Many U.S. manufacturers have been incorporating offshoring or overseas outsourcing into their business models for decades, weighing the opportunities and challenges of working with a manufacturing partner abroad. One Italian organization, however, is giving North American manufacturers greater access to Italian technology closer to home. 

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is a governmental agency that supports the business development of Italian companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investments in Italy. Through a worldwide network of 87 offices in 74 countries, ITA provides information, assistance, consultations, promotions, and training to small and medium-sized Italian businesses.