For over 50 years, the Institute has stood as a model of education that combines high-quality teaching, deep community roots, and a strong bond with families. In an era where the Italian school system faces constant change and complex challenges, there are institutions that not only withstand this evolution but lead it with vision, dedication, and passion. One such example is the Scuola Paritaria Mery in Giugliano in Campania—a school that for over half a century has been distinguished by the quality of its educational offering and by its irreplaceable role in the local community. Founded with the mission of providing a complete, inclusive, and person-centered education, Scuola Paritaria Mery is today a benchmark for parents and students seeking an environment where academic excellence meets deep care for the individual.
“At the heart of our educational approach,” explains school principal Giovanni Botta, “are our students. Their growth goes far beyond acquiring theoretical knowledge—it involves their entire human dimension: their talents, their vulnerabilities, and their dreams. Each educational path is personalized, tailored to the uniqueness of every child.”

By Roberta Imbimbo

Mr. Botta, Scuola Paritaria Mery is one of the longest-standing educational institutions in Giugliano. What is the secret behind this longevity?

Our strength lies in solid pedagogical values and a modern, inclusive educational vision. Over the course of more than fifty years, Scuola Paritaria Mery has established itself as an educational leader in the region, making a meaningful contribution to the cultural and social development of new generations. We’ve succeeded in harmonizing traditional teaching principles with innovative methodologies, always keeping students’ well-being and personal growth at the center. Beyond the high quality of our academic programs, what truly sets us apart is the attention we devote to each individual. We tailor learning paths to highlight each student’s abilities, interests, and uniqueness. Our teachers are highly qualified and deeply motivated: they teach with passion and with constant sensitivity to the evolving educational needs of our community, identifying and nurturing the potential in every student. In addition to core academic subjects, we promote lab-based activities, cultural projects, and language and social programs that enrich each child’s educational journey. Our goal is to prepare more conscious, capable, and competent citizens—ready to meet the challenges of today’s world.

How important is collaboration with families to your school?

It’s essential. A truly effective school stems from open, ongoing dialogue with parents. Educating together means building a strong support network around children—based on consistency, trust, and mutual support. Active family involvement strengthens our school community and helps create a welcoming, attentive, and stimulating environment. A school cannot be an isolated island; it must serve as a bridge between family life and society. Only in this way can we prepare young people to face tomorrow’s challenges with competence and responsibility.

Located in the heart of Giugliano, your school has always played more than just an educational role—it also serves a civic and social function.

Absolutely. Our collaboration with local authorities, cultural associations, and other educational organizations is ongoing and intentional, aimed at offering students meaningful and real opportunities for growth. Environmental initiatives, projects focused on civic responsibility and legality, theatrical and cultural activities—our school is a laboratory open to the world, while remaining firmly rooted in the local community. In an educational landscape often marked by uncertainty, Scuola Paritaria Mery stands as a virtuous example—a place where quality, inclusion, and innovation come together, giving renewed meaning to the educational mission. A school that does not simply aim to instruct, but to shape free, conscious individuals who are ready to contribute meaningfully to the future of our country.

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📧 For more information: scuolamery3@libero.it
📘 Facebook: Scuola Paritaria Mery
📍 Via F. Frezza, 78 – Giugliano in Campania
📞 Tel. 081 5063763

Founded as a small research center with a big vision, AISMA (Artificial Intelligence for Smart Manufacturing Applications) is today one of the most dynamic players in the Italian innovation landscape. Headquartered in Milan with international branches, the company was born from the vision of Amir Topalovic who, thanks to his highly specialized know-how acquired over many years of experience in the field, succeeded in creating an innovative, future-oriented startup designed to meet the real needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The goal is ambitious: to guide companies toward the realization of the Smart Factory 4.0—a model that involves every business function and generates real and sustainable change in production processes. On this journey, AISMA positions itself as a strategic partner for SMEs, offering tools and expertise that simplify and accelerate their adaptation to modern challenges, transforming data into strategic assets for the future.

At the heart of AISMA’s approach lies the understanding that every production and operational process generates an invisible yet powerful resource: data. This is where the company builds its innovative solutions, powered by a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified experts. The mission? To support Italian companies in defining and implementing research and development projects with a focus on digitalization, the 5.0 transition, and artificial intelligence.

