Presentation

The Statistical Report 2009 reveals that Veneto is a region on the move. This year has been an unpredictable one: for the world, for Europe and for all of us. Though still in the throes of a major economic crisis, we know that we will emerge from these difficult times stronger once we have seized the opportunities for growth that the crisis itself has produced.
This year is also important as there is much to commemorate: it is 400 years since Galileo pointed his telescope towards the Padova sky, sparking the great astronomical revolution, the inspiration behind the photographs in this book; it is also a year in which we celebrate Europe's creativity and innovation. In 2009, Veneto has also taken centre-stage both in Italy and in Europe with the opening of the Passante di Mestre, the new Mestre Bypass. This landmark work is, in itself, a revolution that will highlight the importance of free movement of goods and strengthen the presence of Veneto's small- and medium-sized enterprises on Europe's most diverse and structured markets, as well as bring enormous benefits to the local population.
This year's report focuses on mobility: the mobility of people, goods and businesses that move and communicate along road, technology and local-area networks, world, professional and training networks, as well as through cultures and societies.
As usual, within this theme, the focus will be on Veneto, its residents, territory and production units, revealing the transformations that they have all undergone over the last few years.
Through analysis of local issues, the report predicts the remapping of the social and economic system, a change in the way we live our daily lives and an overhauling of production systems; people's needs will become ideas and projects that will lead us towards a new tomorrow and the Third Veneto.

Giancarlo Galan
President of Regione Veneto

Despite being exposed to greater risks, Veneto's small-sized and medium-sized enterprises have an innate mobility and versatility that make them the key to success in an increasingly integrated system. In light of this, however, only the most dynamic and flexible businesses can hope to survive and prosper; to do so they must move around the world to seize opportunities, wherever and whenever they appear, adapt rapidly to change and exploit their potential for innovation.
Nowadays institutions need to act to safeguard the hallmarks and potential of local products and traditions, as well as protect workers and meet any challenges head on. In order to achieve these goals, we are called upon to plan and coordinate policies that will support businesses on their journey towards internationalisation and foster their ability to work towards a shared goal.
Consequently, we cannot ignore the knowledge within the detailed annual close-up of Veneto afforded by this statistical report. The report places Veneto under the microscope, one into which our analysts constantly peer as they seek to interpret Veneto's development as it heads into the future.
A hypertext version of this report is available in Italian and in English on the Regione Veneto website at www.regione.veneto.it/statistica.

Vendemiano Sartor
Regional Councillor for the Economy,
Development, Research and Innovation

Over the last few years, Regione Veneto has undertaken a guiding role within the region by laying down objectives and strategies with which to found and shape its work.
During this time, we have realised that statistics are not only an end unto themselves, but that they are essential for planning policy and need to be produced with this in mind.
Today more than ever, policies and action must be based on accurate, up-to-the-minute information so that we can replace the often hurried and superficial interpretations of official statistics that appear in the media.
Consequently, we have given impetus to SìGOVe, Veneto's regional government information system, which uses statistics and cutting-edge technology to afford a comprehensive insight into Veneto and its territory. This system is increasingly becoming a shared information tool on which Regione Veneto bases its work; however, it is an addition, rather than a replacement, to the interrelations between people, information and institutions that are the source of Veneto's wealth and sophistication.

Adriano Rasi Caldogno
Secretary General for Planning