Key projects

Ex-post evaluation of the Observatory of European SMEs (2004) - The Project consisted of the ex-post evaluation of the Observatory of European SMEs; it aimed at providing an element to decide on the future role and structure of the Observatory, set up in 1992 in order to fill in an information gap concerning SMEs in Europe. The Final Report included the analysis and data processing on the basis of the following evaluation main criteria: 1) Relevance; 2) Quality; 3) Dissemination and effectiveness; 4) Cost-effectiveness. The evaluation ended with a final assessment and recommendations on the future role of the Observatory (CSIL with IRS, Milan).
European Commission, DG Enterprise

Update of MEANS (1999-2003) - The Project aimed at producing the latest edition of the MEANS (Méthodes d'Evaluation des Actions de Nature Structurelle / Methods for Evaluating Activities of a Structural Nature) manuals taking into account the recent developments in the evaluation, policy and regulatory context of Structural Funds. The manuals serve as a guide to evaluators, evaluation policy-makers, and other parties concerned, on the concepts, principles, issues and practices involved in order to plan and carry out evaluations. CSIL especially revised the sections on cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis.
European Commission, DG Regio

Draft of three subsequent editions of the Guide for Cost-benefit analysis of Investment projects within the framework of Structural Funds, Cohesion Funds and ISPA (1994-2002) - The project aimed at writing the Methodological Guide used at the Evaluation Unit of DG Regio as a support for the selection of the projects to be funded by Structural Funds, Cohesion Funds and ISPA. The main topics of Cost-benefit analysis are the following: project identification, objectives definition, feasibility study, financial analysis, economic analysis, risk analysis, the calculation of rates of return and the decision of co-financing.
European Commission, DG Regio

Preparation of a pre-feasibility and feasibility study for the creation of the NUVV (public investment evaluation units) network (2001)- The pre-feasibility study aimed at outlining the general organisational framework for the NUVV after identifying the reasons why they should be developed. The feasibility study aimed at outlining a project proposal for the creation of the NUVV. More specifically, it focused on: 1) NUVV organizational structure; 2) identification of services provided by the NUVV; 3) identification of best possible institutional framework for the sustainability of the NUVV.
FORMEZ on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance

Independent expert of the technical committee assessing the performance reserve selected indicators (2000-2001) - One of our experts was appointed by the EC regional economic panel to the analysis of Italian regional and national managing authorities' reports on the performance of indicators used for each OP. He took part to the Italian technical committee, contributing to the draft of the final report, after reading the reports from the regional and managing authorities on each indicator.
European Commission, DG Regio
Independent Appraisal of the Regional development Plan Obj. 1-2 -Italy (2000-2001) - The project provided an analysis of the Development Plan for Mezzogiorno on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance together with an ex-ante evaluation of its National Operational Programmes as well as Regional Operational Programmes. CSIL also provided an analysis and ex-ante evaluation of the Single Programming Documents for obj. 2 regions.
European Commission, DG Regio

Independent Appraisal of the Regional development Plan Obj. 1-2 -Italy (2000-2001) - The project provided an analysis of the Development Plan for Mezzogiorno on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance together with an ex-ante evaluation of its National Operational Programmes as well as Regional Operational Programmes. CSIL also provided an analysis and ex-ante evaluation of the Single Programming Documents for obj. 2 regions.
European Commission, DG Regio

Selected SMEs industry in the EU new member countries (2004) - This study provided a cross-country view of macroeconomic conditions and the forecast repercussions of enlargement process upon selected SMEs sectors in the ten new acceding countries and the three candidates Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. The specific study covering the trend of specific SME industry in the past years is followed by an analysis of the business climate of each country. The last paragraph of each chapter is dedicated to the key issue of the present report: the formulation of forecasts on production, consumption, exports and imports. In order to try to give as accurate forecasts as possible, an econometric approach was used, which, through the construction of suitable models, makes the study possible of the trend of the main economic indicators in the near future.
Multiclient report

Scenarios and development policies for Italian main manufacturing districts (2004) - The study aimed at analysing development policies (legal framework and projects) as well as production factors, turnover, export together with a SWOT analysis of Italian most important eight manufacturing districts. It also contains a comparative analysis of Italian districts as the most representative sample of policies and trends related to SMEs.
Multiclient report

Half-year survey-Wood and furniture macro-sectors (2002-2003) - The research project aimed at providing wood and furniture industry enterprises as well as people organizing fairs in the wood-furniture sectors with the proper information tools suited to their needs. CSIL experts performed a sample survey including 500 enterprises. The project offered analyses in 2 main macro-sectors: 1) Wood and wood-related products; 2) Furniture. Analyses provided information for the trends in the following (breakdown by segment, turnover, number of employees, geographical areas): 1) production; 2) Turnover trends; 3) Prices; 4) Number of employees; 5) Productivity use; 6) Sales; 7) Export; 8) Forecast sales.
Multiclient report

