ESG Pillars and the Evolution of Cultural Enterprises in Italy

The article examines how Italian cultural and creative enterprises are adapting to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria, arguing that culture has long embodied environmental and social sustainability. The author, Irene Sanesi, notes that while the European Union's 2030 Agenda initially omitted culture, it now acknowledges culture's transversal role across all pillars. On governance, cultural enterprises lag behind, lacking strategic planning and a 'culture of good governance,' partly due to reliance on delayed public funding. The piece calls for a shift from presentism to long-term vision, enabling access to non-traditional resources. The Italian 'Made in Italy' law (27 December 2023, n. 206) defines cultural and creative enterprises, but the real challenge lies in embedding ESG principles into operations. The article draws an evolutionary analogy: like sheep and giraffes adapting to their environments, cultural enterprises must evolve to thrive.