“The real treasure of our time is data,” says Amir Topalovic, founder of a company that stands out in the market for its innovation and experience. “Unstructured data is wasted data. We help companies turn it into knowledge—analyzing and using it correctly to make more informed and strategic decisions. That’s how a small business can become a data-driven company.”

However, data remains the most underestimated strategic asset by SMEs which, despite generating it every day, often fail to exploit its full potential. In an increasingly competitive market where the pace of innovation demands speed, expertise, and vision, AISMA aims to change this paradigm—helping businesses make data the heartbeat of their growth.

To this end, AISMA operates through three core pillars, offering 360-degree assistance and consultancy. The backbone of the company is its Digital Solutions & Artificial Intelligence division. In this area, AISMA develops tools and platforms that enable companies to analyze and leverage the data generated daily by their production activities.

But innovation comes with a cost—which should never become a barrier to progress. This is why AISMA also supports companies in finding and obtaining public funding, European grants, and tax incentives for the adoption of 4.0 and 5.0 technologies. Leading this effort is a team of professionals with over 40 years of combined experience, capable of turning ideas into economically sustainable projects.

Yet no transition is complete without people. That’s why AISMA has developed a training program designed to spread digital transformation culture within companies. Through courses, workshops, and tailored programs, the aim is to make managers and employees more aware and competent in using data and technology.

In addition to its expertise in these three key areas, AISMA stands out in the market for the high professionalism of its multidisciplinary team—entirely composed of professionals under 40, many of whom hold PhDs. This young and skilled team is equipped to tackle complex problems with scientific rigor and practical insight. Their academic background has evolved into a flexible and dynamic working model that adapts to any type of business.

“We’re not just good at mastering technology—we’re good at making it simple, accessible, and, above all, useful,” says Topalovic. “Our goal is to deliver the full value of innovation without waste, with maximum precision and practicality.”

Among AISMA’s most advanced solutions is the “Smart ESG Monitor,” a platform designed to measure—in real time and transparently—the environmental and social impact of corporate activities. Thanks to a continuous monitoring system, companies can track the sustainability of their actions and processes, steering toward concrete environmental responsibility goals.

“You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Our ESG tool enables exactly that: keeping the real impact of corporate actions under control, in line with European standards and market expectations.”

Looking ahead, AISMA embraces a clear mission: to democratize access to technology and data, bringing the tools and culture of large organizations into even the smallest businesses. The objective is to build an innovative, sustainable growth ecosystem where every company—big or small—can make data the engine of its development.

For more information: www.aisma.it

by Roberta Imbimbo

In 2024, the Italian government launched a new plan aimed at transforming the country’s industrial and technological landscape. “The 5.0 Transition, which positions itself as an evolution of the still-active Transition 4.0 Plan, introduces an integrated approach that links Industry 4.0 technological innovation with the energy efficiency of the processes in which those assets are used,” explains Engineer Maurizio Fiaschè, CEO of F-Engineering Consulting. This highly specialized firm offers consulting services in subsidized finance, engineering, and sustainability, and aims to guide Italian companies through this unprecedented revolution, helping them improve business performance and achieve their goals through an innovative and sustainable approach.

Engineer Fiaschè, what exactly is the 5.0 Transition?

The 5.0 Transition is a government initiative introduced in 2024 that expands and integrates the previous National Transition 4.0 Plan. What sets this new plan apart is its specific technical and procedural focus: assets eligible for incentives must meet the requirements of the Transition 4.0 Plan, but with the added condition of reducing energy consumption in the processes where the assets are used. In other words, the 5.0 Transition is an enhanced version of the 4.0 Plan, with a specific focus on industrial processes and facilities. It offers an additional benefit (a bonus) when the adoption of new technologies leads to measurable improvements in energy efficiency within production processes and self-consumption from renewable energy sources (RES).

What are, in your view, the key pillars of this transition?

