Milan Artisans Union
  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work

He moderated:
Roldano Radaelli, Milan Artisans Union

 
Friday 16 February 2024, from 14:30 to 16:00 at MILANO LUISS HUB, via D'Azeglio, 3

MSMEs AND YOUNG PEOPLE, A SUCCESSFUL COMBINATION: THE ANSWERS TODAY TO DESIGN THE FUTURE
edited by API Small and Medium-sized Industries Association 

For Micro, Small and Medium enterprises it is complex to insert new and qualified professional figures into the company. These companies represent a vehicle for innovation and the creation of qualified job opportunities in urban and peri-urban contexts; furthermore, they keep alive the tradition, knowledge and quality associated with Made in Italy. Building a bridge between generations, whether of workers or entrepreneurs, is essential to guarantee the continuity of MSMEs and to promote a solid future. As?

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Stefano Valvason, API General Director 
  • Arianna Petra Fontana, President of the Milan metropolitan council APA Confartigianato 
  • Simone Locatelli, President of Municipality 2
  • Carlo Monguzzi, President of the Mobility, Environment, Green and Animals Council Commission 
  • Paolo Cesana, General Secretary and Central Director of the Luigi Clerici Foundation  
  • Angelo Candiani, President of ASLAM social cooperative
  • Giulia Candotti, CEO of ITALFEED Srl
  • Giuseppe Nocita, CEO of PIPELINE Srl
  • Marco Ronchi, CEO of TWIG Srl
  • Luciana Ciceri, API Vice President 
  • Enrico Vizza, General Secretary of Uil Milan Lombardy  

He moderated:
Alessandra Pilia, API Marketing and Communication Manager 

 
Friday 16 February 2024, from 16:30 to 18:30 at MILANO LUISS HUB, via D'Azeglio, 3

A CITY WITHOUT SHOPS? ARTISANS AND SMEs FOR THE FUTURE OF MILAN ON A HUMAN SCALE
edited by APA CONFARTIGIANATO IMPRESE, ACAI Casartigiani, API Small and Medium Industry Association

The transformations of Milan involve increasing difficulties in integrating the characteristics of a global metropolis with the historically more marked identity traits. A city that loses its characteristic economy risks becoming a non-place, weakening its attractiveness. For this reason we want to think about the role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the city economy, focusing on the fundamental aspect of the availability of spaces for widespread enterprise, alternating the voices of representative associations with those of businesses and economic operators Milanese.

Participated:

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work
  • Arianna Petra Fontana, President of the Metropolitan Council APA Confartigianato Imprese Milan 
  • Paolo Manfredi, digital transformation consultant for Confartigianato Imprese
  • Enrico Brambilla, General Secretary of Apa Confartigianato Imprese of Milan, Monza and Brianza
  • Alessandro Tosti, General Secretary of ACAI – Casartigiani
  • Stefano Valvason, API General Director 
  • Ezio Micelli, Urban planner and full professor IUAV Venice
  • Giulia Pelucchi, President of Municipality 8
  • Elena Buscemi, President of the City Council of Milan 
  • Carlo Gerla, general secretary of CISL Milano Metropoli 

Testimonials:

  • Robert Carrara and Alfonso Cantafora, Cicli Drali Milano and Bac Milano srl
  • Rosa Piras, Autopiù Due Milano
  • Luigi Mario Poli, Poli Lab sas
  • Alessandra Marrazzo, Ernica Organic Hair Treatments

He moderated:
Agnese Zappalà, APA Confartigianato Milano Monza and Brianza

Saturday 17 February 2024, from 10:00 to 13:00 at BASE Milano, via Bergognone, 34

Final meeting - PRESENTATION OF THE THREE-YEAR PROGRAM FOR THE PROXIMITY ECONOMY  
organized by the MUNICIPALITY OF MILAN – Department of Economic Development and Labor Policies

What exactly is the local economy and what distinguishes it from the other components of our city's economy? What policies can be implemented in Milan and what are other cities in Europe and around the world doing? The 2024 Urban Economy Forum concluded with a session dedicated to urban policies to support commerce, crafts and neighborhood services. After the comparison between Milan and the main international experiences, the Municipality presented the Program outlined by the Municipality for the period 2024 - 2027. This was followed by a round table discussion with the main stakeholders of the Administration.

9am - Welcome and Registration

10:00 - Opening and institutional greetings

  •     Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work 

10 - The local urban economy: Milan, Europe, the World

  • Iordana Eleftheriadou, European Commission, DG Grow

European Union policies for the local economy 

  • Alexia Nazarian, Bloomberg Associates 

A global overview of proximity policies in cities around the world 

  • Miquel Rodríguez, City of Barcelona

Barcelona European Capital of Local Commerce 2024

  • Luca Tamini, Urb&Com - DAStU Polytechnic of Milan

Dynamics, evolution and challenges of urban economic activities in Milan

11 - Presentation of the three-year program for the local economy 30 - 2024

  • Annibale D'Elia, Director of Urban Economy, Fashion and Design 
  • Paolo Seris, Director of the Commercial Activities Area and One-Stop Shop for Productive Activities 

12:00 - Round table

  • Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development and Work 
  • Vincenzo Albanese, President of FIMAA Milan and member of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Monza, Brianza and Lodi
  • Marco Barbieri, General Secretary of Confcommercio Milan
  • Enrico Brambilla, General Secretary of APA Confartigianato Milan, Monza and Brianza
  • Stefano Valvason, API General Director 
  • Alessandro Fedeli, President of Casartigiani
  • Laura Buscarini, Director of CNA Milan - Metropolitan Area
  • Andrea Painini, President of Confesercenti Milan
  • Marco Accornero, General Secretary of the Milan Artisans Union

Session broadcast in streaming on the web TV of the Municipality of Milan Link