Insights

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.

During one of my recent work-related travels, I had the pleasure of once again being in the amazing city of New York.

This bustling metropolis has a unique ability to ignite inspiration and stimulate contemplation in various directions.

Perhaps because of this, while I was taking a walk around its vibrant streets, it resurfaced to my mind an article that I was fortunate enough to co-author together with Luca Sanna – a talented engineer based in the beautiful Italian region of Sardinia.

The article – published in Italian under a title that in English can sound as “How cities should be redesigned after the pandemic”*** – was in large part an attempt to explore the future of urban landscapes by combining two main ways of thinking.

Today here in the U.S. is Independence Day, a national holiday that each year – on the Fourth of July – makes it possible to commemorate the ratification of the Declaration of Independence that happened on July 4 1776.

The Declaration of Independence may be viewed as a fundamental and innovative document in human history. Not only because this document is strongly linked to the establishment of the United States of America, but also because it is a beautiful and powerful expression of many important thoughts. For example, those thoughts that are reflected in the idea that humans are created equal and with unalienable rights like to those of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It may not be an exaggeration to add that by cultivating ideas like this one the U.S. have always been able to emerge as a vigorous and vibrant democracy as well as a place extremely open to the marvels of human creativity, collaboration and technological progress.

Considering these aspects and the work of mine and Limestone Economics in the area of international business development, I thought to celebrate this year’s Independence Day by trying something new for me: rely on one of the most recent fruits of human creativity, collaboration and technological progress – the so-called artificial intelligence – in order to organize and share a quick interview.

A stimulating study from RentCafe recently analyzed many cities in relation to the notion of minimalism.

The study can be thought as organized in two major parts.

The first one may appear largely instrumental to recall possible ways to think about minimalism.

The second part may be viewed as the product of a line of reasoning that gradually translates into a ranking of U.S. cities with over 200,000 residents: from the city that is considered to be the most compatible with idea of minimalism, to the one that is seen as the less aligned with this idea.

On this basis, the study helps us to bring to memory that people frequently use the concept of minimalism in order to refer to:

· various forms of human creativity like architecture, interior design and art;

· a growing social trend that reflects individual preferences for situations characterized by a mix of quality characteristics like beauty, functionality, simplicity and frugality.

By extending these ideas, the study also invites us to take into account other interesting elements.

Se è vero che gli insegnamenti di base dei genitori occupano un posto di prima grandezza nella memoria dei figli, per quanto mi riguarda può rientrare tra questo tipo di insegnamenti quello di coltivare sempre l’amore per la terra in cui sono cresciuto, la Sardegna.

Ripensando in questi giorni – forse più intensamente del solito – a cose come queste, mi sono imbattuto in un articolo scritto anni fa da mio padre a proposito del fragile sviluppo economico di una parte dell’economia sarda che viene solitamente associata a rilevanti tradizioni e aspetti culturali: e cioè il settore agro-pastorale.

Pubblicato con il titolo “Pastoralismo e questione sarda. Considerazioni sui vincoli all’evoluzione economica”*, l’articolo in cui mi sono imbattuto propone un nuovo approccio al problema della persistente fragilità economica del comparto agro-pastorale sardo, e offre alcune idee orientate alla possibilità di un allineamento di questo comparto – e più in generale della Sardegna – verso modelli di sviluppo economico più competitivi e inclusivi di quello sinora emerso.