


Italy (Italian: Italia [iˈtaːlja] (listen)), officially the Italian Republic (Italian: Repubblica Italiana [reˈpubblika itaˈljaːna]),[10][11][12][13] is a European country[a] consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean sea and traversed along its length by the Apennines, Italy has a largely temperate seasonal and Mediterranean climate. The country covers a total area of 301,340 km2 (116,350 sq mi), and land area of 294,140 km2 (113,570 sq mi), and shares open land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the enclaved microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. Italy has a territorial exclave in Switzerland (Campione) and a maritime exclave in the Tunisian Sea (Lampedusa). With around 60 million inhabitants, Italy is the fourth-most populous member state of the European Union.
Due to its central geographic location in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Italy has historically been home to myriad peoples and cultures. In addition to the various ancient peoples dispersed throughout modern-day Italy, the most predominant being the Indo-European Italic peoples who gave the peninsula its name, beginning from the classical era, Phoenicians and Carthaginians founded colonies mostly in insular Italy,[14] Greeks established settlements in the so-called Magna Graecia of Southern Italy, while Etruscans and Celts inhabited central and northern Italy respectively. An Italic tribe known as the Latins formed the Roman Kingdom in the 8th century BC, which eventually became a republicwith a government of the Senate and the People. The Roman Republic initially conquered and assimilated its neighbours on the peninsula, eventually expanding and conquering parts of Europe, North Africa and Asia. By the first century BC, the Roman Empire emerged as the dominant power in the Mediterranean Basin and became the leading cultural, political and religious centre of Western civilisation, inaugurating the Pax Romana, a period of more than 200 years during which Italy’s law, technology, economy, art, and literature developed.[15][16] Italy remained the homeland of the Romans and the metropole of the empire, whose legacy can also be observed in the global distribution of culture, governments, Christianity and the Latin script.
During the Early Middle Ages, Italy endured sociopolitical collapse and barbarian invasions, but by the 11th century, numerous rival city-states and maritime republics, mainly in the northern and central regions of Italy, rose to great prosperity through trade, commerce and banking, laying the groundwork for modern capitalism.[17] These mostly independent statelets served as Europe’s main trading hubs with Asia and the Near East, often enjoying a greater degree of democracy than the larger feudal monarchies that were consolidating throughout Europe; however, part of central Italy was under the control of the theocratic Papal States, while Southern Italy remained largely feudal until the 19th century, partially as a result of a succession of Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Angevin, Aragonese and other foreign conquests of the region.[18] The Renaissance began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe, bringing a renewed interest in humanism, science, exploration and art. Italian culture flourished, producing famous scholars, artists and polymaths. During the Middle Ages, Italian explorers discovered new routes to the Far East and the New World, helping to usher in the European Age of Discovery. Nevertheless, Italy’s commercial and political power significantly waned with the opening of trade routes that bypassed the Mediterranean.[19] Furthermore, centuries of infighting between the Italian city-states, such as the Italian Wars of the 15th and 16th centuries, left the region fragmented, and it was subsequently conquered, exploited, and further divided by European powers such as France, Spain and Austria.
By the mid-19th century, rising Italian nationalism and calls for independence from foreign control led to a period of revolutionary political upheaval. After centuries of foreign domination and political division, Italy was almost entirely unified in 1861, establishing the Kingdom of Italy as a great power.[20] From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, Italy rapidly industrialised, namely in the north, and acquired a colonial empire,[21] while the south remained largely impoverished and excluded from industrialisation, fuelling a large and influential diaspora.[22] Despite being one of the main victors in World War I, Italy entered a period of economic crisis and social turmoil, leading to the rise of a fascistdictatorship in 1922. Participation in World War II on the Axis side ended in military defeat, economic destruction and the Italian Civil War. Following the liberation of Italy and the rise of the resistance, the country abolished the monarchy, established a democratic Republic, and enjoyed a prolonged economic boom, becoming a highly developed country.[23]
Today, Italy is considered to be one of the world’s most culturally and economically advanced countries,[23][24][25] with its economy ranking eighth-largest in the world and third in the Eurozone by nominal GDP. Italy has the sixth-largest worldwide national wealth, the third-largest central bank gold reserve, and a very high life expectancy. The country plays a prominent role in regional and global economic, military, cultural and diplomatic affairs; it is both a regional power[26][27] and a great power,[28][29] and is ranked the world’s eighth most-powerful military. Italy is a founding and leading member of the European Union and a member of numerous international institutions, including the UN, NATO, the OECD, the OSCE, the WTO, the G7, the G20, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Council of Europe, Uniting for Consensus, the Schengen Area and many more. The country have greatly influenced and contributed to diverse fields, notably the arts, music, literature, philosophy, science and technology, fashion, cinema, cuisine, sports, as well as jurisprudence, banking and business.[30] As a reflection of its cultural wealth, Italy is home to the world’s largest number of World Heritage Sites (55), and is the fifth-most visited country.