The main pillars of the 5.0 Transition are three: technological innovation, sustainability, and the centrality of the human being, with the aim of making European companies more resilient. Sustainability, therefore, should be a priority not only to reduce environmental impact but also to promote development models that place people at the heart of the value chain. In short, the 5.0 Transition is an evolution of Industry 4.0 that introduces the sustainability dimension—although the plan focuses specifically on reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy—offering incentives to companies that not only innovate but also improve the energy efficiency of their production processes, all in compliance with the DNSH principle (Do No Significant Harm).

Are there financial differences as well?

Absolutely! The 5.0 Transition differs from the 4.0 Plan in that it uses European funds, specifically those from Mission 7 – REPowerEU, rather than state resources. Article 38 of Decree-Law No. 19 of March 2, 2024, converted into Law No. 56/2024, outlines the 5.0 Transition Plan. Although negotiations with the European Commission are still ongoing, the approval of Article 38 and all subsequent amendments, including the simplifications introduced in the 2025 Budget Law (Law 207/2024), represents an important step forward for the Italian government in reinforcing its commitment to ecological transition and technological innovation in businesses.

What is the tax credit amount for energy efficiency?

The 5.0 tax credit features three rates—35%, 40%, and 45%—based on the percentage of energy consumption reduction achieved, applicable to the first investment bracket (up to €10 million). For the second bracket (between €10 million and €50 million), the rates drop to 5%, 10%, and 15%. The credit obtained from the so-called leading investment may be applied to an increased base of 130%, 140%, or 150% for RES plants (referred to as “driven” investments), depending on the energy efficiency class of the plant’s components.

The 5.0 Transition and SEZs: Is it a mutually exclusive relationship?

Initially, the 5.0 Transition tax credit was not intended to be combined with benefits from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the year 2024. However, Law 207/2024 introduced this possibility. That said, companies must exercise caution, as the rules for combining incentives funded by national and EU resources have recently been updated. FAQ 8.6, published on April 10, 2025, introduced the principle of netting. These mechanisms require careful planning, and companies are advised to rely on experienced consultants to maximize opportunities while avoiding missteps.

by Roberta Imbimbo

Studio BNC – Berta, Nembrini, Colombini & Associati was established in 2009 through the merger of Berta Nembrini & Associati and Colombini & Associati. With over twenty years of experience, the two firms combined their expertise to offer a comprehensive and efficient service in corporate, tax, labor, and legal consulting, providing clients with qualified and customized support tailored to specific business needs. The firm stands out for its flexibility, dynamism, and constant commitment to internal growth and the development of its professionals. Investment in continuous training ensures high standards, while strategic partnerships with local organizations reinforce a multidisciplinary and integrated approach. The team—comprising more than 100 professionals, collaborators, and staff—tackles clients’ challenges with concrete, tailored, and results-oriented solutions. With offices in Bergamo, Treviglio, and Grumello, Studio BNC operates daily with passion, professionalism, and a forward-thinking mindset, consolidating its activities and progressively expanding its scope across the entire consulting spectrum in a full-circle evolution. But that’s not all. The firm has always been attentive to the internal development of talent and the creation of synergies with strategic local entities to offer an increasingly broad and integrated range of services.

In line with this vision, Studio BNC has launched several partnerships with local companies, including 4WARD Consulting—a strategic consulting firm in the corporate and industrial sectors—and Conlabora Srl – a Benefit Corporation, to provide innovative and high-value services capable of effectively addressing a constantly evolving economic environment. Studio BNC is also an integral part of ACB GROUP, an innovative integrated model that brings together over thirty associated professional firms. This network—comprising some of the best accountants, legal experts, university professors, and business consultants in Italy—enables the firm to offer highly qualified support to companies, guiding them through their growth processes with a multidisciplinary and synergistic approach. A further distinguishing feature of Studio BNC is its focus on innovation and long-term vision. With this in mind, the firm has launched a sustainability initiative by establishing a specialized focus team on ESG (Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance) issues. This team supports companies in regulatory compliance and responsible management, transforming environmental and social challenges into development opportunities. Their activities focus on risk management, social impact assessment, and sustainability reporting, providing practical tools to improve stakeholder relations and strengthen corporate reputation. Studio BNC promotes a future-oriented business vision by adopting innovative and sustainable strategies that consider not only financial goals but also the interests of employees, local communities, and the environment. Thanks to this approach, the firm reaffirms its role as a reliable and forward-thinking partner, ready to support businesses in an ever-changing economic landscape.