Consumption profiles: products, prices and distribution channels of a SME sector (2002-2003) - This study had three main goals: 1) identify typologies of a SME sector sold and related purchase frequency in the period under exam (may 2002-may 2003) with respect to previous years; 2) assess the importance of distribution channels according to the identified typologies and with respect to previous years; 3) identify related prices (average, median value) in different market ranges (cheap, average, high).
Multiclient report

Labour cost and profitability in a SME sector (2001) - This research analysed structural and short-term trends for some lines of products within specific SME industry sectors in order to provide management and labour with a tool supporting contractual bargaining at the firm and national levels. CSIL experts performed an analysis of the national macroeconomic context (20 years period), and of the turnover of selected industries. They also performed a comparative analysis of main indicators used for selected lines of products.
FILLEA-CGIL (trade unions)

Short-term and forecast studies on a SME sector in Italy and identification of development opportunities (2000-2001) - The study consisted of a direct survey conducted on a sample of 500 enterprises of the whole distribution channel. Data collection reflected the main variables of the firms' activities (turnover, number of employees, exports, R&D, logistics, Human resources…) in order to provide a picture of the Italian industrial sectors. Moreover, an econometric model was used for the forecasts of the main variables and in order to draw some analysis about future trends and development opportunities. The final results were analysed in a series of reports, used both by entrepreneurs and public bodies such as business associations, chambers of commerce and development agencies.
COSMIT

Elaboration of cluster-oriented policies in the Polesine and Basso Veronese municipia (2003) - The consortium for the development of Polesine area charged CSIL experts with the task of analyzing the production system of a SME sector linking the Polesine (5 municipia) and Basso Veronese (29 municipia) districts. The results would have been used by Veneto region for its common Cluster program. The objective of the study was to identify and analyze the relations between Polesine and Basso Veronese in order to integrate development policies for both districts.
CONSVIPO

Internationalisation of a SME district in Pesaro: recent trends, opportunities and threats for development policies (2003)- The project consisted of a study for the special agency of the local chamber of commerce on the internationalisation strategy of the SMEs in the local cluster. Specifically it aimed at understanding whether entrepreneurs were more interested in the mere delocalisation of productive plants in more competitive regions or they were looking for partnerships and networks.
ASPIN-Pesaro

Competitiveness analysis for selected manufacturers in Bassa Veronese and development policies for the cluster (2002) - This project aimed at answering some questions raised by the main local actors of the cluster about the capacity to foster and manage policies for the promotion of traditional local industrial production. This study has supported the cluster promotion
a) giving an updated picture of trends and competitiveness features of the sector;
b) making recommendations on specific initiatives to be promoted.
Another important objective was to increase the degree of participation of local actors sharing objectives and awareness.
CNA- Confartigianato

Organization and development of the craft district in Varaita valley (1999-2001) - The project aimed at revitalising and developing the craft district in Valle Varaita, dealing with the competitive pressures from the European Union enlargement (2004). Stakeholders included SMEs as well as local artisans. During the first phase the theoretical grounds of the project were developed: studies and research on the sector, products and production structure, as well as training on behalf of local entrepreneurs. The second phase aimed at devising a common marketing strategy for the whole valley, identifying the peculiar added value from local products and innovating them (CSIL with Polytechnic of Milan).
Agenzia del legno, Interreg II

Structure and strategies for the crafts sector in Bassa Veronese and Padua areas (1998) - EBAV (Bilateral Agency for Veneto craft industry) charged CSIL experts with a research on crafts sector in Bassa Veronese and Padua areas. The objective of the research was to analyse the features and performance competitiveness of the district crafts enterprises with respect to a specific Italian SME industry. Besides the on-field data processing, the research used CSIL databases.
EBAV

Industry country profiles (2004) - These study profiles constitute a Competitiveness Observatory for a selected SME sector and related industries in sixty countries. The reports provide a worldwide perspective on competitiveness of an industrial sectors and is a yearly multiclient project. Drawing from an internally developed database of SMEs, CSIL experts issue reports on the competitiveness status of specific SME sectors worldwide providing performance analysis of enterprises on selected indicators, such as investment in R&D, exports, etc. Yearly reports concerned the following countries or regional groups: European Union, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, China and Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Middle East, India, Australia and New Zealand, USA and Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.
Multiclient reports

