Insights

Over the past year, our Insights have focused on trade and its fundamental role in human progress; the deep-rooted human drive for innovation and continuous problem-solving; key aspects of socio-economic networks that enable the circulation of new information; and situations in which uncertainty takes on radical forms that escape probabilistic calculation.

Given the central role of cities and urban environments in the history of human civilization, special attention has also been devoted to how collaboration and creativity can make architectural elements, buildings, and cities more capable of improving the quality of life of their inhabitants.

Most of us share the everyday experience of living and working in cities or urban environments. Streets, buildings, and everyday architectural elements influence how we move, interact, and feel in our daily routines, often in ways that are subtle but deeply influential. Over time, they contribute to shared habits, practices, and values – many of the elements that together form what we could call our culture.

Recognizing the influence of these urban and architectural experiences makes it easier to see why the goal of building better cities and more thoughtful spaces to live and work is closely connected to improving the quality of life for many people.

Recent analyses (for example, “Global trade will continue, but will become more complex,” The Economist, November 12, 2025) suggest that global trade proved unexpectedly resilient in 2025 despite new U.S. tariff schemes, which weakened traditional global trade frameworks and fueled some levels of protectionism.

For example, following the article, exporters – especially in China – redirected goods to Europe, other Asian markets, Africa, and other regions, keeping trade volumes growing even as traditional routes to the U.S. narrowed. Vietnam shifted exports to Europe, India expanded shipments to the Gulf, Brazil increased beef exports to China, and the EU intensified its search for deals with South American countries.

What appeared to be a major rupture instead confirmed how deeply economic activity is embedded in networks that extend beyond formal institutions. Adaptability, however, has limits, as not all products or sectors can easily shift markets. At the same time, the American economy demonstrated greater resilience than many expected.

Many economic analyses are currently highlighting what might be described as a situation of radical uncertainty for the future of global trade.

There is an almost unanimous consensus among economists that this situation – characterized by the imposition of tariffs on imported goods – is translating into a reconfiguration of international commerce, with a series of economic frictions that may hinder economic growth and development across nearly all industrialized countries.

Beyond these broad macroeconomic considerations, it becomes equally important to explore a more specific question: how can individual companies preserve, and even strengthen, their capacity to compete and prosper within this reconfigured global context?

Many debates today seem to center on whether or not we are experiencing a process of deglobalization, suggesting that we are living through a time of profound geopolitical disruption: a socio-economic phase that is reshaping the contours of globalization.

In this context, some of the more convincing responses appear to reflect the idea that what we are witnessing may not be a withdrawal from global integration, but rather a reconfiguration of it – largely driven by ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical rivalries.

In trying to make sense of this shifting landscape, the concept of uncertainty is frequently invoked, often alongside the observation that we may now be experiencing record-high levels of it.

We live in a time when the word innovation seems to be often used with excessive ease or in vague ways. As a result, in many discussions, that word risks becoming an ambiguous expression rather than a meaningful concept. For this reason, it seems helpful to revisit a fundamental perspective developed by Joseph Schumpeter – a central voice in the history of economic thought – whose seminal studies on the functioning of markets and the phenomenon of entrepreneurship continue to offer valuable guidance.

In recent days, media coverage of the deeply painful and seemingly unending conflict in Israel and Palestine has intensified, adding further elements of sorrow – particularly in relation to the incredibly tragic events unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

Thinking about this, it may be worth revisiting some reflections developed in earlier Insights, which explored how studies at the intersection of history and economic theory tend to highlight the role of exchange relationships, pro-market practices, and entrepreneurship in overcoming complex difficulties and highly uncertain situations – by creating new opportunities for human cooperation and the advancement of civilization.

Significant pro-market studies in economic history have emphasized a striking pattern: throughout time, governments have often discouraged, rather than fostered, the growth of long-distance trade and entrepreneurial freedom – as illustrated by China’s economic policies during the 1970s and the protectionist measures of France during the 18th century.

The ongoing period of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, which has dominated global discourse, has prompted further exploration of ideas introduced in two of our previous Insights*. As the world appears to face emerging concerns over potential new trade scenarios involving tariffs and forms of protectionism, it seems helpful to revisit basic economic concepts commonly discussed in introductory macroeconomics courses like ECO 201, particularly those related to aggregate demand (AD). Reexamining these foundational concepts can open new perspectives on the workings of trade and economic policies. Building on this possibility, this writing aims to adopt a business strategy perspective, offering practical insights – and perhaps a note of cautious optimism – on how firms can preserve their resilience and competitiveness in times of uncertainty.

