Bologna
is one of the wealthiest cities in Italy, despite its reputation
as a hotbed for socialism and even communism. Its wealth is fuelled
by myriad capitalist activities, from large-scale industrial projects
in the suburbs, through to small businesses within the centre, with
the city boasting the highest quota of small businesses per capita
of any Italian city.
Big corporate names are also attracted to Bologna, although most
headquarters will be located in Milan or Rome. Companies with offices
in the city include IBM, KPMG
and Anderson Consulting. Youthful and progressive,
Bologna also claims to have the highest percentage of graduates
and the highest rate of female employment in Italy. Unemployment
figures are low at 6.8 per cent, compared to 10 per cent on a national
level (August 2002). Wealth flourishes in the city – the per
capita income, 35 per cent above the national average, which is
the highest in the country.
Early examples of the technological innovation include the first
silk-spinning machine – invented in Bologna before the industrial
revolution – and the work of Guglielmo Marconi,
the pioneering inventor of the radio, although
the great man may be turning in his grave at the lowly share price
of the company these days.
Today, Bologna continues to be a leader in mechanical engineering,
exporting machines for agriculture and packaging around the world.
Other key exports include clothes, food, and luxury cars. However,
the economy, for the most part, is centred on the service
industry, which employs the majority of Bologna's working
population.
The business district is generally to the west of Via dell’
Independenza, the north–south artery that runs from
the train station to the city centre. Bologna is one of the new
corporate centres in the northeast, which are building their own
mini-economies, mainly in the areas of IT and new technology. The
fairground district, designed by Japanese architect Kenzo
Tange during the 1960s, stylistically echoes the medieval
centre of the City. As the fifth largest exhibition centre in Europe,
it plays host to major international trade fairs and dictates the
ebb and flow of Bologna's economic life, with over twenty six national
and international expositions every year. Bologna hosts two fairs
of worldwide importance – Arte Fiera, a market
exhibition of contemporary art, in January, and the Children’s
Book Fair, which involves some 1500 publishing houses,
in April. There are a number of Internet cafes dotted around the
city, including the centrally located Net Arena, Via de’ Giudei
3b (tel: (051) 220 850).
Business
Etiquette
The Bolognese are among the most efficient and hospitable of Italy’s
inhabitants and punctuality is respected.
Normal business hours are 0900-1700. By way of introduction
Business cards are commonly exchanged.
Smart dress is appropriate, as is a high degree of formality
– business visitors should always refer to Italian associates
as Lei (the polite form of tu), unless informed to do otherwise.
Although many executives speak French and some speak English, it
is best for visitors to conduct business in Italian, if possible.
Personal relationships are very important in business and Italians
will always appreciate a visitor who tries to speak their language,
however poorly. Small talk is an essential part of any business
meeting and leisurely lunches are a welcome element of Bolognese
business. Although these tend to be pretty formal, business lunches
can be peppered with alcohol. Dinners tend to be less formal, although
invitations to homes are not common. |
