A national research project that investigates how historical and cultural heritage can serve as a strategic lever for innovation in Italian businesses. The project focuses specifically on family-owned businesses and the dynamics of generational continuity.
The research project, “Tradition-driven Innovation: Historical and Cultural Heritage as a Source of Innovation for Italian Firms”, which is funded under the PRIN 2022 programme, has been launched to understand how Italian companies can leverage their historical and cultural heritage and transform it into a concrete lever for innovation and competitiveness.
Launched in 2024, the project is coordinated by the Politecnico di Milano, with the unit from the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering led by Professor Josip Kotlar, in collaboration with the Libera Università di Bolzano (UNIBZ) and the Università di Roma LUMSA. The initiative forms part of the wider international debate on the impact of tradition, identity and local context on innovation processes. The project aims to shed light on the distinctive features of the Italian production system, where a strong connection to the local area is a defining characteristic.
Family-owned businesses are at the heart of the study, as they constitute a key component of the national economy in terms of employment and value creation. In this context, “Made in Italy” represents not only craftsmanship, design, and excellence, but also historical and cultural heritage with the potential to generate new opportunities for innovation.
The project analyses the relationship between tradition and innovation from a multifaceted perspective, investigating not only whether historical and cultural heritage fosters innovation, but also how and under what conditions it does so. The research focuses particularly on the impact of heritage on innovative performance, the role of skills and organizational processes, the factors that influence its effectiveness, and generational dynamics in family businesses.
The Next Generation is given special attention: who the future leaders of Italian family businesses are; the educational paths they pursue; and how they prepare to take on ownership, governance, and management roles. The project also explores how generational transitions are planned, emphasizing the essential skills, values, and tools for overcoming future challenges.
Based on a sample of around 300 Italian companies operating in sectors that best represent “Made in Italy”, the study combines quantitative analysis with qualitative interviews to offer an in-depth look at innovation practices rooted in tradition. Particular emphasis is also placed on international experience and the professional development of younger generations.
The research findings elucidate how Italian companies transform history and culture into innovation, identifying differences between family-owned and non-family-owned firms, and investigating the organizational, cultural, and generational factors that influence long-term success. The project provides useful guidance for companies, policymakers, and institutions interested in promoting innovation models that are consistent with the identity and sustainability of the Italian production system.