The economic outlook for Milan is promising, with entrepreneurs anticipating a GDP growth of 1.7% by 2026, largely driven by the upcoming Olympics. The tourism sector is thriving, with 8.7 million arrivals recorded, and the city continues to attract foreign students, now totaling 20,000. While investments in the property sector remain strong at 3.2 billion euros, there is a noticeable decline in foreign investments aimed at acquiring new talents and enhancing innovation, along with a drop in Italian students pursuing higher education, now at 215,000.

This summary is based on a report presented by Assolombarda and Milano&Partners during the fifth edition of "Your Next Milano," held at Casa Italia in Triennale. The annual report focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of the city, providing a foundation for discussion among stakeholders about Milan's future economic landscape. The goal is to harness the momentum of the Olympic Games and use the city’s new skills and organizational capabilities to facilitate a new cycle of growth.

The report underlines the importance of positioning Milan as a vibrant hub for both commerce and education, while expressing concerns about the declining number of domestic students. The findings suggest that while the city is set for growth, targeted strategies may be necessary to counteract the decrease in local talent and maintain its competitive edge in innovation and education. This reflects broader concerns about regional development in the context of an evolving global economy.