Italy is increasingly recognized for its burgeoning bioeconomy, which is playing a pivotal role in economic growth and sustainability initiatives. The bioeconomy is defined under the National Bioeconomy Plan adopted in 2017 as the collective activities utilizing renewable biological resources from land, waters, and seas to produce food, materials, energy, and other products through biological-based technologies.
This sector is expansive, contributing to various aspects of the economy, particularly through the circular economy model, which emphasizes the use of by-products, waste, and residues. This not only enhances resilience and innovation within the sector but is also integral to Italy's and Europe’s competitiveness. According to recent findings from the report “La Bioeconomia in Europa,” produced by the Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo, bioeconomy activities generated estimated output of €437.5 billion in Italy for the year 2023, reflecting an increase of €9.3 billion from the previous year.
Employment within the bioeconomy sector has also seen notable figures, with estimates indicating the sector employs around two million people nationwide. This places the bioeconomy as not just an innovative driver but also as significant for job creation, supporting the entire Italian “made-in-Italy” industry.
Research conducted by various entities, including the SPRING Cluster, highlights the concentration of bioeconomy activities primarily within medium and small-sized enterprises across Northern Italy, with strong connections to new industrial initiatives launched in Southern regions. These enterprises are particularly focused on sectors contributing to the Made-in-Italy reputation such as food and beverages, textiles, and fashion. A notable point revealed was the investment inclination within the bio-based companies, with approximately 60.7% expressing commitment to research and development from 2017 through 2019 and planning to continue their investments through 2024.
Italy's stature as the European leader extends to its advanced competencies and unique biorefineries, enhancing its position as the continent’s second-largest producer of biogas. Italy currently leads two significant European projects funded through the Circular Biobased Europe Joint Undertaking. The first initiative, named TERRIFIC, is focused on developing solutions for packaging and is set to invest €16 million across four years. This project encompasses collaboration among 19 partners across nine European nations, targeting innovative and sustainable packaging made from renewable raw materials.
The second key project, BioINSouth, aims to establish digital guidelines and tools to support innovative environmental impact assessments within bio-based industries with investments of €3 million. This initiative seeks to bolster regional competitiveness and innovation capacity within Southern Mediterranean regions, including establishing one of the eight hubs planned for Campania, Italy.
The bioeconomy is recognized not just for its current contributions but also for its pivotal role in supporting broader transitions toward green economies. It plays a central role in the objectives outlined within the Green New Deal, primarily by decreasing reliance on non-renewable resources and enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability.
To maximize the benefits associated with the bioeconomy, there is pressing need for Italy to adopt suitable regulatory frameworks, clear policies, and innovative approaches. This includes streamlined legislation related to waste-end treatment and specific codes for bio-based products. Such measures are imperative to safeguard and expand Italy’s historical leadership within the sustainable circular bioeconomy field.
The importance of specific stakeholders, particularly the SPRING Cluster, cannot be overstated. This national cluster brings together over 160 participants from universities, public and private research institutions as well as small and large private enterprises. They are instrumental not only for advancing research but also for enhancing Italy's global visibility and attractiveness within this competitive field. Engaging communities can nurture partnerships across different segments, which the cluster is positioned to facilitate, ensuring growth and innovation continue unhindered.
Finally, the presence of 15 Italian firms listed within the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index showcases the commitment to reducing environmental impact across various sectors. Leaders like Pirelli, Intesa Sanpaolo, and others have exemplified this drive toward sustainability, indicating strong alignment with the overarching goals of the bioeconomy.
Overall, Italy's bioeconomy stands as both a driver of economic growth and a foundation for sustainable development. Its future relies on strategic investments, coherent policies, and continued innovation, ensuring Italy not only maintains but enhances its leadership role within this transformative sector.
