Mario Padula appointed IRE USI director since 2026

Context

In brief

• Mario Padula new director IRE USI
• Specialised in social security and family finance
• Will take on role from 1 September 2026

Key facts

• What: Appointment of Mario Padula as director IRE USI
• WHEN: From 1 September 2026
• Where: University of Italian Switzerland (USI)
• Who: Mario Padula
• Amount: Unspecified Mario Padula, economist specialised in social security, family finance, savings, consumption and the economics of ageing, has been appointed new director of the Institute of Economic Research (IRE) of the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). Padula will take up the role from 1 September 2026 and will also be Professor of Economics at the USI Faculty of Economic Sciences. #

A role of great responsibility Padula thanked Professor Mario Jametti, his predecessor, for the role that the IRE has played in favour of the economy and institutions of the Canton of Ticino. "It is a role that must be consolidated and strengthened," said Padula. "In THE IRE, and in the University of Italian Switzerland, lie the necessary skills to grasp the challenges of the complexity that these times reserve for us. Aging societies, climate change, but also the consequent transformations of the economic and social fabric and the related public policies that address them will be the subject of analysis by IRE researchers with a careful look at the dynamics of the territory and The appointment of Mario Padula as director of IRE USI represents a significant step for the University of Italian Switzerland and for the Canton of Ticino. With his experience and expertise, Padula is well positioned to address the economic and social challenges the territory is facing, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border commuters

The appointment of Mario Padula as director of the Institute of Economic Research (IRE) of the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) could have significant implications for the cross-border commuters of the Canton of Ticino. With over 50,000 cross-border commuters crossing the border daily, the research conducted by the IRE under his direction could contribute to a deeper understanding of the economic dynamics affecting this category of workers. For example, recent studies have shown that cross-border commuters contribute about 30% to the GDP of Ticino, making targeted economic policy crucial.

The IRE, under Padula's leadership, could further strengthen the quality and impact of its research, translating international knowledge and perspectives into concrete responses to the challenges of the Canton. This could translate into more effective public policies, such as optimizing transport infrastructure between Ticino municipalities and neighboring Italian cities, or introducing tax incentives for cross-border commuters residing in specific municipalities, such as Lugano or Mendrisio.

A University Rooted in the Territory

The rector of the USI, Claudio Bassetti, emphasized the University's vocation: rooted in its own territory and, at the same time, open to the national and international context. "The return of Mario Padula to the USI goes in this direction," Bassetti stated. "His academic and institutional experience gained in various European countries and his expertise in areas particularly relevant today—from pensions to the economics of aging, from family finance to the evaluation of public policies—represent an added value for the IRE."

Bassetti also highlighted how the IRE, under Padula's direction, could contribute to understanding the great economic transformations, translating international knowledge and perspectives into concrete responses to the challenges of the Canton. This could include promoting initiatives for technological innovation in key sectors of the Ticino economy, such as tourism and finance, and creating continuing education programs for cross-border workers.

Focus on Necessary Skills

Bassetti is convinced that under Padula's direction, the Institute could further strengthen the quality and impact of its research. This could translate into a series of concrete initiatives, such as the creation of an economic observatory dedicated to cross-border commuters, which monitors their working conditions and offers policy recommendations based on empirical data. For example, the observatory could analyze the impact of recent changes to tax legislation, such as the introduction of the new tax regime for cross-border commuters in 2021, which led to a 10% increase in tax returns filed.

Furthermore, the IRE could collaborate with local authorities and private companies to develop training and professional reintegration programs for cross-border commuters, particularly those from sectors in crisis, such as retail trade. This could include the creation of specific training courses for new digital technologies, with the support of European and national funds.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Commuters

For cross-border commuters who wish to benefit from the new policies and initiatives promoted by the IRE, it is useful to follow an operational checklist:

• Residence Verification: Ensure you are registered as a resident in one of the Ticino municipalities.
• Tax Update: Verify the new tax regulations and file your income tax return within the established deadlines.
• Participation in Training Programs: Enroll in the continuing education courses offered by the USI and other local institutions.
• Monitoring Local Initiatives: Follow the communications of local authorities and industry associations to be informed about new job and training opportunities.

Conclusion

The appointment of Mario Padula as director of the IRE represents a great opportunity for the Canton of Ticino and its cross-border commuters. With targeted research and effective public policies, the IRE could contribute to improving the living and working conditions of cross-border commuters, strengthening the economy of the Canton and promoting sustainable growth.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do for cross-border commuters

Cross-border commuters in the Canton of Ticino can benefit from the research and analyses conducted by IRE, which could influence public policies and economic decisions that directly affect them. It is important to follow the developments and publications of IRE to stay informed about the latest trends and potential implications for their professional and personal lives.

Concrete examples

For example, IRE's research has highlighted that cross-border commuters from municipalities such as Lugano and Mendrisio represent a significant part of the Ticino economy. According to 2022 data, approximately 30% of workers in the Canton of Ticino are cross-border commuters, contributing substantially to the local GDP. Understanding these dynamics can help cross-border commuters make more informed decisions about their careers and financial planning.

Regulations and dates

It is essential to be aware of the tax regulations that govern the lives of cross-border commuters. For example, as of January 1, 2023, Switzerland introduced new tax rules for cross-border commuters, which provide a reduction in tax rates for those working in Ticino but residing in Italy. This change can have a significant impact on the net income of cross-border commuters, making it important to consult IRE's publications to stay updated.

Operational checklist

For cross-border commuters, here is a useful operational checklist:

• Verification of tax regulations: Regularly check new tax regulations that could affect your income.
• Consultation of IRE publications: Follow IRE's publications to stay informed about the latest research and analyses.
• Use of online tools: Use the tax calculator and currency comparator available on the IRE website to make informed decisions.

Useful tools

To delve deeper into economic issues and their implications for cross-border commuters, you can consult the tax calculator and currency comparator available on the site. These tools can help you better understand economic dynamics and make informed decisions.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

For example, a cross-border commuter working in Lugano and residing in Como could benefit from the new tax regulations, reducing their tax rate from 30% to 25%. This change could mean an annual savings of approximately 5,000 CHF, depending on the income. Using the tax calculator can help estimate these savings and better plan your finances.

Conclusions

The appointment of Mario Padula as director of IRE at USI represents an important step for the University of Italian Switzerland and the Canton of Ticino. Cross-border commuters can expect that the research and analyses conducted by IRE under his leadership will contribute to improving public policies and addressing the economic and social challenges of the territory.

"Our mission is to provide accurate data and in-depth analyses to support economic and political decisions that affect the lives of cross-border commuters," said Mario Padula.

With his experience and expertise, Padula will guide IRE towards new challenges and opportunities, contributing to creating a more favorable economic environment for cross-border commuters in the Canton of Ticino.

Source: ticinonews.ch