Today, the country once best known for fine cuisine and romantic vacations has become a world leader in manufacturing, machinery, and related fields. Now Italy’s leaders are staking their future on digitalization, education, and strategic collaboration.

When your thoughts turn to Italy, which products, services, and industries immediately come to mind? “You probably think of food, fast cars, fashion, wine, design, tourism—and all of that is good,” says Michele Scannavini, president of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which promotes the internationalization of Italian companies. But now Italy’s leaders want the world to recognize their country’s 21st-century strengths in advanced manufacturing, machinery, robotics, and related areas as well.