Around €13.4 billion a year is the cost borne by Italy as a result of the water crisis, twice the European average. The perception of water risk remains minimal, with only one-third of companies considering water to be critical to business continuity. These are some of the findings derived from the Water Smart Economy survey, which was undertaken by UN Global Compact Network Italy in collaboration with The European House - Ambrosetti and supported by Edison, and presented at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum 2026. The study examines Italian enterprises' approaches to water management, prospects, and governance as water resources become an increasingly important economic determinant. According to Daniela Bernacchi, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Italy, "Proper water pricing is one of the most critical strategies. Companies frequently overlook water in their capital allocation due to the low rates. An additional critical concern is supply chain engagement; regrettably, less than 50% of organizations investigate not only impacts but also supply chain dependencies. This is an issue that must be addressed in order to comprehend the system's overall resilience".