Istat has published the usual annual report “Ricerca e sviluppo in Italia” which reports statistical values referring to the years 2020/2022.
The document highlights that in 2020 there was a sharp decline in business R&D spending, while in 2021 there were immediate signs of recovery.
For investments in R&D carried out internally by companies (intra-muros), 25.0 billion euros were spent in 2020, 4.7% less than the previous year.
In 2020, the expenditure incurred by businesses decreased by 6.8% compared to 2019: large companies are holding (+ 2.2%), while SMEs are in marked decline.
Also in 2020, there was also a drop in university spending (-2.0%) while that of private non-profit institutions increased (+ 2.2%) and spending by public institutions remained stable.
Preliminary data indicate an important recovery in business R&D spending for 2021, 5.2% more than in 2020, and for 2022 (+ 3.9% over 2021).
All updated data are available in the “I.Stat” corporate datawarehouse, under the Enterprise – Research and Development theme.