In the current context of rapid change and global uncertainties, the internationalisation strategies of companies must adapt to a constantly changing geopolitical landscape. To meet these challenges, Octagona has launched "International Talks", a new webinar format designed to explore numerous topics related to the challenges and opportunities that Italian companies encounter on their path to growth in international markets.
For the opening meeting, the focus theme was the geopolitical context emerging in this 2025. Understanding geopolitical dynamics is key to anticipating risks and opportunities in international markets. Even more so at a time of great uncertainty such as the current one in which Italian companies, amidst fears of new trade barriers and the economic slowdown, are trying to get their bearings in defining their next internationalisation strategies.
To explore these issues, Alessandro Fichera brought together a group of leading experts: Enrico Verga, geopolitical expert and journalist, participated in the discussion together with Francesca Alicata, Chief External Relations of SIMEST, Valentina Temporelli, Global OEM Sales Director of Landi Renzo SpA, And Francesco Trenti, General Manager of Dinamic Oil SpA. Together, they explored the directions in which companies should turn to identify more solid opportunities and navigate less uncertain terrain in the coming months.
One of the main themes that emerged concerns the global dynamics that are influencing the business internationalisation strategies. As Enrico Verga also stated, the concept of multipolarity has gained ground in recent years, overcoming the previous 'pax americana' that dominated the global landscape. In the past, the dollar was universally accepted and international trade rules were largely influenced by the US, creating a predictable environment for companies.
However, with the emergence of new powers such as the BRICS, the world is becoming increasingly multipolar: the political choices of recent decades, from wars in the Middle East to tensions in Ukraine, have contributed to this change. Moreover, China, through strategic investments and the construction of global infrastructure, is expanding its influence without resorting to military force. This has led to a new reality in which companies have to navigate a complex and ever-changing geopolitical environment, where old certainties no longer apply.
In a global context marked by instability and accelerated transformation, Italian companies are faced with complex strategic choices often in the absence of complete information. In this scenario, SIMEST - a Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group company - plays a crucial role in supporting internationalisation paths, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
As stressed by Francesca Alicata, representative of SIMEST, the support offered takes the form of subsidised financial instruments that aim to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Italian companies in foreign markets. These include subsidised loans of 0.4%, which represent a concrete opportunity for SMEs to develop and consolidate even in a fragmented and highly competitive geopolitical context.
A case of an Italian company that has successfully faced the many challenges of international expansion is Landi Renzo the Group specialises in the design and production of gas fuelling systems for motor vehicles - in particular LPG, natural gas and hydrogen - with an ongoing commitment to the decarbonisation of transport.
Landi Renzo's internationalisation began as early as the 1960s, as Valentina Temporelli reports, thanks to a strategic vision oriented towards geographical diversification and the enhancement of local skills. The company consolidated its presence in key markets such as Europe, IndiaChina and South America, through the opening of subsidiaries and the establishment of joint ventures with local industrial partners. In particular, entry into Asian markets was driven by the need to respond to emerging environmental regulations and the growing demand for low environmental impact solutions. The direct presence in foreign territories has certainly been a determining factor in correctly interpreting market dynamics, building trusting relationships with local stakeholders and speeding up decision-making processes. This is accompanied by a structural investment in research and developmentwith more than 100 resources dedicated to technological innovation and testing new solutions, including hydrogen and energy transition projects.
The combination of far-sighted governance, in-depth knowledge of international markets and an orientation towards innovation makes Landi Renzo a virtuous model of sustainable internationalisation, able to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global context with solidity and flexibility.
Another example of corporate internationalisation that has produced remarkable results is the case of Dynamic Oil, a company founded in the province of Modena and now established as a global player in planetary gearboxes and winches for industrial and mobile applications. With over fifty years of history, the company has built its competitive advantage by focusing on technological innovation, product quality and the ability to customise its service, elements that have fostered solid growth in foreign markets.
Over the years, Dinamic Oil has structured an articulated international presence, with seven branchesincluding two strategic locations in India and Chinawhich have enabled it to get closer to local customers, improve response times and offer tailor-made solutions. In particular, as Francesco Trenti says, India is now a major production hub, not only for the domestic market but also as a base to serve high-demand areas such as China and the Americas.
Here too, the emphasis should be placed on the company's ability to adapt to complex scenarios, as demonstrated by the reshaping of the strategy in China - active since 2004 - where growing local competition and pandemic-related difficulties have made it necessary to rethink the commercial approach. In contrast, the investment made in India during the COVID-19 period proved particularly far-sighted: it enabled the company to intercept new market opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly expanding environment.
In conclusion, strategic flexibility, an international outlook and continuous investment in market proximity are key elements for seizing the opportunities offered by an uncertain but potential-rich global context. Dinamic Oil's experience shows how an Italian SME can succeed abroad by combining territorial roots and openness to change.
Thus, a concept that is widely confirmed by direct testimony is that there are two key elements for international growth: time and the ability to optimise information in order to make quick and informed decisions. In a fluid and complex global environment, it is essential for companies to be able to interpret specific situations and identify the most promising markets for their industry.
So, in the face of these considerations and the unfolding geopolitical scenario, where should Italian SMEs focus their efforts in the coming months?
Key markets in global trade are the Middle East, with theSaudi Arabia and Iran, which stands out for its investments in modernisation and logistics. But India, with its nationalist politics and relations with both the West and the BRICS, also offers unique opportunities. L'Indonesiaone of the most populous countries outside of China and India, is evolving from a supplier of raw materials to a producer of semi-finished products, thanks in part to Chinese investment. These markets, with growing domestic demand and relative stability, represent significant opportunities for Italian companies, especially those specialising in processing and machinery manufacturing. In a world of changing geopolitical dynamics, Italian companies can leverage their historical capacity for innovation and adaptation to thrive in these emerging markets.
We have confirmations: for Dinamic Oil, the palmoil industry in Indonesia represents a significant opportunity, but interest is also oriented towards South America and the BRICS markets, which are trying to assert their economic and financial hegemony; for Landi Renzo, on the other hand, Africa and Central Asian countries are the emerging markets of interest, and to conquer them one must not forget the importance of local presence and proximity to the customer in order to understand the specific needs of each market.
Finally, an assessment of the role of the United States in the current geopolitical context. Despite the large debt, the US maintains a strong military projection and the importance of the dollar in global transactions. However, the importance of the dollar may decline, affecting the US ability to manage debt. The US should also begin to accept a more multipolar role, sharing global leadership with emerging powers such as China and Russia, which requires a new political and economic vision.
The consolidation of China as a global technological and industrial power is progressively redrawing geopolitical and economic balances, challenging the historical US leadership in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and space exploration. In this context, it is crucial for companies to devise internationalisation strategies that are aware of the changes taking place and capable of adapting to an increasingly fragmented and competitive global context.
In parallel, the need for Europe - and for Italy in particular - to define an autonomous foreign trade policy capable of seizing the opportunities arising from a multipolar international order is clearly emerging. Companies are therefore called upon to rethink their growth models in foreign markets, adopting more flexible, resilient and consistent approaches with the evolution of the global scenario.
The talk, available in full at this linkprovided an opportunity to introduce key concepts for companies in the current geopolitical context. This event marks the beginning of a series of meetings dedicated to topics crucial for companies aspiring to expand their sales abroad.
Learn more about the activities of Octagona, a leader in internationalisation and business strategies, we invite you to contact us.
Are you interested in our service?
Fill out the form or contact us at the number
+39 059 9770184
Copyright © Octagona. All rights reserved. P.I. 02646871208
