Southern Italy is increasingly attractive, with an average annual turnover growth rate of 102% between 2020 and 2023.
This is one of the indications provided by the "Sud Innovation Competitiveness Index" , a comparative indicator for the competitiveness of the South and the Islands, developed by Sud Innovation APS with the contribution of ten universities in the South, the Polytechnic of Milan and Growth Capital.
A report that "for the first time provides a systematic measurement of the competitive capacity of Southern Italy's territories, combining innovation, human capital, and attractiveness," and which captures a growing "ecosystem," with €289.9 million raised and 700 new jobs .
Driving the trend are two regions in particular, Campania and Puglia , which together account for over 60% of the capital invested in Southern Italy over the last eight years. And what about Sardinia? The analysis, the report explains, confirms that the island "has significant potential, but still needs to overcome structural weaknesses," starting with the loss of qualified human capital and the reduced presence of large corporations.
Positive signs come from the " growth of innovative startups , the ability to launch initiatives recognized at national and European level, and scientific research increasingly integrated into international networks."
The dossier also provides mixed numbers and data . Regarding talent attraction , "signs of growth are intertwined with structural issues. According to AlmaLaurea data, the University of Sassari registered 1,820 graduates in total in 2024, while the University of Cagliari graduated 3,719 in the same year."
The issue of skilled emigration remains crucial. According to the Migrantes 2024 Report, 130,217 Sardinians were registered with AIRE (Registration of Italian Citizens) as of January 1, 2024, an increase of 417 compared to January 1, 2023. "This figure," it is noted, "confirms how the island continues to lose human capital, especially among the most skilled young people."
