Webuild and Salini: collaboration needed for a competitive Ticino
The CEO of Webuild calls for an alliance between institutions and businesses to drive infrastructure projects in Ticino and Italy. The global construction market is projected to reach $5.18 trillion by 2030.
Contesto
MILAN. 'To continue competing at the highest levels in a global infrastructure market expected to reach $5.18 trillion by 2030, it is essential to increasingly strengthen systematic collaboration between institutions, industry, and academia,' said Pietro Salini, CEO of Webuild, during an event in Milan today. His remarks, delivered at Building with Beauty: Where Infrastructure Meets Design, leave no room for doubt. The discussion took place as part of the EVOLUTIO exhibition, promoted by the Group and running until May 3 at the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci in Milan. Also present at the meeting were Maria Porro (President of the Milan Furniture Fair), Mario Cucinella (founder of MCA - Mario Cucinella Architects), Francesco Zurlo (Dean of the School of Design at the Politecnico di Milano), Antonio Calabrò (President of Museimpresa), and Guido Guerzoni (Professor of Museum Management at Bocconi University). ### Webuild’s model: A traveling district for exports Salini emphasized how Webuild acts as the leader of a structured supply chain that aggregates 17,500 companies, forming a true itinerant district capable of exporting Italy’s know-how into major global infrastructure projects. This strategy becomes crucial during periods of geopolitical instability, where large-scale infrastructure represents a fundamental countercyclical investment. This production ecosystem goes beyond mere cost considerations, instead focusing on quality, aesthetics, reliability, and the ability to manage highly complex orders. According to Salini, this model is proving successful: 'Our works are not just functional; they are contemporary monuments designed to stand the test of time,' he added. 📊 Infrastructure as a catalyst for Ticino and Lombardy Webuild’s f...
Dettagli operativi
Having the best technology alone is not enough if there is no shared vision. This statement captures the essence of Salini’s proposal, with direct implications for cross-border workers from Ticino who commute to Lombardy or Italian professionals operating in the Canton. ### What changes for workers at the border Enhanced collaboration between institutions and businesses could lead to greater integration between the labour markets of Ticino and Lombardy. Projects such as the construction of new railway stations or the renovation of historic border crossings require cross-disciplinary expertise: engineers, architects, safety technicians, as well as logistics and human resources specialists. Currently, cross-border workers from Ticino are a fundamental component of the Canton’s economy. Recent data shows that over 70,000 workers cross the border daily, primarily heading to Varese, Como, and Milan. This workforce could benefit from new training opportunities and closer collaboration between local authorities. ### Before vs after: concrete scenarios Before the initiative: Cross-border infrastructure projects often faced delays due to a lack of coordination between authorities, differing regulations, or overly complex bureaucratic procedures. Companies had to operate in a fragmented context, risking overlaps or gaps in project management. After the initiative: Closer collaboration between institutions and businesses could streamline procedures, reducing approval times and improving project quality. For cross-border workers, this would translate into: - Greater job stability: Faster and more complete construction sites mean fewer risks of suspensions or layoffs. - New skills in demand: Targeted training on safety, digitalisation, and sustainability, with certifications r...
Punti chiave
If the collaboration between institutions and businesses becomes a reality, cross-border workers in Ticino and Italian professionals operating in the canton must be ready to seize new opportunities. Here’s what to do step by step to avoid being caught off guard. ### Step 1: Check ongoing infrastructure projects The first construction sites that could benefit from Webuild’s collaborative approach are those already in the planning or early stages. For cross-border workers, it’s essential to: - Consult the Ticino Department of Education and Employment (DFE) website (nav:jobs) to monitor tenders and job opportunities in key sectors (construction, transport, energy). - Check announcements from Webuild and the other 17,500 companies in the supply chain, available on their institutional websites or specialized platforms like nav:companies. - Sign up for newsletters from the Italian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce or the Ticino Order of Engineers to receive real-time updates. ### Step 2: Update your skill set Workplace safety and digitalization are two pillars of the Webuild model. For cross-border workers, this means: - Taking part in safety training courses for construction sites, such as those organized by SUPSI or EOC. Some courses are already recognized in Lombardy and Ticino. - Learning digital tools used in major infrastructure projects, such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) or construction management platforms. - Obtaining specific certifications, for example, to work in high-risk environments or operate specialized machinery. Webuild offers internal courses that, in some cases, may also be extended to external professionals. > ⚠️ Warning: Some skills, such as workplace safety according to Swiss regulations (SUVA), are mandatory for working on construction sites...