Brazil-Due diligence-Moveis Carraro-Rio Grande do Sul (2003-2004) - The project aimed at assessing the Moveis Carraro company's ability to develop its strategy, with specific reference to (but not limited to) the "Criare" project and the advisability of financing the short-medium term development of the company with a US$ 5 million loan by Interamerican Investment Corporation or IIC. More specifically, the following features were analysed: management and property; compliance with social health and environmental laws, regulations and standards; capital and operating costs, financial projections; market structure; risks.
Interamerican investment corporation

Operational planning of integrated systems and industrial filière within the PIAT (Integrated Project for earthquake-hit Areas, 2002-2003) - The project was approved within the context of the Umbria region PIAT (Integrated Project for earthquake-hit Areas) and aimed at elaborating project ideas for the development of identified industrial areas targeting some of their weaknesses (fragmentation, small size, weak collaboration, etc.), (CSIL with IRS, Milan).
Umbria region

European Project SMART Furniture for the Fifth Framework Programme for European SMEs (2001-2003) - The project aimed at developing a European system of economic and technological intelligence suited to the information needs of the furniture SMEs management. All specific objectives converged to achieve the general objective of the accompanying Measures Economic and Technological Intelligence of the programme "Promotion of Innovation and Encouragement of SME participation", which involves the use of existing sources to identify SME needs and anticipate market and technological trends (CSIL with AIDIMA, Spain).
European Commission, 5th Framework Programme.

Project FORMER-Italian mezzogiorno furniture and furnishing subcontracting (1998) - The project FORMER consisted of promotion and supporting activities to subcontracting from Mezzogiorno. CSIL was part of the consortium "ATI Summa" and contributed to the second phase of project which specifically targeted potential clients, identifying them, and increasing their involvement as well as their demand for subcontracting. CSIL experts selected specific projects to improve the matching between demand from clients and supply from subcontracting (CSIL in the consortium ATI SUMMA comprising NOVA srl and Ipsia "G. Meroni")- IPI (The Institute for Industrial Promotion) co financed by the European Commission.
IPI (The Institute for Industrial Promotion) co financed by the European Commission

The fashion system in Tuscany-A comparative analysis of competitive scenarios and labour demand (1997-1998)- This research analysed firms producing consumption goods within the "fashion system" of Tuscany region. A sample of 50 representative firms was chosen for interviews. The objective of the research was to provide ORML (Osservatorio Regionale sul Mercato del Lavoro) of Tuscany region with important information on trends of labour demand from the fashion system (CSIL on behalf of CIRIEC)
Tuscany Region

Chair manufacturing district in Udine and its competitive position in the international market (1997)- This research was part of a project aimed at assessing the competitive position of main Italian manufacturing districts in order to provide trade unions with valuable information for devising new contractual strategies. CSIL experts investigated the following: 1) market trends for specific segments according to product typology, distribution channels, price range, destination area, etc.; 2) development trends considering variables such as employment, inflation, profitability rates; 3) SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities threats) for Udine chair district. Research was based mainly on sources of information and data collected and originally elaborated by CSIL. FILLEA-CGIL, FILCA-CISL, FENEAL UIL (trade unions)

The goldsmith district of Arezzo-Competitiveness study (1996-1997)- This study consisted of an analysis of competitive factors of gold firms in Arezzo. Their legal status, product typology, export, turnover, profitability were all taken into account to assess the competitiveness of the district with respect to foreign firms or other important Italian goldsmith districts such as those of Vicenza and Valenza Po. Recommendations took into account training needs as a strategic factor to increase the competitiveness of the district (CSIL on behalf of CIRIEC).
Tuscany Region

Innovation for the competitiveness of upholstered furniture-Analysis of a group of firms in the Forlì area (1996)- The study aimed at identifying strengths, weaknesses and status of production technology for a group of firms producing upholstered furniture through a field survey (visits and interviews) to a sample of firms. The final objective was to suggest solutions for the development of the industrial district as well as for the consolidation of already achieved results.
Forlì municipality

Philippines-Market opportunities for Philippine manufacturers in the European Market (2004) - This study assessed market opportunities for Philippine manufacturers in the European Market and suggested alternative market penetration strategies and advice on cluster policies. The content of this study constituted the basis of a presentation performed by a CSIL senior expert at CEBU workshop held on 29-30 January 2004 (CSIL).
CEBU industries

Russia-Market analysis in Russia (2004) - This report aimed at elaborating operational recommendations to SMEs of Padua area willing to invest in Russia. It focused on business opportunities especially in Moscow and S. Petersburg metropolitan areas. After analyzing local market structure, segmentation and distribution channels, the report included practical informations and suggestions on export to Russia (custom, taxation) as well as on potential partners for joint ventures (CSIL).
Studio Giolai

