Pandemic as Creative Opportunity for Italy's Brain Gain
Massimiliano Tonelli argues that the COVID-19 pandemic could paradoxically benefit Italy's creative sector by reversing the brain drain. The economic crisis and Brexit may drive young Italian creatives back from London to Milan, bringing valuable human capital. Additionally, the lockdown forced rapid digital literacy across the country, closing the gap with Western partners in just two and a half months. Tonelli warns that Italy must remove bureaucratic obstacles to retain this returning talent, or risk a permanent exodus. The article was originally published in Artribune Magazine #55.
Key facts
- The pandemic may accelerate the return of young Italian creatives from London to Milan.
- Italy had experienced a brain drain over the last quarter century, especially to the UK.
- The combination of crisis, contagion, and Brexit could reverse this diaspora.
- Italy's digital literacy has advanced rapidly due to forced lockdown measures.
- The country must remove obstacles to retain returning creative talent.
- The article was written by Massimiliano Tonelli for Artribune Magazine #55.
- Tonelli is the former director of Exibart and Gambero Rosso.
- The article was updated in September 2020.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Tonelli
Institutions
- Artribune
- Exibart
- Gambero Rosso
Locations
- Italy
- London
- Milan
- United Kingdom