Punti chiave
{"q":"Which infrastructure sectors could benefit the most from collaboration between institutions and businesses?","a":"According to Webuild’s vision, the key sectors are construction, transport, and energy. Projects such as the renovation of border crossings (e.g., Chiasso), the expansion of the railway network (e.g., Como-Varese), and the construction of new road connections between Ticino and Lombardy are among the top candidates. The digitalisation of logistics services and construction site safety also rank high among priorities."},{"q":"How can I check if a company is part of Webuild’s supply chain?","a":"Webuild works with 17,500 companies. You can consult the official list on the Group’s website or contact the external relations office directly. Many of these companies also post job opportunities on specialised platforms like [nav:companies or LinkedIn. For cross-border workers, it’s also useful to check whether the company has active construction sites in Ticino or Lombardy."},{"q":"What skills are considered a priority for working on Webuild construction sites?","a":"In addition to technical skills specific to one’s profession (e.g., civil engineering, architecture, electronics), the following are required: certifications in workplace safety (SUVA for Switzerland, Italian regulations for Lombardy), familiarity with digital tools such as BIM, and expertise in environmental sustainability. Webuild provides over 3 million hours of training annually on these topics."},{"q":"Are there tax benefits for cross-border workers involved in infrastructure projects?","a":"At present, no new specific benefits have been announced for this category. However, the Canton of Ticino and the Lombardy Region may introduce incentives in the coming months, particularly for those trai...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which infrastructure sectors could benefit the most from collaboration between institutions and businesses?
- According to Webuild’s vision, the key sectors are construction, transport, and energy. Projects such as the renovation of border crossings (e.g., Chiasso), the expansion of the railway network (e.g., Como-Varese), and the construction of new road connections between Ticino and Lombardy are among the top candidates. The digitalisation of logistics services and construction site safety also rank high among priorities.
- How can I check if a company is part of Webuild’s supply chain?
- Webuild works with 17,500 companies. You can consult the official list on the Group’s website or contact the external relations office directly. Many of these companies also post job opportunities on specialised platforms like [nav:companies](nav:companies) or LinkedIn. For cross-border workers, it’s also useful to check whether the company has active construction sites in Ticino or Lombardy.
- What skills are considered a priority for working on Webuild construction sites?
- In addition to technical skills specific to one’s profession (e.g., civil engineering, architecture, electronics), the following are required: certifications in workplace safety (SUVA for Switzerland, Italian regulations for Lombardy), familiarity with digital tools such as BIM, and expertise in environmental sustainability. Webuild provides over 3 million hours of training annually on these topics.
- Are there tax benefits for cross-border workers involved in infrastructure projects?
- At present, no new specific benefits have been announced for this category. However, the Canton of Ticino and the Lombardy Region may introduce incentives in the coming months, particularly for those training in strategic sectors. It is advisable to monitor the official websites of the Ticino Department of Economic Development (DFE) and the Lombardy Region for updates. In general, cross-border workers can still benefit from existing tax relief for income tax declarations, such as the preferentia
- What is the main difference between the collaborative model proposed by Salini and previous approaches to major infrastructure projects?
- The main difference lies in the **systematic nature of the collaboration**. This is not about ad-hoc agreements between businesses and institutions, but rather a **structured alliance** that also includes academia and training. This approach moves beyond price-based logic, focusing instead on quality, aesthetics, reliability, and the ability to manage complex projects. Additionally, the model involves significant investment in training and safety, creating shared expertise across the entire supp
- Where can I find up-to-date information on cross-border infrastructure projects?
- The official sources are: the **Ticino Department of Economic Development (DFE)** website (Large Projects section), the **Lombardy Region** portal (infrastructure projects), and press releases from **Webuild** and other major companies in the supply chain. The **Italian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce** also organises events and publications on these topics. For cross-border workers, it’s also helpful to subscribe to newsletters from institutions like SUPSI or EOC, which often highlight training and j