Italy faces R&D investment gaps and regional economic divides

Italy faces significant structural challenges regarding its research capabilities and entrepreneurial distribution. Despite producing high-quality scientific results, the country invests only 1.38% of its GDP in research and development, falling well below the European average of 2.24%. Issues such as job insecurity, uncompetitive salaries, bureaucracy, and a lack of continuity are driving qualified young researchers to work abroad, risking Italy's economic and strategic autonomy.

On the industrial front, Italy's productive fabric shows a sharp geographic divide. Data from CNA indicates that entrepreneurship is concentrated in the Center-North, driven by strong manufacturing traditions and industrial districts. Prato, Milan, and Rimini lead the rankings for business density per inhabitant. Conversely, southern provinces, including Sud Sardegna, Enna, and Agrigento, show much lower entrepreneurial activity due to factors like insufficient infrastructure, limited access to credit, and declining internal demand.