The global success of the Made in Italy brand has been built on a winning combination of style, exceptional craftsmanship, aesthetics, family heritage, and a commitment to innovation and technology.
Many companies have played a pivotal role in reinforcing its value by offering top quality products and services across a wide range of sectors, including food, fashion, furniture, automotive, engineering, research, and tourism.
The reputation of Made in Italy has frequently surpassed economic fluctuations and competition from markets offering lower cost products, which often happen to be its primary consumers.
However, what is the current perception of Made in Italy? Does it still provide a competitive edge for businesses? How has it evolved over time, and does it continue to hold the same meaning for newer generations?
Curated and moderated by Daniel Gava, this discussion aims to delve into the present status and anticipate the future of one of the world’s most iconic labels. This exploration will be enriched by the personal insights of two distinguished guests, visionary architect and designer Nigel Coates and Rodi Basso, CEO of E1 Series, the world’s first Electric Powerboat Championship.
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Rodi Basso is an Aerospace Engineer and began his career at NASA’s Goddard Center in the U.S., implementing advanced electronic technologies for satellite data intelligence. Transitioning to Race Engineering, he contributed to five Formula 1 championships with Scuderia Ferrari (2000–2005) and played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s first podium finish in 2006. Afterward, he focused on business development, holding senior roles at Magneti Marelli and McLaren Group. Today, Rodi serves as CEO and co-founder of the E1 World Championship with Alejandro Agag, the creator of Formula E and Extreme E. E1, the world’s first electric powerboat series, aims to revolutionize the entertainment industry and accelerate marine electrification. Rodi remains active as an advisor for tech firms and universities and participates regularly in thought leadership conferences. LinkedIn Instagram: @rodibasso @e1series
Nigel Coates is a visionary architect and designer who blends art, intelligence, and passion in his work. Trained at the Architectural Association, his ideas, inspired by the energy of urban life, have shaped buildings, interiors, and exhibitions worldwide, notably in Japan and the UK. His experimental works, including Ecstacity (1992) and Mixtacity(2007), have been showcased at prestigious venues like Tate Modern and the Venice Architecture Biennale. Renowned for his biomorphic designs for lighting and furniture, he collaborates with leading Italian brands such as Alessi, Richard Ginori, Gebruther Thonet Vienna, Poltronova and Fornasetti. His creations are in museum collections like the V&A. An accomplished author, Coates’ memoir Lives in Architecture (2022) highlights his extraordinary career. In 2023, he was honoured as a RIBA Fellow and Royal Academician in Architecture. Linkedin Instagram @nigelcoates_projects
Daniel Gava. Based in London since 2011, Daniel works as a Board Advisor for design companies and designers to help them expand their business and maintain the relevance of their brand, leveraging his extensive knowledge of the dynamics and key players in the design industry. Passionate innovator and connector, Daniel has been a prominent figure in the London design scene for many years, advocating for creativity, design culture, and inclusion. Current and past collaborations include among others Arper, Minotti, Moroso, Virgin Galactic, Poltrona Frau, Michele De Lucchi, Studio Waldemeyer and Lualdi. Daniel is Board Member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, Ambassador of the London School of Architecture and has been nominated as Testimonial for the International Italian Design Day 2022 by the Italian Consulate in the UK. . LinkedIn Instagram: @danielgavaworks