The second Impresa 4.0 package focuses on human resources and training

by Renato Uggeri, Honorary President G.I.S.I.

Last December the Government further strengthened the instruments of the Impresa 4.0 plan by allocating another 10 billion euro over the 2018-2020 three-year period by means of the Fiscal Decree, the 2018 Budget law and funds of the Economic Development Ministry which were about to expire. The extension of hyper-and super-amortization for 7.8 billion euro is one of the measures envisaged. As regards investments in human resources and competence, 250 million euros have been allocated for tax credits for training on 4.0 technologies, and 95 million to increase the number of students of technical secondary schools. Other measures include the creation of the Fund for immaterial assets with over 300 million euros, the refinancing of the new Sabatini norm with 330 million and of the Guarantee Fund for SMEs with 830 million (in the fiscal decree). Lastly, the special Made In Italy Plan was financed with 230 million euro to help companies to become competitive on the foreign markets. Innovation, training and globalization have been therefore acknowledged as fundamental supports for industry and to create social welfare and work opportunities.
The Ministry of Economic development stated that it was “very pleased”, highlighting the choice of confirming and reinforcing the investments of the Impresa 4.0 package with a special focus on training and human resources. Unfortunately, however, as often happens in Italy, the quality of decisions was not backed by timely accompanying norms, so that the access to funds risks being impossible especially for smaller companies, less equipped to face bureaucracy. Institutions only sent out the official documents (the sworn appraisal and technical analysis forms) needed to file applications relative to 2017, which expired at the end of the year, in mid-December. Just a few days before the deadline, that is, and in the middle of the holiday season too.