Trade fairs for a specific SME sector around the world: success factors (2003)- Purpose of the research was to draw a picture of the current situation and to provide an outlook of a specific SME sector trade fair system world-wide through the realisation of a benchmarking system of the major fair events in order to help fairs customers and organisers to assess the event performance.
This work aimed to provide informational support and a practical guide about the international trade fair system to trade 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 (CSIL).
Multi-client report

Trade strategies and business plan for the project MUSEOMUSEO (1996)- The project aimed at regulating, organizing and improve the market strategy of products inspired by Tuscany museums artifacts. One of CSIL senior experts was member of the technical-scientific committee and the working group charged with the draft of the charter of principles for the project. The same working group elaborated a distribution strategy for these products, selected the ones to be included in a general catalogue according to specific criteria.
ARTEX

Conversion of former stock exchange in Por S.Maria, Florence, into a virtual information network for local firms (1996)- Florence chamber of commerce charged CSIL with the task to analyze different options to convert the former stock exchange in Por S.Maria, Florence, into a virtual information network for local firms. CSIL experts elaborated services the new network could offer to all interested firms and international buyers as well as professionals willing to develop their trade relations with Florence. This intiative tried to coordinate already existent entities promoting and supporting trade and productive activities of local firms through fairs, exhibitions, showrooms, etc…(CSIL).
Chamber of Commerce, Florence

Preparation and management of training on Cost Benefit Analysis for Commission Officials of the Evaluation Unit of DG Regio, Brussels (2001-2003) - The seminars aimed at providing the officials with training activities about the main contents of the Guide to cost benefit analysis used by the Evaluation Unit as a tool for project appraisal. Training activities dealt with the main topics of cost benefit analysis, such as project identification, demand analysis, options analysis, financial analysis, economic and risk analysis. The training activities included also a discussion with the officials about the main methodological misunderstanding occurring in the project dossiers submitted for co-funding.
European Commission, DG Regio

NUVAL project training(2000-2001) - The seminars aimed at providing the evaluation units personnel with training activities in the cost-benefit analysis and assessment of public investments from central and regional administration.
FORMEZ on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance

National survey on training needs of craft enterprises-Structural analysis for Lombardia, Tuscany and Marches regions (1999)- The analysis was performed by CSIL experts within the second phase of the project promoted by EBNA and funded by the ESF. The purpose of this study was to analyze the structural features of main craft enterprises in Lombardia, Tuscany and Marches regions. CSIL experts used mainly structural variables and used data obtained through questionnaries sent to a sample of craft enterprises.
EBNA (National Bilateral Agency for Craft Enterprises) and ESF (European Social Fund)

Market study on Val Camonica forest products (1999-2000) - The study aimed at analyzing the main features and performance competitiveness of forest products in Val Camonica (Brescia, Italy) with respect to Italian industry in this sector. It identified weaknesses and strengths, threats and opportunities for a series of forest products from Val Camonica. Finally it contained recommendations on how to improve the competitiveness and develop the existing production and revitalize the whole sector.
Studio Associato di Consulenza Forestale e Ambientale

Valorization of forest resources (1999-2000) - The study aimed at assessing the feasibility of a pilot-project for the valorization of the wood filière in the Parma-Piacenza Appennino area. CSIL experts devised a business plan for the creation of a wood agency providing services to forest owners for a better use and management of resources. The project consisted of the following three phases: 1) Analysis of availability and characteristics of forest resources in the Parma-Piacenza Appennino and competitiveness market analysis of its products; 2) Socio-economic context and legal framework analysis; 3) Feasibility study of the project.
SOPRIP Parma (Local Development Agency)

Bosnia and Herzegovina-Initial investigation of the forestry and timber industry (1996-1998) - The study consisted of a review of the forestry sector and the timber production and industrial processing activities in BiH and especially of SIPAD. This is a majority state owned group that prior to the recent conflict accounted for the majority of the woodworking processes in BiH. The pre-war and current forestry resources were assessed according to the ToR, 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 SIPAD, as well as a detailed survey of almost half of the production facilities and market research for the related products, were carried out (CSIL with Unternehmensberatung G. Schuler & Partner GbmH).
International Finance Corporation

Special Project RAISA (Advanced Research for Innovation in the Agricultural System)-Forest filière models for integrated economic and environment programming (1998)- The research had three main objectives: 1) Build an econometric model for the wood furniture sector; 2) Update the database built for the Italian Research Council and extend it to other countries; 3) Plan and implement a forecast system for main actors in the wood furniture sector.
RAISA (Advanced Research for Innovation in the Agricultural System)