Photo Credits:
Photo by @canmandawe on Unsplash
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Photo by Ilya Orehov on Unsplash
Chris Schowalter · Global Sales Director Software · DURST
Chris Schowalter worked for EFI/Fiery for 13 years, so it wasn't easy for him to change position - but now it was time. And here you can hear about some of his considerations - super nice interview, but recorded on his second day at DURST - so bare with both of us :-)
Meccanotecnica Walktrough · Stefano Formentini · VP Sales & Marketing · Meccanotecnica
Meccanotecnica is a family-owned company located in Bergamo, about 40-50 minutes east of Milan. A beautiful landscape, the best food in the world, and then - in the middle of Bergamo, you find Meccanotecnica, where we meet with Stefano Formentini. We, of course, meet because of Drupa, but maybe more importantly because Mecannotecnica, known for its fantastic machines for sewn books - both offset and digital, is now introducing its first perfect binding machine - and what an entry. We go through the machine in this walkthrough so you can hear and see what makes this setup fantastic. Enjoy!
Michael Deflorian · Business Unit Manager · DURST Software & Solutions
Though Durst software, of course, integrates into a third-party solution, it seems that Durst offers pretty much everything you need - so one of my questions to Michael Deflorian is whether he and his colleagues experience more users using Durst software when they get to know the solution? Only one of many exciting topics in this episode on INKISH - please dig in :-)
Andrea Riccardi · DURST
When Andrea Riccardi joined DURST many years ago, his position was different, the HQ was different, and even all the products were different - and the journey has been amazing not only for Riccardi but as we all know, also for DURST. In this long interview, Riccardi and Reitoft talk about this development, but also how DURST not only develops products and technologies following the market demands but also takes leadership and develops technologies the company believes can drive the industry. Super interesting!
Increased Productivity using CERM and ESKO · Fabio Butera · Auroflex
Increased productivity is extremely important - and yes, CERM and ESKO play an enormous role with the Sicialian label producer Auroflex. Still, the business is developed around a quality and passion for supporting the Sicilian wine, food, and luxury products industry. But Auroflex does many things that are a bit out of the standard, for example, an annual design competition, where designers are invited to challenge Auroflex - and all the designs are produced to show what's possible - and as Fabio Butera tells INKISH, this develops a close relationship between Auroflex and the designers, that eventually will make some of the most complex and interesting design. Auroflex produces labels in both flexo, digital, and offset. The most important reason for investment in print technology is from Nilpeter - an offset/flexo hybrid machine - by all means, an amazing company, and see how CERM and ESKO are used in planning, pricing, color management, and, of course, inspection - in tightly integrated solutions - merging beauty with efficiency - love it.
Frank de Jonge von Neos sind unsere gast diese woche · Weber Reitoft#6
In this Weber Reitoft, we talk to Commercial Director Frank de Jonge from Italian inkjet manufacturer NEOS. As usual, the format opens up for interesting discussions and understandings about what our guests' companies offer. NEOS is relatively new in the industry but has a lot of experience. The solution's modularity makes NEOS suitable for many different applications, from textiles to commercial print, labels, packaging, and even metal printing. Enjoy!
Get Work Done · Scott Peterson & Thomas Olofsson · Tecnau
In this Get Work Done session, Scott Peterson and Thomas Olofsson from Tecnau give you insight into the world of digital binding - focusing on their Cut Stack products. Cut Stacking can be used for products like postcards, posters, and other flat products, but it can also be used for producing book blocks. Tecnau also presents the inline integration with Canon, so all in all a great overview of Tecnau solutions, and of course, spiced with great conversations and loads of humor :-)
SITMA acquired by Tecnau · Interview with CEO Stefano de Marco · Tecnau
Recently Tecnau sent out a press release stating that they have acquired SITMA. SITMA is also located in northern Italy and specializes in packaging and logistics solutions. In this interview with CEO Stefano De Marco from Tecnau, De Marco explains some of the reasons why SITMA, in his opinion, is a good fit for Tecnau and how SITMA and Tecnau complement each other. He also explains that SITMA has customers in segments other than Tecnau and a different market presence, giving both companies new opportunities. SITMA will continue to operate under the SITMA brand - but, of course, seeking to explore the synergies.
Frank De Jonge · NEOS · IST UV-Days
Frank de Jonge is Commercial Director for the relatively new Italian print manufacturer NEOS. The company has specialized in producing inkjet printing machines that can be configured quite unique compared to others in the market. High quality, fast, uses different print heads, and can be configured in widths that are way wider than most others in the market. Frank de Jonge also explains how NEOS can print on metal, which requires precise measurements of the surface using lasers and software to manage the tiny changes in the surface. Of course, we also discussed the upcoming IST UV days, as NEOS will present several solutions utilizing LED-UV curing. Great to talk to Frank de Jonge, and I can't wait to meet him soon in Nürtingen at the IST UV Days!
