Consul General Massimo Carnelos attended the 2026 SIEPR Economic Summit at Stanford University last March 6, organized by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, where President Mario Draghi was awarded the 2026 SIEPR Prize in recognition of his exceptional contributions as an economist and statesman.
President Draghi, one of Italy’s most esteemed figures internationally, has played a pivotal role in guiding the European Union through past financial crises and shaping long-term economic policy. His report on “The Future of European Competitiveness” remains a critical reference for the EU’s strategy, particularly as the Union seeks to strengthen strategic autonomy and close the innovation gap with the United States.
At the Summit, President Draghi highlighted growing public awareness of these challenges and expressed optimism about accelerating innovation and competitiveness initiatives across Europe. The event provided an important opportunity to discuss economic policy, transatlantic collaboration, and Italy’s continued role in shaping the future of the global economy.