As we navigate a period characterized by persistent debates on global trade and uncertainty regarding the future regulation of international commerce—including for example the use of measures like tariffs on imported goods—it is appropriate to reflect further on these issues

In one of our previous Insights*, we had already emphasized the importance of the idea, derived from the general and abstract principles of economic theory, that free trade fosters competition, stimulates innovation, and strengthens economic resilience.

An additional consideration is whether potential obstacles or frictions to trade—such as for instance the introduction or increase of tariffs and duties— might stem from ancient fears that have accompanied humanity for centuries.

In a time when the word "tariff" frequently seems to dominate many debates, it appears helpful to reflect on the broader implications of trade and its role in human progress.

Early long-distance trade practices seem to have emerged from a profound realization: no single place on Earth could sustainably provide every resource necessary for human well-being.

This insight sparked a transformational movement, laying the foundation for what we now recognize as international trade.

Recently, while watching a tennis match and thinking about international markets and current uncertainties - like those reflecting situations of fragile global economic growth or war scenarios in many parts of the world - I was struck by the interplay of challenge, victory, defeat, progress - and the ever-present fear of failure.

Recently, an online newspaper - UnioneSarda.it - from the Italian region of Sardinia where I grew up asked me for a video with a brief analysis of the current pre-electoral moment in the U.S.

As the transition from spring to summer unfolds, society undergoes a transformative shift, with many individuals who appear to embrace outdoor activities with renewed enthusiasm.

In this sense, it seems to become more noticeable the inclination of many individuals to spend more time outside their homes, opting for walking as a means of commuting to work and appreciating nature and the built environment.

In parallel, this seasonal transition appears often to coincide with increased construction or renovation activities in residential and commercial spaces.

This scenario may stimulate reflections on the relationship between architecture and the human activity of moving on foot, suggesting lines of reasoning that go beyond typical observations centered on the traditional impacts of the architecture and construction industries on economic growth and the recognized health advantages of walking.

From this broader perspective, it appears interesting to reflect on the significant economic development potential inherent in the creative sector and the interplay between architecture and walking.

The development of interpersonal relationships enabling what is often referred to as global commerce can be considered a phenomenon intricately linked to human evolution with many fascinating aspects that – given the intense geopolitical tensions of current times – may deserve renewed attention.

I tempi attuali potrebbero essere descritti come minimo complessi e pieni di laceranti controvesie, specialmente sul piano socio-politico dove sembra purtroppo lontana la possibilità di giungere ad accordi pienamente condivisi e capaci di far stare tutti meglio.  

Riflettendo in questi giorni - forse con maggiore intensità del solito - su questi aspetti e sui limiti della comunicazione umana, mi sono ritrovato a leggere uno scritto di mio padre, concepito forse non tantissimo tempo prima della sua scomparsa – avvenuta il 28 Febbraio del 2021.

Kaptain Doors and Windows is a Greek manufacturing company that is fully committed to the fabrication of top-quality PVC doors, windows, louvers, and shutters.  

Kaptain is headquartered in Chalkida, a fascinating Greek city located on the breathtaking Euripus Strait, about 30 miles north of Athens.

This family-owned and operated company was founded in 1987 by Evangelos Kapetanios, a forward-thinking entrepreneur who kickstarted its growth through substantial investments in technology, manufacturing automation, and human resources.

The festive days surrounding the Christmas holiday may invite us to contemplate the enduring practice of exchanging gifts, prompting reflections on its profound significance.

For example, reflecting on this practice, it may perhaps be a common reflex to immediately connect the act of gift-giving with joyous occasions that symbolize the importance of family and friendships. Yet, beneath this common and useful way of considering things there may be an element that could deserve particular attention: the impact of early behavioral patterns associated with gift exchange on the evolution of humanity.

Scholars and experts from different fields of competence seem to be increasingly engaged in reflections and debates around the complex interrelationships between the built environment, nature and economic activities.

A relevant portion of these reflections and debates appears to be gravitating around the problematic evolution of our cities and the related urgency of new lifestyles that may favor better forms of reconciliation between eco-friendly practices and pro-productivity behaviors.

By embracing an economic development perspective, it could not appear unreasonable to think that cultural and creative aspects may play a significant role for the emergence of these new lifestyles.

For this reason and because of my interest in economic lines of reasoning that tend to suggest the possibility that culture, art and creativity can help communities grow and improve their own economies, it arrived to me almost spontaneously this idea: to reflect more extensively on that possibility by doing a quick interview to a scholar whose area of expertise is not economics but that branch of philosophy that explores possible ways of thinking about the nature, meaning, and value of art.

As summertime continues to unfold it becomes more and more noticeable that many people, during this season, are especially inclined to exchange some income-earning work time for more free time.

This phenomenon or type of choice may invite to organize a related short reflection on the basis on two fundamental concepts in the realms of economics and business: opportunity cost and business competition.