Investment opportunities
Logistics
In the last 20 years, the opening of new markets, TLC technologies and transport development have significantly reduced geographical distances and increased trade exchanges.
In addition, because of the localization of new worldwide production centres in the emerging countries, supply chains are always more complex. Consequently, logistics has evolved from a mere activity of goods handling management to a strategic operation on which companies can leverage to be competitive.
To learn more about Logistics in Italy, visit www.invitalia.org
Information & Communication Technology
176 world-to-Italy overseas investment projects were recorded between January 2003 and January 2009 (in Communication, Software & IT Services and Semiconductors) from 149 foreign companies, most of which from USA.
The leading sector was Software & IT services (68% of projects), while the leading business activity was Sales, Marketing & Support (66% of projects). The Top 10 companies accounted for 18% of all investment projects – among them, Microsoft (USA), Huawei Technologies (China) and Vodafone (UK).
To learn more about ICT in Italy, visit www.invitalia.org
Life Science
Italy is one of the world leaders in Life Sciences market, being the third largest industry in Europe after Germany and France (source: IMS 2008), both in terms of turnover and number of employees. Italy’s companies cover the whole market spectrum including Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Biomedical applications, Bioinformatics, Biomechanics and Nanobiotechnology, integrated with traditionally strong Italian sectors such as Agro-Food, Chemicals and Textiles.
On a world scale, the Italian pharmaceuticals market ranks fifth for total sales (pharmacies + hospitals), thus providing a relevant driver for biotech development in the Country. Furthermore, in line with other western European countries, healthcare provision in Italy proves advanced and ensures universal access. The population size ensures that the Italian pharmaceuticals market remains quite relevant and attractive. More specifically, whilst the overall population is declining, the over-65 ratio has already attained 20.3% and is set to further rise with a corresponding increase in chronic and long-term medical conditions, which will inevitably raise demand for pharmaceuticals. (Source: Espicom 2010).
To learn more about Life Sciences in Italy, visit www.invitalia.org
Renwable Energy Sources
With a yearly energy production from renewable sources (RES) exceeding 58 TWh, Italy is one of the European leaders in RES development.
Compliantly with EU renewable energy targets, by 2020 Italy is required to achieve 46,215 MW overall installed power capacity from RES. Considering that Italy’s installed power capacity accounted for 23,859 MW in 2008, the Country offers significant investment opportunities in RES, notably in the wind and PV segments, where the most relevant growth is expected.
To learn more about Renewable energy sources in Italia, visit www.invitalia.org
Tourism
Overall turnover from the Italian tourism industry generates earnings assessed at over 212 billion dollars. There are estimated to be more than 280 thousand businesses distributed throughout the regions of Italy, with a workforce of 1.2 million qualified personnel.
Tourism in Italy accounts for approximately 9.6% of the national GNP and if related industries are taken into consideration, the figure rises to 12% (source: WTTC - World Travel and Tourism Council). Among the countries favouring Italy as a tourist destination, the addition of emerging countries such as Russia, China and India has been noted.
Globalisation processes led to a change in the mechanisms underlying demand and in the organisational supply chains, particularly due to the emergence and establishment of new destinations that compete with traditional and mature ones.
Italy has always been one of the most desired and visited travel destinations and remains firmly among the top five countries at global level, despite the increase in the offer of tourist destinations, particularly by countries such as China:
1st place among EU countries for accommodation capacity
3rd place among EU countries for arrivals
4th place in world country rankings for currency earnings
5th place in world rankings for arrival.
To learn more about Tourism in Italy, visit www.invitalia.org
