Giorgio Calcagnini is Professor of Economics at the University of Urbino, Italy, where he teaches courses and conducts applied research on investment, macro- and micro-economic theory, and the financial system. He was a researcher at ISCO and at the Confindustria, both in Rome. Ilario Favaretto is Professor of Regional Economics at the University of Urbino, Italy. His current research focuses on the role of small businesses adopting an international perspective and expecially focusing on European policies.