ISTAT recently published the “Research and Development in Italy” report for the two-year period 2017-2019.
It is estimated that in 2017 intra-muros R&D expenditure in all institutional sectors (companies, public institutions, private non-profit institutions and universities) amounts to almost € 23.8 billion. The private sector spends € 15.2 billion on intra-muros R&D, almost all of which is supported by businesses. Universities spend € 5.6 billion, public institutions 2.9 billion.
In 2017, the ranking of the regions that spend the most on research and development remains stable compared to the previous year. 68.1% of total expenditure, amounting to € 16.2 billion, is concentrated in five regions (Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont and Veneto)
For 2018, spending grew by 6.2% for private non-profit institutions, 6.0% for public institutions and 2.8% for companies.
The forecasts provided by companies and institutions confirm for 2019 a further increase in intra-muros R&D spending on 2018: private non-profit institutions + 5.7%, public institutions + 2.7% and companies + 0.8%.