# Italian pharmaceutical industry innovation discussions > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-pharmaceutical-industry-innovation-discussions > Updated: 2026-11-03T11:39:16.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding the competitiveness of the Italian and European pharmaceutical sectors have focused on the need for increased investment, regulatory certainty, and improved patient access to new therapies. Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci noted that bureaucracy often lags behind scientific progress and expressed a commitment to expanding the innovation fund. Recent reports highlight significant funding challenges within the Italian scientific community. Massimo Andreoni, an infectious diseases professor at Tor Vergata University, noted that Italy allocates only 1.37% of its GDP to research, which is notably lower than the European average of 2.1%. This funding gap threatens Italy’s standing in fields such as oncology, hematology, and infectious diseases, while contributing to a trend of young researchers moving abroad. In response to these systemic issues, private sector initiatives are supporting the healthcare ecosystem. Novartis has introduced the Catalyst project to strengthen the clinical research ecosystem through pilot programs in Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany, and Campania. This initiative specifically aims to address bureaucratic obstacles and personnel shortages that hinder the integration of clinical studies into hospital workflows. Additionally, Gilead Sciences has increased its support for public-private research collaborations. Through its 15th annual grants, Gilead has awarded over 1.2 million euros to 62 projects, bringing its total investment to over 19 million euros since 2011 to support research in oncology, hematology, and infectious diseases. Public perception remains complex. While an AstraRicerche survey showed that 78% of Italians view innovation as a driver for national development, only 27.1% consider themselves well-informed. Furthermore, a Pfizer Foundation study revealed a disconnect in health management: although 85.6% of Italians actively manage their health, over 61% report low regularity in preventive medical check-ups, despite 70.3% expressing fear regarding the loss of future autonomy. Advocates emphasize the need to reframe prevention as a vital investment rather than a cost. ## Claims - 78% of Italians consider innovation and clinical research a lever for the country's development. (reported by 3 sources) - Only 27.1% of Italians consider themselves very or quite informed about clinical research. (reported by 3 sources) - Novartis launched the Catalyst project to strengthen the clinical research ecosystem in Italy. (reported by 3 sources) - Novartis has 924 active clinical centers in Italy. (reported by 3 sources) - More than 2,000 patients are involved in Novartis clinical research in Italy. (reported by 3 sources) - Novartis focuses research on oncology, cardiorenal-metabolic, immunology, and neuroscience. (reported by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-03: Italy faces research funding crisis and healthcare innovation gaps Italian research faces a crisis as funding sits at 1.37% of GDP, well below the EU average. Industry leaders are launching new initiatives to bolster clinical research and healthcare innovation. 38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novartis-launches-catalyst-project-to-strengthen-italian-clinical-research ### 2026-10-29: Novartis Forum addresses Italian pharmaceutical competitiveness Industry leaders and Italian officials met at a Novartis forum to discuss enhancing pharmaceutical competitiveness, attracting investment, and improving patient access to innovative therapies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novartis-forum-addresses-italian-pharmaceutical-competitiveness --- Cite as: Italian pharmaceutical industry innovation discussions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-pharmaceutical-industry-innovation-discussions