At a time when relations between the United States and Europe appear strained—due to the protectionist and isolationist policies of former President Donald Trump, marked by tariffs and trade barriers—symbols of unity, remembrance, and international cooperation across the Atlantic are becoming increasingly meaningful and appreciated. One such symbol is the monument located at Abraham Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, which honors courage and historical memory as values capable of guiding future generations toward a better tomorrow. This tribute, dedicated to former students who served in the Vietnam War, is more than a memorial to the fallen and the veterans—it also conveys a message of hope and solidarity that continues to inspire the local community. Among the names engraved on this stone is that of Elio Chiavetta, a former student and Vietnam War veteran, whose example of dedication and commitment remains a source of inspiration for all.

By Roberta Imbimbo

In the heart of Los Angeles, at the historic Abraham Lincoln High School, stands a monument dedicated to alumni who either fell or returned from the Vietnam War. It is more than a tribute—it is a powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and civic engagement. Among the names carved into the stone is Elio Chiavetta – “S62 USAF” – former student, veteran, and now a respected figure in the province of Latina, Italy. The ‘S62’ denotes the year he graduated (summer 1962), and ‘USAF’ stands for his service in the United States Air Force. The monument serves as a landmark for both the school and the surrounding community. The engraved dedication—”To honor the brave men and women whose service gives life to our most precious gift: FREEDOM”—underscores the value of memory as a social bond, an educational tool, and a warning for future generations.

Elio Chiavetta’s journey began in Fiume, then still part of Italy. As a child, he emigrated with his family to the United States, growing up in Los Angeles and attending Lincoln High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving from 1965 to 1971 in the field of classified strategic communications. For this role, he was granted a Top Secret Security Clearance, essential for accessing the sensitive information of Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases, including the operational protocols of B-52 nuclear bombers.

“We were in the midst of the Cold War,” Chiavetta recalls. “American defense plans required constant connectivity between Middle East bases and the Pentagon. To access these systems, absolute trust was required, verified through meticulous investigations carried out directly by the FBI.”

After being discharged, Chiavetta returned to Europe, bringing with him the professional and human experience built during his years in America. In 1973, he joined the NATO Communications and Information Systems School (NCISS) in Latina, Italy, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. His career was marked by high-responsibility roles—Head of Training Branch, Chief Engineer—and by the granting of a COSMIC Top Secret clearance, NATO’s highest international security level.

“COSMIC,” he explains, “stands for Control Of Secret Material in an International Command. It meant handling highly sensitive data and technologies, including NATO nuclear weapon protocols and encrypted communication systems. Every detail had to be managed with absolute precision to ensure the safety of all Allied nations.”

Even after retiring from his military and international career, Elio Chiavetta continued to serve the community. Today, he passionately leads Medical Pontino, a diagnostic excellence center in Latina, guided by an American-learned philosophy: the principle of give back—returning to the community what one has received.

This philosophy translates into concrete acts of solidarity, such as the “Banca delle Visite” initiative, which provides free medical care to those who cannot afford it, and in public health awareness campaigns open to the entire population. “I believe in social responsibility,” says Chiavetta. “Every healthcare facility should be an ethical stronghold, not just a clinical one. It’s essential to build a network among institutions, professionals, and citizens to shape a fairer and more informed society.”

Over the years, Medical Pontino has received numerous accolades, including a symbolic but deeply meaningful award from the Municipality of Latina last November. The honor, presented by Mayor Matilde Celentano, recognized the Chiavetta family’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly through the provision of free services for those in financial difficulty, made possible by a network of volunteer doctors and partner clinics.

This recognition adds to the many tributes received by Medical Pontino, which continues to stand as a virtuous model of solidarity-based healthcare, where entrepreneurial success goes hand in hand with civic and social responsibility for the most vulnerable.

Elio Chiavetta’s life is a tangible example of how memory, sacrifice, civic commitment, and expertise can be transformed into collective value. A message more relevant than ever in an era increasingly detached from its roots. In a time marked by division and isolation, Chiavetta reminds us that true patriotism is not measured by strategies, but by stories—by concrete actions and responsible choices that truly unite people.