At the end of January, the President of Regione Basilicata Vito Bardi met in Potenza with American Consul in Naples Terrence Flynn to discuss new forms of cooperation between southern Italy and the American market. The talks focused on building long-term partnerships in strategic sectors such as aerospace, renewable energy, technological innovation and international tourism.
Basilicata has been positioning itself for years as a competitive player in the aerospace field. The region is home to a structured industrial ecosystem that includes more than 30 specialized companies, several research centers and a growing number of highly skilled professionals.
According to regional data, the aerospace sector in Basilicata generates hundreds of millions of euros annually and employs over 5,000 people directly and indirectly. Strengthening ties with U.S. institutions and companies is seen as a key step toward expanding this network and attracting new investment.
Regional leaders highlighted opportunities linked to satellite technologies, Earth observation, advanced materials and space-related services. These areas are considered central to the future space economy, which globally is expected to exceed $1 trillion within the next decade. Basilicata aims to secure a role in this growth by aligning local expertise with American research programs and industrial partners.
Energy transition was another major topic. Basilicata already produces a significant share of its electricity from renewable sources, including wind and solar, and regional authorities see collaboration with U.S. firms as a way to accelerate innovation in storage systems, hydrogen technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
Tourism was also part of the discussion, particularly “roots tourism.” An estimated 6 million Americans claim Italian ancestry, and thousands trace their family origins to Basilicata. By promoting cultural heritage, historical villages and genealogical travel experiences, the region hopes to increase international arrivals and extend average stays beyond the current 2–3 days.
The meeting closed with a shared intention to encourage business missions, academic exchanges and joint research projects. Both sides emphasized that economic cooperation can build on existing cultural ties, transforming historical connections into concrete opportunities for growth. For Basilicata, the United States represents not only a strategic market, but also a partner capable of supporting innovation, global visibility and long-term development across multiple sectors.
