“Futuro Qui!” (Future Here!) – aspirations for research to start afresh with young people
What factors drive the younger generations to stay or leave their local areas?
In a context of severe demographic crisis, Fondazione Cariverona set out to go beyond simply analyzing the phenomenon of depopulation, seeking to identify concrete solutions and effective strategies to make the provinces of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Mantua, and Ancona desirable places where young people can build their future. The aspiration was to promote a territorial development agenda that focused on the real needs of Millennials and Gen Z.
In this research, we chose to change perspective: instead of focusing on those who leave, we gave a voice to young people who have decided to stay, seeking to understand their ambitions. The truly innovative element of the research was that it was carried out with young people and not "only" for young people, with a focus on solutions for those who live in our territories.
The survey involved over 1,000 young people aged between 18 and 34 and 114 people in 10 focus groups, exploring their perceptions on crucial issues such as work, housing, mobility, services, and quality of life. The innovative approach was not just to "talk about young people," but to "talk with young people," making them active participants in the research to map their priorities and propose a new model of territorial governance that can enhance and retain human capital.
Why retaining young people is a priority
The phenomenon of the "brain drain" and the depopulation of young people is no longer a risk, but a problem that threatens the competitiveness of businesses and the stability of the social fabric. Companies struggle to find talent and manage generational change, risking the loss of invaluable know-how. For businesses, understanding the expectations of the younger generations regarding work, welfare, and quality of life has become a strategic factor not only in attracting qualified resources, but also in ensuring their continuity and ability to innovate in an increasingly demanding global market.
An agenda for the future of territories
The "Futuro Qui!" research does not merely provide a snapshot of the situation, but offers a concrete roadmap for institutions and businesses. The results show that temporary incentives are not enough to retain young people; structural interventions are needed, ranging from adequate wages, easier access to housing, and sustainable mobility to spaces for socializing.
The research identified seven priorities for action:
1️⃣ Mobility: modern and efficient public transportation to better connect territories and reduce dependence on private cars.
2️⃣ Spaces: innovative gathering places that combine work, training, and socializing, fostering the growth of dynamic communities.
3️⃣ Participation: involving young people in local decision-making processes through listening and active citizenship tools.
4️⃣ Culture: a more contemporary and inclusive offering, with events and initiatives capable of making the regions more attractive and stimulating.
5️⃣ Governance: a new model of territorial management that focuses on the needs and ideas of the younger generations and promotes innovation.
6️⃣ Work: quality professional opportunities, with fair wages and real opportunities for growth.
7️⃣ Housing: policies that make access to housing more sustainable for those who want to build their future in the area.
Applying the solutions that have emerged means investing in a dynamic and inclusive local ecosystem, capable of generating value for the entire community, increasing its attractiveness to talent, and strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses.
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Notes
Fondazione Cariverona is a philanthropic organization that promotes the social, cultural and economic development of the territories of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Ancona and Mantua. With a future-oriented vision, the Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that can generate a positive and lasting impact for the community.
