On December 18, 2024, negg® Group attended the second edition of the ‘National Conference on Export and Business Internationalisation’ opened by Italian Minister Antonio Tajani, which took place at the Bocconi University in Milan.   With its 1.257 registered participants and 2.523 requests for meetings between Ambassadors and business representatives, the Conference was an opportunity to establish operational contacts aimed at boosting support for Italian companies wishing to grow in the world. This initiative continues in the coming weeks through further meetings (also online) between Embassies and companies – over 1.800 have already been scheduled. The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Brazil are the countries that have received the largest number of meeting requests.  During the event, Francesco Taccone, CEO of negg® Group, accompanied by Francesco De Vecchi, Vice President of Institutional Relations, had the opportunity to meet with ambassadors and heads of mission from various countries. The CEO highlighted the significance of this moment for the Italian economy in the context of internationalization, stating: “This is a crucial moment for the Italian economy, which is addressing global challenges with determination. I would like to extend special thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, for his tangible commitment to strengthening support for Italian businesses. This support is realized through the active participation not only of heads of mission abroad but also of organizations such as CDP, Sace, Simest, and ITA. The goal of negg® Group is to promote the expansion of its products and services in international markets, thereby contributing to the enhancement and recognition of the 'Made in Italy' brand as a symbol of quality and excellence, including in the field of cyber security technologies.” At the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Foreign Ministry, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Borsa Italiana for the growth of Italian companies, as well as a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Fondazione Bracco for the promotion of Italian language and scientific culture in Italian schools abroad.

On November 18, 2024, Francesco Taccone, CEO of negg® Group is excited to announce that negg® Group was invited to attend the first ‘Coordination Table’ led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but in close synergy with the Ministry of Enterprises, the National Cyber Security Agency, and the ICE-Agency to discuss the implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy 2022-26.   In the recent years, the European technology sector has faced persistent challenges in asserting itself as a global leader in the market for IT products and digital services, resulting, especially for Italy, in a concerning level of technological dependency on external providers for critical hardware and software technologies that  damages the national competitive advantage, endangering the value of the Made in Italy of which our nation is so proud.  The purpose of the Coordination Table is to create a permanent consultation group with companies in the sector, gather input and suggestions from these companies and industry professionals, and jointly define a more comprehensive and effective strategy for internationalization and growth in international markets for the entire national cyber security sector.  A strategy that founds itself upon the three main objectives of Protection, Response and Development, aimed at creating a renowned national and European industry through the development of new innovative companies capable of providing highly competitive technologies and solutions.  This initiative represents a fundamental step toward supporting the international projection of the national system and strengthening the same companies at the national level. This activity is part of the broader framework outlined by the actions of the Steering Committee for Internationalization, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Enterprises.  CEO Taccone expressed his thoughts on today’s event: I am honored that negg® Group has been invited to join the Coordination Table for the Internationalization of Italian Cyber Security Companies. Our company has also contributed to defining, in collaboration with institutions, the growth strategy for Italy's cyber security sector in international markets. We need to reshape the narrative surrounding Italy, which is currently recognized primarily for its "Made in Italy" identity in the areas of Food, Fashion, and Furniture. Italy is home to strategic centers of excellence and cutting-edge technologies within the cyber security landscape, which, through the collaborations fostered at this table, can now be recognized as an integral part of the Made in Italy brand.   negg was invited to provide valuable insights on critical topics including strategic autonomy in the digital sector, identifying markets of greatest interest and support actions, and company positioning, as well as exploring potential synergies at the national and European levels.   The Coordination Table featured insightful contributions from esteemed leaders and experts who addressed the critical themes of cyber security and strategic internationalization.  The session began with opening remarks by:  Amb. Massimo Marotti, Head of Strategies and Cooperation Service, National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN).  Min. Plen. Michele Giacomelli, Special Envoy for Cyber security Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)  Following the introductions, a session was dedicated to exploring the role of key institutions MAECI and MIMIT for the internationalization of cyber companies, with:  Min. Plen. Mauro Battocchi, Director General for the Promotion of the Country System (MAECI).  Dott. Giovanni Savini, General Director of the Mission Unit for Investment Attraction and Unlocking (MIMIT).  The focus then shifted to the strategic autonomy in the technological sector, with presentations on available support tools for internationalization cured by:  Dott. Luca Nicoletti, Head of Industrial, Technological, and Research Programs, ACN.  Min. Plen. Lorenzo Galanti, Director General of ICE-Agency for Foreign Promotion and Internationalization of Italian Enterprises.  A discussion allowed for direct engagement with the participating enterprises, moderated by:  Cons. Massimo Carnelos, Head of the Technological Innovation and Start-Up Office (DGSP-MAECI).  These sessions facilitated an exchange of ideas on the challenges and opportunities within the sector.  The event concluded with reflections from:  Pref. Bruno Frattasi, General Director of the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN).  Amb. Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).  It is with great pride that we not only participated in the kick-off meeting but will also actively engage in various subsequent meetings, contributing our expertise and insights. Today represents the foundation of a new strategy, able to leverage the national cyber security as an enabling factor to reinforcing the Italian and European technological expansion, together with reaffirming our know-how.