COVID-19: from Tragedy to Opportunity

by Angelo Colombo, FEDERTEC Board

Yes, that’s, thanks to this virus Italy is waking up. What it was obviously not possible to change with politics, without a full scale revolution, is now being changed due to this damned virus which is bringing this old Mediterranean lady, relaxing languidly with her soft belly lapped by the waves, to ruin. She had been in this position for years, lacking the force to straighten her back.
The pandemic has led to the rediscovery of national pride, without distinction of colour or political opinion.

We all feeling proud to be part of this wonderful nation. We can all feel the time has come to change, getting rid of internal tensions, a productive exchange of ideas for the better Italy of tomorrow.
When all seems lost, when the disease begins to decimate the population, this is the moment when Italians, a traditionally fractious and rule ignoring bunch, suddenly become Swiss-like, and the bond can be felt that really makes a system, a team.

This is the first step toward re-awakening. We can’t predict the future, but we can get ready for it. On top of the question of national pride, which, while being useful, cannot radically change the future of our national situation alone, we must add the commitment factor, dedication, passion. Without passion, results that go beyond the everyday and reach excellence can never be achieved. Every muck heap is a potential meadow studded with flowers. Right now, we have as “mucky” a field of society as we can remember, but if it can be watered with knowledge, respect for people, rules and solidarity, the muck will be soon refreshed by green shoots and budding flowers, both beautiful to look at and highly resistant.
Today, we have become used to a frenetic lifestyle amid attempts to be ahead of the curve. We should be cultivating our ground, in the figure of the young generation, getting them ready for the next era, their future.
Passion is what young people want and need. Today we require well prepared people more than ever, prepared in their relationships with authorities, family, their workplace, the client: a new time for Passionate Italians.

The model of the economic boom from the 60s will not be enough to excel today. But we certainly need to review that most fruitful of periods, learning from it and adding skills as the Korean model proposes. This is the way for society to advance not only economically but inside a virtuous circle, in which culture grows at the same pace as that of people empowerment, and thus, leads to economic growth. To conclude with the words of Mario Palmisano, a dear friend of mine and technical journalist, once again: “The future cannot be overcome, but prepared”.