The research "Future Here! Territories and Young Generations" is a project that encapsulates the essence of Upskill 4.0 and the result of eight months of intensive work.
It is a research sponsored by Fondazione Cariverona and conducted by Upskill 4.0, which collected the voices of more than 1,000 young people aged 18-34 through a questionnaire and ten focus groups in the provinces of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Mantua and Ancona.
Italy is experiencing an unprecedented demographic crisis: birth rate at an all-time low, population getting older, young people leaving without returning. While at one time this phenomenon mainly affected the South, today it also affects the Northern and Central provinces. The loss of human capital is no longer a risk, but a real problem that threatens economic development, innovation and the social fabric of communities.
With this research we chose to change perspective: instead of focusing on those who leave, we gave voice to the young people who decided to stay, trying to understand their ambitions. The truly innovative element of the research was to carry it out with young people and not "only" for young people, with a solution-oriented look at those who inhabit our territories.
The message we want to send is clear: the future is built by bringing different generations and skills together, by listening and acting. For Upskill 4.0 is not just research. It was a concrete exercise in listening and confrontation, reminding us how crucial it is to dialogue with young people, to work with them and for them, really. The results were presented in Verona at an event organized in collaboration with Will Media, and clearly outlined the priorities and critical issues that influence the choice to leave and, more importantly, to stay of the new generations.
While the quality of life still receives a positive rating (3.7 on a scale of 1 to 5), the foundations are fragile, tied more to traditional elements (such as food or the presence of sports facilities) than to systemic conditions that can guarantee long-term prospects. The research highlights the profile of a pragmatic generation, which is guided not by idealism but by realistic assessments: to stay, certainty about the future is needed. Not temporary measures or short-term incentives, but a concrete plan of structural interventions to transform the area into a dynamic and attractive ecosystem.
One of the central aspects of the survey concerns work and wages. 43.5% of young people are dissatisfied with salaries, which are considered too low compared to the cost of living. Added to this is a widespread mismatch between education and the labor market: 41.6 percent believe that their degree is not adequately reflected in the professional opportunities offered in the area. Also weighing in is the lack of growth prospects (32.9 percent), prompting many to look elsewhere to build a more solid career.
Public services and mobility are two other key elements in choosing to stay or leave. 81.2 percent consider the quality of healthcare a decisive factor in staying, followed by the efficiency of transportation and opportunities for professional growth. The mobility system, in particular, is perceived as inefficient and limiting: the absence of fast and reliable connections makes it difficult to travel for study, work and leisure without a private car. This lack of infrastructure holds back the livability of the area, fueling the desire to move to more connected and dynamic cities.
Access to housing is also a significant obstacle. 47.9 percent of young people say they are dissatisfied with the housing supply, which is considered unaffordable. The rental market does not offer adequate solutions and purchase costs remain prohibitive. As a result, many under-35s are forced to stay living with their parents, postponing crucial decisions such as starting a family or becoming independent.
Finally, a final critical aspect concerns the scarcity of gathering spaces and stimulating cultural offerings. As emerged from the focus groups, young people complain about the lack of meeting places and initiatives that make the area more attractive from a social point of view as well. The widespread perception is that life in medium-sized urban centers is too static and unsuitable for those seeking new cultural experiences and networking opportunities.
The research does not stop at denunciation, but identifies a new proposed agenda, consisting of seven strategic levers, on which to intervene to make territories more attractive to new generations:
- Mobility: modern and efficient public transport to better connect territories and reduce dependence on the private car.
- Spaces: innovative gathering places that combine work, training and sociability, fostering the growth of dynamic communities.
- Participation: involvement of young people in local decision-making processes through listening and active citizenship tools.
- Culture: a more contemporary and inclusive offer, with events and initiatives capable of making territories more attractive and stimulating.
- Governance: a new model of land management that focuses on the needs and ideas of new generations and fosters innovation.
- Employment: quality professional opportunities with fair wages and real opportunities for growth.
- Housing: policies that make access to housing more sustainable for those who want to build their future in the area.
Read the full research at this link https://www.upskill40.it/futuro-qui/