By an interministerial decree signed by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit), the Ministry of Education and Merit (Mim), and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Mef), the Foundation of “Businesses and Skills for Made in Italy” has been officially established. This new legal entity is aimed at promoting the connection between education, entrepreneurial culture, and the enhancement of the national production system.
Giovanni Brugnoli, a Lombardy native born in 1970, has been appointed President of the Foundation. Brugnoli is Chairman of the Board of Tiba Tricot Srl, a company based in Castellanza (Varese province) and a leader in the production of run-resistant fabrics for sportswear, industrial textiles, and home furnishings.
He also serves as President of Unimpiego Confindustria and of Previmoda Pension Fund, in addition to being a board member of the Carlo Cattaneo University – LIUC.
A former Vice President of Confindustria with responsibility for Human Capital from 2016 to 2024, Brugnoli has also held top-level positions in strategic institutions such as the Board of Directors of Banca Generali, the ALUISS Association, and LUISS Guido Carli University – roles he concluded between 2021 and 2023.
Earlier in his career, he served as President of the Industrialists’ Union of the Province of Varese (now Confindustria Varese) from 2011 to 2015 – at a very young age.
For years, Brugnoli has been actively involved in strengthening ties between the business world, technical education, and high-quality manufacturing. His background and experience are seen as key assets for fulfilling the Foundation’s mission.
Mission and Areas of Focus
The Foundation will work to build stronger connections between the new Made in Italy high schools and the industrial sector, promote entrepreneurial culture among younger generations, and support the dissemination of Italian manufacturing identity and values.
Key activities include managing a permanent exhibition dedicated to Made in Italy, awarding the annual “Master of Made in Italy” prize to distinguished entrepreneurs, and collaborating with public and private institutions, Italian and international universities, businesses, and foundations.
Structure, Resources, and Governance
The Foundation begins with an initial endowment of one million euros, earmarked for the fulfillment of its statutory objectives, and an operating fund of 500,000 euros for administrative and operational expenses.
In addition to the two founding ministries (Mimit and Mim), other participating members may join, selected among public and private entities engaged in long-term partnerships with the Foundation. Additional support may come from contributing partners through professional services or specialized offerings.
The governance structure includes board members Maurizio Maddaloni, Mario Eugenio Comba, and Rachele Sessa, along with the first members of the Technical Committee: Pierluigi Bartolomei, Mauro Antonelli, and Roberto Ricci Mingani.
