Italy used to be export powerhouse in 60-ties, 70-ties - scooters[1], computers, textiles, everything. If they have stayed on track Italy would be 2nd economy i

Italy used to be export powerhouse in 60-ties, 70-ties - scooters[1], computers, textiles, everything. If they have stayed on track Italy would be 2nd economy in EU now, right after Germany. No country in Europe had it easy in last 30 years. Germany, Netherlands had to fight tooth and nail to keep their position as export powerhouses against competition from Asia. But they did. Sweden, Finland have invested heavily in education to keep their small economies relevant in the game. Poland, Romania, Czech had to rebuilt their economies from ashes of communist central planning. Not to mention other countries like UK, France, Spain. Somehow Italy didn't choose that path and just drifted. I disagree with narrative that there is a cabal of European countries conspiring against Italy's growth. [1] In Thailand or Indonesia you can still find hundreds of old Vespas which dominated scooter market in Asia before Hondas and Suzukis came.