With its dynamic, solid economy and leading academic and research institutions like Politecnico di Milano (Lecco Campus) and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, the province of Lecco is an attractive location to foreign investors. Situated only 45 km from Milano, Lecco has deep industrial roots. Mechanical industry and textiles are still the key sectors, with more than 4,900 manufacturing companies out of over 27,000 businesses. Over 35% of value added comes from industry and the province ranks 1st in Lombardy and 2nd in Italy for its manufacturing "weight". The province is also 1st in Italy and 61st in the EU in terms of per capita industrial value added.
The local economy is driven by enterprising people with diverse top professional skills in a SME-oriented environment (99% of the total, with 50.9% of them in the shape of corporations). Lecco is wide open to international trade too, and its trade balance is widely positive (+1.1 billion Euro). 72.2% of the area’s exports go to other EU countries.
High quality of human capital (both skilled workers and entrepreneurs), thanks to the presence of top professional schools, a major technical university (the new Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano), excellent laboratories, research and technology transfer centres.
Extensive expertise in a range of sectors: mechanical, engineering, textiles, boating, cutlery, construction, new materials, energy, rehabilitation and civil protection. Friendly communities, nice cities (Lecco, the main town, has a population of 48,000), and beautiful landscapes mean that the area has a lot of potential for tourism.
Local businesses and leading firms in specific market niches looking to internationalise can count on strong economic and social support from networks of economic associations, local institutions and firms.
Lecco is strategically located only 45 km from Milano and there are toll-free motorways and train links between the two. The 3 main northern Italian airports (Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio) are all within 90 km (Orio within 40 km and Linate within 55 km).
Due to its limited size, geographic variety, and providing a representative segment of the Italian population, Lecco has been chosen as a "test area" for new and experimental products and initiatives (smart cards for businesses and the Italian National Health Service, for instance).
Mechanical industry is vital to Lecco and covers three main areas of manufacture: threads, flat rolled metal products and billets. The concentration of expertise, strong process integration, machinery and automation tools and ongoing technological development within the local industrial district helps local companies grow. The result is a fast and personalised response to business needs. (Please take a look at this website:www.leccomech.com)
The province has significant potential for tourism, which is yet to be fully exploited. One of Europe’s deepest lakes (ideal for canoeing, sailing and diving), the nearby mountains (fit for skiing, climbing, biking, paragliding and hiking), the beautiful green hills in the south, a number of historical and religious monuments and business tourism all equate to excellent opportunities for new development and service providers.
In Lecco there is an industrial district exclusively dedicated to upholstery. Production ranges from velvet to jacquard weaving and the high quality of manufactured goods is shown by export rates (some businesses export up to 80% of their output).The district manufactures more than 50% of the Italian textile output for architecture, furnishing and car industries and develops innovatives.
(Please take a look at this website: www.leccotextile.com)
Energy, Green economy, Sustainable building Local firms are very aware of business opportunities provided by "green economy" and new energy-saving technology. Laboratories and research units in the Lecco Campus of Politecnico di Milano and at Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche ensure ongoing improvement and high innovation standards throughout the supply chain. Lecco has heeded the regional government's call for innovative districts in the field.
Top national and international bodies and rehabilitation centres (La Nostra Famiglia, Valduce/Villa Beretta hospital, INRCA) are based in Lecco. Politecnico di Milano and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche also possess advanced knowledge. These entities cooperate to develop tools and prototypes which local businesses turn into products. Lecco has heeded the regional government's call for innovative districts also in this field.
