Italy's PNRR must unite culture and productivity for a new national identity

Stefano Monti argues that Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) should not merely fund infrastructure but must articulate a clear vision that merges cultural heritage with economic productivity. He proposes that tourism should function as an 'open day' for international visitors to discover a modern, efficient Italy beyond clichés like 'La Dolce Vita.' The PNRR should reduce gaps in digitalization, sustainability, and accessibility, but also create a new cultural development model that values Italy's uniqueness. Monti emphasizes that culture is the 'glue' uniting all interventions, and that investments must stimulate private-public collaboration, support small and medium enterprises, and address generational divides. He warns against mere propaganda, insisting on a communicable trajectory involving municipalities, citizens, businesses, and government. The goal is for Italy to become a country where beauty and functionality coexist, attracting investors and offering a high quality of life.