Italy has long been synonymous with quality, creativity, and innovation. The Symbola Report – Italian Statistics 2024 sheds light on the country’s remarkable achievements across various sectors, highlighting its leadership in sustainability, manufacturing, tourism, and culture. With a focus on a human-centred economy that blends tradition with cutting-edge advancements, Italy continues to be a beacon of excellence on the global stage.
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Italian economy 2024
A leader in the circular economy
Italy has established itself as a leader in the circular economy, boasting the highest recycling rate in Europe. With 91.6% of municipal and special waste recycled, it far surpasses the EU average of 57.9%. This leadership extends to sectors such as mineral oil recovery, where Italy achieves an impressive 98% recycling rate, significantly reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability efforts. The Italian approach to waste management ensures that 16.4 million tonnes of oil equivalent and 55 million tonnes of CO2 emissions are avoided annually.
A powerhouse in renewable energy
The world’s largest private supplier of renewable energy, Enel Green Power, is Italian. With 63.3 GW of installed capacity spanning solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, Enel is spearheading Europe’s transition towards a cleaner energy future. Italy is also developing Europe’s largest bifacial photovoltaic cell and module production plant in Catania, set to revolutionise solar energy production by 2025.
Additionally, Italy is one of the top 10 photovoltaic markets globally, installing 5.2 GW of solar power plants in 2023 alone. These strides reinforce the country’s leadership in the global renewable energy landscape.
Additionally, Italy is one of the top 10 photovoltaic markets globally, installing 5.2 GW of solar power plants in 2023 alone. These strides reinforce the country’s leadership in the global renewable energy landscape.
Pioneering green steel production
Italy leads the G7 nations in green steel production, with 86% of its steel produced using electric furnaces, minimising carbon emissions. The country’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its significant use of recycled materials, making the sector more competitive and environmentally responsible. Around 76% of raw materials used in steel production come from recycled steel, a 17% increase over six years. The presence of zero-carbon-certified steel mills, such as Arvedi, underscores Italy’s dedication to decarbonisation.
A European leader in sustainable agriculture
Italian agriculture excels in sustainability and quality, with the highest number of organic farms in Europe (82,627 workers). The country also leads in the production of protected and geographically indicated food and wine products (856 designations), a testament to its rich culinary heritage and rigorous quality standards. Italy has also managed to reduce its agricultural greenhouse gas emissions more than other major EU nations, making it a model for sustainable food production.
A global leader in amusement park rides
Italy’s engineering and craftsmanship are recognised worldwide, particularly in the amusement park ride industry, where it dominates global exports. Valued at $282.3 million, Italian amusement rides are celebrated for their beauty, safety, and energy efficiency, featuring in major theme parks from Coney Island to Disneyland.
With 137 manufacturers, primarily concentrated in northern Italy, this sector has long been a symbol of Italian ingenuity and precision engineering. More than 60% of these exports are destined for markets outside the EU, demonstrating global demand for Italian innovation.
With 137 manufacturers, primarily concentrated in northern Italy, this sector has long been a symbol of Italian ingenuity and precision engineering. More than 60% of these exports are destined for markets outside the EU, demonstrating global demand for Italian innovation.
Furniture industry excellence
Italy’s furniture industry ranks third globally in trade balance, with an export value of $15.8 billion. It is also the first in Europe to produce 100% recycled wood panels, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. With over 54,000 registered companies in the sector, Italy remains a global leader in high-quality, eco-friendly furniture design.
The sector employs 216,000 workers, with 93% of its chipboard production using 100% recycled wood. Over 60% of companies in the furniture sector rely on renewable energy, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainable production.
The sector employs 216,000 workers, with 93% of its chipboard production using 100% recycled wood. Over 60% of companies in the furniture sector rely on renewable energy, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainable production.
A hub for congress tourism
Italy is a top destination for congress tourism, ranking second globally and first in Europe. With 553 international congresses hosted in 2023, Italy has overtaken Spain, France, and Germany. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence continue to attract business travellers, reinforcing Italy’s role as a premier venue for international events.
Italy has also made significant strides in the hospitality sector, boasting 320,000 businesses in accommodation and catering, the highest in Europe. The combination of world-class facilities and cultural appeal cements Italy’s reputation as a premier conference destination.
Italy has also made significant strides in the hospitality sector, boasting 320,000 businesses in accommodation and catering, the highest in Europe. The combination of world-class facilities and cultural appeal cements Italy’s reputation as a premier conference destination.
World’s leading pasta producer
Italy retains its crown as the world’s largest pasta producer, manufacturing nearly 4 million tonnes. The sector generates €7 billion in turnover, with more than 60% of production destined for export. Italian pasta companies have also made significant strides in sustainability, reducing water consumption by 20% and carbon emissions by 21% since 2013.
The country also leads in pasta exports, accounting for $4.4 billion in global sales, far ahead of competitors such as China and Turkey. Research and development investments, which account for 10% of the sector’s turnover, ensure continued innovation in pasta production.
The country also leads in pasta exports, accounting for $4.4 billion in global sales, far ahead of competitors such as China and Turkey. Research and development investments, which account for 10% of the sector’s turnover, ensure continued innovation in pasta production.
Booming pharmaceutical exports
The pharmaceutical sector in Italy is the fastest-growing in the world in terms of exports, increasing by $13.6 billion between 2021 and 2023. Italy ranks second in Europe for pharmaceutical patent applications and has significantly reduced its energy consumption, reinforcing its position as a key player in global healthcare innovation.
With a 32% reduction in energy consumption over the past decade, the Italian pharmaceutical industry has also increased its reliance on renewable energy fivefold. Additionally, Italy is second in Europe for scientific publications in life sciences, highlighting its strong research capabilities.
With a 32% reduction in energy consumption over the past decade, the Italian pharmaceutical industry has also increased its reliance on renewable energy fivefold. Additionally, Italy is second in Europe for scientific publications in life sciences, highlighting its strong research capabilities.
A cultural and design powerhouse
Italy continues to lead in cultural heritage, with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (60). Additionally, it is a European leader in design, with a turnover growth of 27.1% in the sector. Around 75% of Italian designers prioritise sustainability, ensuring that the country’s design industry remains both innovative and environmentally conscious.
The creative sector contributes €104.3 billion to Italy’s economy, underscoring the importance of culture and design in driving economic growth. Italian designers are at the forefront of eco-conscious innovation, balancing aesthetics with sustainability.
The creative sector contributes €104.3 billion to Italy’s economy, underscoring the importance of culture and design in driving economic growth. Italian designers are at the forefront of eco-conscious innovation, balancing aesthetics with sustainability.
Conclusion
The Symbola Report 2024 presents a compelling narrative of Italy’s success across multiple industries. From sustainable production and renewable energy to world-class design and cultural heritage, Italy exemplifies how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously. By prioritising quality, sustainability, and human-centred economic growth, Italy continues to shape a future that balances economic success with environmental responsibility and cultural preservation.
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