76 million euros available for research and development on the circular economy send some positive signals. Between subsidized loans and non-repayable money, companies are showing confidence in these first days of the new year. It's a good sign from the world of work on something where politics is very divided. Criticism of the government on how it approaches the overall strategy on the circular economy they are all there. However they are already 72 applications presented to the Mise to access the funds. Businesses are moving to change the way they produce without repercussions on employment and labor income. They rely on two necessary levers: own and public capital. The companies are therefore providing an initial response to the program that Minister Patuanelli manages together with Enea and Invitalia.
The 76 million are part of one larger allocation of 217 million. Still modest funds compared to national ambitions and to what Germany and France are doing in Europe. This first tranche is, however, convenient since 59 million are subsidized loans and 17 are non-repayable contributions. There Lombardia is the Region with the highest number of requests presented, followed by Emilia Romagna e Veneto. More projects are on the way South, where the need to reconvert in a green way is even more necessary. Research and experimentation initiatives for new products, processes or services are evaluated. In the decree of 11 June 2020, reference is made to the so-called key enabling technologies (Key Enabling Technologies, KETs) capable of innovating supply chains without waste. Space for waste management, systems for the rational use and sanitation of water, new packaging production models. Good expectations, although the scenario for a true circular economy in Italy, we said, remains tangled.
The specific resources of the Recovery plans that the government wants to invest do not reach 5 billion. Minister Costa speaks of "a vision in which the Environment system drives everything else", but the premises are not yet in sight. In addition to the partial incentives for companies to innovate, the government is criticized precisely for a strategy deficit. What happened to the famous Colao Commission factsheets on the green transition? The issue of waste remains a priority for which heavy fines are paid to the European Union. Is it still acceptable for Costa and the Cinquestelle to say no to new treatment and recycling plants? China has just said no to importing waste and Italy exports 100 tons of paper alone every year.
As businesses step forward for public funding to become more sustainable and stay on their feet, what you don't see is just the vision mentioned by Minister Costa. It is no coincidence that Renzi asked Conte to clarify how the government really intends to intervene to eliminate the multiple vetoes that block real circular economy initiatives. Beyond the money, there is the liability of ideas.
