# Italian R&D funding and industrial transition initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-research-and-development-funding-initiatives > Updated: 2026-09-10T06:15:00.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 6. Italy continues to expand its research and development (R&D) and industrial support frameworks through targeted funding and legislative reform. Building on previous initiatives for SMEs and the Space Economy, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit) is implementing a 32 million euro allocation for industrial property. This includes 20 million euros for ‘Brevetti+’ to enhance patent value, 10 million euros for ‘Disegni+’ for design and modeling, and 2 million euros for ‘Marchi+’ to protect Italian trademarks internationally. Legislative reform via Decree 138/2026 is reorganizing the national incentive system into five primary tools—including the Sustainable Growth Fund, the SME Guarantee Fund, the Venture Capital Support Fund, the New Sabatini, and aerospace incentives—to reduce fragmentation and simplify business procedures. Furthering the green transition, Mimit has allocated 300 million euros via mini development contracts to support the automotive supply chain. This measure, signed by Minister Adolfo Urso, focuses on sustainable, autonomous, and connected mobility. To ensure equitable distribution, 60% of these resources are reserved for SMEs, with 40% of the total funds earmarked for programs in Southern Italy. Additionally, the Sustainable Growth Fund is providing over 500 million euros for R&D projects in strategic areas such as smart industry and digital technologies, with the official application portal scheduled to open on October 7. New sector-specific support has been introduced, including a 100 million euro incentive program for the fashion, textile, leather, and accessories supply chains to support SME development, particularly in the Mezzogiorno region. Regional efforts also include a 10 million euro fund in Veneto to revitalize urban commerce and various digital transformation and AI training programs for businesses in Veneto and Bolzano. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Italy launches multi-sector support for SMEs and fashion industry Italy is launching multiple support programs for SMEs, including 100 million euros for the fashion industry, 10 million euros for urban commerce in Veneto, and various digital and AI training initiatives. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bolzano-chamber-of-commerce-launches-new-professional-training-program ### 2026-09-08: Italy allocates funds for automotive, R&D, and agricultural innovation Italy is launching multiple funding initiatives, including 300 million euros for automotive innovation, 500 million euros for R&D, and regional grants for agricultural and sustainable transport upgrades. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-allocates-funds-for-automotive-transition-and-rd ### 2026-08-31: Italy allocates 32 million euros for SME industrial property Italy announces 32 million euros for SME industrial property protection and reorganizes business incentives, while ENPAF confirms 400,000 euros in assistance for freelance pharmacists for 2026. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-allocates-32-million-euros-to-support-sme-industrial-property ### 2026-08-18: Italy allocates 950 million euros for Space Economy and innovation in the South The Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has allocated 950 million euros to support technological innovation and the Space Economy in Southern Italy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-allocates-950-million-euros-for-space-economy-and-innovation-in-the-south ### 2026-08-12: Italy allocates 505 million euros for R&D in southern regions Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has announced 505 million euros in R&D funding for southern regions to support industrial innovation and technological development. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-allocates-505-million-euros-for-rd-in-southern-regions ### 2026-07-30: Italy launches new research prize and €389,000 innovation funding for regional projects Italy launches the Roberto Riccoboni Solidal 2026 prize with three cash categories for research, while Fondazione Cariverona allocates €389,000 to five AI‑driven innovation projects in Verona. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-launches-new-research-prize-and-389000-innovation-funding-for-regional-projects --- Cite as: Italian R&D funding and industrial transition initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-research-and-development-funding-initiatives