How local networks can turn employee wellbeing into a competitive advantage for small businesses
Italian SMEs at a crossroads: compete on costs or innovate wellbeing
Italy’s production model, built on a widespread network of micro and small enterprises, now faces a crucial decision: continue competing on costs or move toward a more advanced system capable of integrating productivity and wellbeing.
According to the analysis proposed by Marco Salustri, a clear direction emerges: move beyond an individualistic approach and embrace a collaborative model based on proximity networks.
For years, small size has been synonymous with flexibility. Today, however, it often represents a barrier to accessing advanced tools, corporate welfare systems and technological innovation.
The horizontal revolution: independent yet connected businesses
The idea behind proximity networks is as simple as it is revolutionary: create a system where companies remain independent but act as a single collective organism.
This is not about mergers or acquisitions, but structured collaboration. A model aimed at transforming local areas into true economic ecosystems capable of attracting talent, investment and opportunities.
This “horizontal revolution,” as defined by Marco Salustri, allows fragmentation to be overcome without sacrificing the identity of individual businesses.
The three pillars of proximity welfare
The project is built around three key directions that redefine the relationship between businesses, workers and local communities.
The first pillar is the social procurement hub: by pooling welfare demand, SMEs can negotiate better conditions for healthcare plans, pensions and insurance. This eliminates the long-standing disparity with large corporations.
The second pillar is represented by shared neighborhood infrastructures. Inter-company childcare facilities, coworking spaces and assistance services become accessible even to smaller businesses, reducing costs and improving workers’ quality of life.
The third pillar is the circular economy of wellbeing. Corporate benefits are reinvested locally, supporting small businesses and professionals. Wealth remains within the community, generating a multiplier effect.
Network hubs: the key to simplifying bureaucracy
One of the main obstacles for SMEs is regulatory complexity.
For this reason, in Marco Salustri’s vision, network hubs become essential: specialized centers that manage contracts, tax compliance and regulatory updates.
This allows entrepreneurs to focus on their core business while ensuring transparency, security and full tax deductibility of welfare investments.
Digitalization and training: a challenge that can no longer wait
Proximity networks are not just about welfare, but also innovation.
Shared labs, artificial intelligence training and reskilling programs finally become accessible to small businesses.
The numbers are clear:
- 61% of Italian SMEs still have a basic level of digitalization
- only 15.7% use artificial intelligence technologies, compared to over 53% of large companies
The problem is not technological, but dimensional. And networks are the solution.
The numbers that explain why change is needed
Italy’s production system includes over 4 million businesses, with 60% of private-sector employees working in companies with fewer than 50 employees.
Such a widespread system cannot afford to lag behind in welfare and innovation.
Yet the demand for change already exists: more than half of SMEs say they want access to shared services, but lack an effective framework to achieve it.
Proximity networks represent exactly that missing structure.
A new economic and social pact
The proposal outlined by Marco Salustri is not just an organizational reform, but a true paradigm shift.
Investing in local welfare means strengthening the bond between businesses and communities, protecting human capital and making the production system more resilient.
It marks the transition from a defensive economy to a collaborative one.
An ambitious but necessary challenge: turning geographic proximity into a new economic and social force.
This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)