The number of employees in high- and medium-high R&D intensive activities in Italy is forecasted to steadily increase from 1.7 million in 2024 to 1.73 million by 2028. In 2023, the figure was 1.7 million. The year-on-year growth rate is expected to remain around 0.6% to 0.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 0.4% over the five-year forecast period, indicating a gradual upward trend in employment levels within these sectors.

Future trends to watch for include:

Development in automation and artificial intelligence impacting workforce demand.
Increasing government and private sector investment in R&D sectors.
Potential shifts in policy favoring green and sustainable technologies.
Impact of global economic conditions on R&D funding and activities.