Technological Change and Sustainability: An Explorative Study on the Role of the Foundations of Banking Origin

Since their establishment, the Italian Foundations of Banking Origin (FBOs) have proved to play a fundamental role in the development of the local territory, not only in the social but also in the economic sphere. Therefore, it seems appropriate to investigate the role of FBOs in an economic environment increasingly characterized by technological change, in which firms remain competitive if they are dynamic, ready to meet new market challenges, and still operating sustainably. This paper seeks to understand precisely whether the Foundations of Banking Origin are ready for these new challenges and proactive in supporting the entire category of stakeholders through the technological transition initiated by Revolution 4.0 in a way that is as sustainable as possible. Starting from the analysis of status quaestionis on technological innovation and sustainability, the work continues with the analysis of the FBOs intervention areas focused on technological progress, to assess both the current role played and the new prospects for development.