Activities

Evaluation of public policies and investment projects

Since its birth, CSIL has gained relevant experience in the evaluation of public policy, programmes and projects: our experts developed an original approach which has been acknowledged by the European Commission (DG Regional Policy, DG Enterprise, DG Research, DG SANCO) through the years. The approach to evaluation is based on sound analysis and addressed to advising policy makers. It is characterized by the synergic use of quantitative and qualitative methodology and is implemented through a participatory approach. CSIL experts are always keen in adopting ad hoc tools in order to assess investment projects from the point of view of social welfare. They adapt their methodological approach to the sector and area of project to be implemented. They stress the importance to unveil basic assumptions underlying the rationale of projects. Our experts drafted the guide to cost-benefit analysis of investment projects on behalf of DG Regio
(http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/sources/docgener /guides/cost/guide02_en.pdf).
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Economic forecasting and scenario analysis

CSIL experts carry out econometric studies, forecast scenarios and analyses of the business climate in specific sectors at a national and international level. Integrating technological, organisational and economic intelligence, CSIL experts perform economic studies and research especially on behalf of SMEs and industrial clusters but also on behalf of international institutions. Our experts constantly monitor international markets for some SME based industries and deliver periodic multi-client reports analysing market opportunities, trends in selected countries or macro-geographic areas. They outline the macroeconomic scenario and its repercussions over some SME based sectors. In the past years, our experts dedicated particular attention to repercussions from specific developments at EU level, like the enlargement process. Analysis is carried out for the whole sector, followed by breakdown by specific segments. Indicators reflect the need to outline main trends in exports, demand, production and prices and are originally elaborated to shed light and provide further insight on certain aspects of demand and production.
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Cluster development and regional economic analysis

Economic and competitiveness analysis of industrial districts and clusters has always been the core of CSIL consultancy activities. Our experts have unsurpassed experience in the elaboration of cluster-oriented development policies. They elaborated several plans for the valorisation and competitiveness strategy of specific industrial filiéres and for the integration of development policies of distant clusters in the same industrial sector. Development consultancy activities are here carried out specifically targeting private enterprises and their development within industrial clusters and districts. Development strategy entailed devising new marketing strategy and setting up specific agencies entrusted with boosting and improving competitiveness. Finally, our experts refined their analytical and planning skills within the context of evolving regulation for the sustainability of development strategy, entailing an increased attention to environment and safety issues.
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SMEs competitiveness

Since 1980 CSIL experts conducted research and monitored markets for specific products and industrial sectors. Main output of this activity consisted of competitiveness analysis and the aim is to solve business re-organisation problems, to plan production expansion and diversification, to improve profitability both for small businesses and for sectoral leaders. It specifically targeted industrial districts and elaborated strategies to boost their competitiveness on the international markets. Our experts identified specific market features with respect to selected products.
Competitiveness analysis often involve the following:
1. a careful analysis of market trends for specific segments according to product typology, distribution channels, price range, destination area
2. examination of development trends considering variables such as employment, inflation, profitability rates.
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Market strategies

CSIL elaborates strategic marketing and investment strategies for specific SMEs sectors at national and international level. The goal is to provide operational advices to SMEs actors on market and investment opportunities in selected countries at national level.
Our experts identify export and trade opportunities for specific countries and they analyse their competitive position in relation to certain products. They suggest alternative market penetration strategies and advice on cluster policies. Additionally, our experts provide practical information (taxation, custom duties, etc.) for export to selected countries.
Moreover, our experts provide informational support and practical guidance about the international trade fair system to furniture operators, in order to stress the importance of trade fairs for the business strategy of companies, and describe what use can be made of them.
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Training and capacity building

Training services aim at enforcing the strategic planning, both for the public and private sectors, in program planning and management, as well as at transferring know-how in program and project planning. The final goal is to strengthen institutional capacity building of public administrations. Our approach to training is participatory, based on the constant involvement of and interaction with trainees. It focuses on a wise interaction of theory and practical case studies. CSIL consultants have performed several training sessions on behalf of public officials from the European Commission or the Italian regional and local administrations. Some of the tools adopted during training include also self-evaluation, group exercises, and simulations.
CSIL elaborates training formulas for companies, trade unions and corporations from the public and private sectors.
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Forestry and natural resources management

CSIL experts performed several studies involving the identification of forest resources in selected areas and their development opportunities. Forest products and resources are assessed especially in relation to the potential supply of raw material for industrial processing activities. An investigation of the structure, ownership, management and restructuring options of the forestry sector in selected areas, as well as a detailed survey of almost half of the production facilities and market research for the related products, are carried out. The final goal is to provide the clients with recommendations on how to improve the competitiveness and develop the existing production and revitalize the whole sector.
(Click here to view description of our relevant projects in this activity)