Durst has become the market leader by Choice · Christian Harder · DURST
At ICE/InPrint in Munich, you didn't only meet DURST but also Koenig & Bauer, Koenig Bauer Durst, and Durst - three legal entities that have decided to work together. Many are foreseeing the new VarioJet 106 that will soon hit the folding carton market, but in this film, we also get the chance to talk to Vice President of Sales Christian Harder about the success based on product diversification, having a clear focus on being the best in each of the segments the company addresses - and well, listen to the story and learn. Durst is a well-established company, but despite its age, it has developed into a company that today defines what many companies would like to be!
Bronte · Jan Friedrich · Hunkeler · Hunkeler Innovationdays
In this Coffee Break session from Bronte's booth at Innovationdays, Francesco Crotti speaks with Jan Friedrich from Hunkeler. Friedrich explains how important Bronte is as a glue between the customer and the ability to produce books of one. Interesting views!
Bronte · Ashley Gordon · HP · Hunkeler Innovationdays
In this episode from Bronte, Francesco Crotti throws a very difficult yet interesting question to Ashley Gordon from HP. How is the publishing industry changing? Though you may not get all the answers in this Coffee Break from Innovationdays, you'll learn enough to get you thinking. Enjoy!
Bronte · INKISH · Francesco Crotti · Morten B. Reitoft · Hunkeler Innovationdays
In the '10 Minutes Coffee Break' at Bronte's booth, Francesco Crotti hosts a short interview with different people. The first is with Editor Morten B. Reitoft, talking about the necessity of automation in book production. Always fun to be the person being interviewed; during the following days, you will see industry specialists from McGrew Group, HP, and Hunkeler.
Hunkeler Innovationdays · Bronte · Francesco Crotti
Bronte is a book-of-one-in-a-box software solution developed and used by one of Europe's largest digital book manufacturers, Rotomail, in Milan. In this interview, you can learn more about the background and, of course, also get to know about Francesco Crotti, who has an exciting background in the industry, and now consults for Bronte to get the software into more printing companies all over the world! Bronte will be presented at Hunkeler Innovationdays and are into books-of-one production for sure worth a visit!
Hunkeler Innovationdays · Meccanotecnica · Giulia Sinatra
Meccanotecnica is a well-known supplier of sewing options for books. Giulia Sinatra talks to editor Morten B. Reitoft about how their newest and latest sewing solution can be used for books of variable pages and format. Giulia Sinatra is very interested in their technology and is eager to meet guests at Innovationdays in Lucern. Enjoy!
Books-of-one requires the right software · Alessandro Antonuzzo · CEO · Rotomail
Rotomail is, by all means, a fantastic printing company and is a living example of how Digital Transformation is not only about technology but also the mindset. Rotomail came from a background being an IT service provider, to Direct Mail, to now also being one of Europe's largest digital book printing providers. A vast number of printing machines from HP and Canon, embellishment from Scodix and MGI, binding equipment from Tecnau, Hunkeler, Contiweb, and Kolbus - but what makes Rotomail stand out from most is the software 'Bronte' that ties all the business processes from customers ordering books to plan, to imposition, to proofing, production, and invoicing - all seamlessly integrated, and with no pre-press planning at all - all super optimized. In this film, CEO Alessandro Antonuzzo explains the ideas behind the strategy and implementation, and as Rotomail is the owner and the company that developed Bronte, of course, proudly talks about the capabilities and how it can help other books-of-one-companies, should they choose to invest in the maybe best end-to-end solution on the market. Learn and enjoy!
Tecnau Revolution 50-series and Stack 1212 walkthrough · Pete Dolfis · Tecnau
At PRINTING United, Tecnau presented their Revolution 50-series and Stack 1212 finishing devices. In this interview, we talk to Pete Dolfis, Solutions Manager, Tecnau, to get an understanding of the market, and then we get a walk-through of both solutions. The Revolution 50-series was introduced last year and has been very successful for Tecnau, and so with the Stack 1212. Peter Dolfis also says that Tecnau produces a smaller Stack 1010 that is now configured and sold as part of a book solution. But see for yourself.

Logica S.r.L
Logica Srl is the italian software house producing and vending specific SFDC for commercial and label industries. Logica Suite makes all machinery, printing, finishing, binding, available for integration with any MIS, in the direction of Industry 4.0 Protocols. Any brand, machine model, of any age, can be integrated through our even non JDF MES. 40068 San Lazzaro di Savena BO Italy
Tel: +39 338 4890273
logicasistemi.com