A title that reflects the great changes that the outcome of the elections in the United States will produce on the international scene, starting from global geopolitical and macroeconomic balances. There are numerous risks and choices that we will face and which will impact Europe: crucial issues that the Trento Economics Festival will address with the contribution of the brightest minds in the economic, academic and political world at a national and international level. next May in a special edition that will celebrate the 20 years of the event.
Explains the President of the Advisory Board and of the Scientific Committee of the Trento Economics Festival Fabio Tamburini, Director of Il Sole 24 Ore: “Le American elections represented a historic turning pointopening up to scenarios of great changes: the return of state power, globalization which is unlikely to reassert itself, the development of international trade which is contracting, squeezed by the increasingly strong polarization between the United States and China. Europe, between lackluster economies and lack of leadership, it is increasingly an earthenware vase between two iron vases. Its future is linked to choices that will have to be made and which are not to be taken for granted.”
Adds Tamburini: “These scenarios are then looming variable artificial intelligence which, in addition to changing the world as we know it, draws attention to the large amount of energy it requires and where to find it. Big changes and unknowns about risks and choices to be made because they will affect the direction in which the world will go.”
With its new title, the Trento Economics Festival continues its commitment to analyzing the challenges dictated by a global scenario characterized by high complexity and uncertainty, proposing solutions and interpretations. In 2022, in fact, the theme “After the pandemic, between order and disorder” aimed to delve into the profound social, economic and political effects of the pandemic, while the 2023 edition entitled “The future of the future. The challenges of a new world” has undertaken to outline the impact that great technological and socio-economic transformations will have on humanity.
In 2024 with “Quo vadis? The dilemmas of our time” the Festival analyzed the great questions that our time poses to us, from the worsening of conflicts in the world to the growth of inflation and public debt, from climate change to the demographic winter.
The title of the 2025 edition of the Festival was chosen by the Advisory Board of the Trento Economics Festival composed of Elena Beccalli, Marco Fortis, Paolo Magri, Emma Marcegaglia, Giulio Sapelli, Giulio Tremonti and Fabio Tamburini (president).
The scientific committee composed of Professor Ericka Costa, associate of Business Economics of the Department of Economics and Management of the University of Trento, Professor Luigi Bonatti, full professor of Economic Policy at the University of Trento, economic historian Adriana Castagnoli, former professor of contemporary history at the University of Turin.
The 2024 edition
The 19th edition of the Trento Economics Festival, which saw for the third time the 24 ORE Group together with Trentino Marketing in the role of organizers on behalf of the Autonomous Province of Trento and with the collaboration of the Municipality of Trento and the University of Trento, it was the edition of the record of records: beyond 700 speakers and moderators in 330 events between Festivals, “Out of Festival” (new for 2022), “Economies of the Territories”, “Meetings with the author” and the live event broadcasts of Radio 24, with over 40,000 attendees in the city and sold out in many locations crowded with the economic, academic and scientific community, and the public of families, young people and students.
How does the Trento Economics Festival aim to influence policymakers and drive actionable solutions in the field of economics?
Interview: The Future of Economics at the Trento Economics Festival
Interviewer (Editor of Time.news): Welcome, everyone, to this insightful discussion about the upcoming Trento Economics Festival and its significance in the ever-evolving global landscape. I’m thrilled to have with us today Fabio Tamburini, the Director of Il Sole 24 Ore and President of the Advisory Board of the Festival. Fabio, thank you for joining us!
Fabio Tamburini: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right into it. The theme of this year’s festival is quite intriguing: “Quo vadis? The dilemmas of our time.” What inspired this title, and what key issues will the festival tackle?
Fabio Tamburini: The title speaks to a fundamental question we are all grappling with—where are we headed? The global landscape is rife with challenges: conflicts, rising inflation, mounting public debt, climate change, and demographic shifts. Each of these issues presents a dilemma that requires thoughtful discussion and innovative solutions.
Interviewer: It sounds like an ambitious agenda. You mentioned the global context, particularly in relation to the recent U.S. elections. Could you elaborate on how these elections have shifted geopolitical and macroeconomic balances?
Fabio Tamburini: Absolutely. The U.S. elections have indeed marked a historic turning point. We are witnessing the return of state power and a significant shift in globalization—one that seems unlikely to revert to its previous strength. The polarization between the U.S. and China is palpable, and Europe finds itself caught in the middle—with economies that are underperforming and a noticeable lack of leadership. This precarious situation emphasizes that Europe’s future hinges on pivotal decisions that are anything but certain.
Interviewer: That’s a stark view of the current climate. You also mentioned the role of artificial intelligence. How do you see AI impacting these global shifts, and what topics will be explored regarding its implications at the festival?
Fabio Tamburini: AI is both a transformative force and a significant variable in our global dynamics. Its potential to change industries, labor markets, and even our daily lives is immense. However, it also demands considerable energy resources, raising critical questions about sustainability and our energy future. At the festival, we will delve into these topics, exploring not just the benefits of AI but also the environmental and social costs that come with it.
Interviewer: It seems like the festival serves as a platform not only for analysis but also for proposing solutions. Can you share how you envision the festival contributing to actionable insights for policymakers and the public?
Fabio Tamburini: That’s correct. The Trento Economics Festival has always aimed to bridge academia, politics, and economics. By bringing together the brightest minds—scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders—we hope to foster dialogues that lead to practical strategies. Our mission is to simplify complex issues through discussions that are both insightful and accessible, thus equipping attendees with the knowledge to navigate these formidable dilemmas.
Interviewer: As we look ahead, what can attendees expect from this year’s festival in terms of discussions, workshops, or speakers?
Fabio Tamburini: Attendees can look forward to a rich program of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops addressing a myriad of critical issues. We are focused on ensuring that all voices are heard, especially those from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We also encourage interactive sessions to stimulate engaging conversations and collaborations among participants.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly promising. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to those considering attending the Trento Economics Festival?
Fabio Tamburini: I would say that this is a unique opportunity to engage with pressing global issues in an environment that fosters critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. The challenges we face today are complex, but together, with diverse insights, we can start paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Fabio, for your insights and for shedding light on the Trento Economics Festival. It’s clear that this event will be pivotal in addressing the critical issues of our time.
Fabio Tamburini: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing many of you at the festival.
Interviewer: And to our audience, stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the events and discussions emerging from the festival. Thank you for joining us today!
