The ASSOMAC General Assembly brought together sector representatives, academia, and finance experts to shape the future of the fashion industry. President Mauro Bergozza stressed that competitiveness can only be achieved through collaboration and innovation.
The General Assembly of ASSOMAC (Italian Association of Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods and Tanning Machinery) concluded under the theme “Growth, Collaboration, and Innovation for Europe’s Fashion Industry.” The event gathered member companies, public institutions, industry stakeholders, academics, and finance professionals in a strategic dialogue platform.
Amid a complex economic and geopolitical landscape, the need to act collectively to manage industrial transformation and enhance the competitiveness of the sector came to the forefront.
In his opening remarks, ASSOMAC President Mauro Bergozza stated:
“Competitiveness today is built together—through business networks, strategic alliances, investments in R&D, and a strong presence in Europe. Innovation is not only technical but also cultural and organizational. Collaboration is the key to overcoming challenges. Fragmentation in our sector is still too high. This limits our ability to invest in innovation, digitalization, and internationalization. Coming together is no longer optional—it is essential for survival and growth.”
The keynote speech by Professor Giuliano Noci (Politecnico di Milano) and the panel discussion moderated by Luca Orlando (Il Sole 24 Ore) reinforced the central message: the industry needs vision, investment, and alliances to evolve and elevate Made in Italy technologies in the global fashion ecosystem.
Special thanks were extended to the attending authorities: Maurizio Tarquini (Confindustria) and Maurizio Forte (ITA – Italian Trade Agency), as well as to the panelists: LUCA SBURLATI (Confindustria Moda – Textile and Fashion Federation), Erika Andreetta (PwC Italy), Guido Cami (Industrie Chimiche Forestali), Alberto Russo (Russo De Rosa Associati), Micaele Pietro Golferenzo (Fideuram – Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking), and Edoardo Imperiale (Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Pelli).
ASSOMAC also expressed its gratitude to all the member companies and guests who joined this institutional day at the Kilometro Rosso research hub. The Association reaffirms its commitment to building pathways for the future of the industry alongside the entire value chain.
