The total number of researchers in the manufacture of weapons and ammunition in Italy experienced significant fluctuations over the past decade. In 2013, there were 386 full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers, which decreased notably to 233 in 2014. The numbers began to stabilize and eventually increased from 2015 to 2017, despite a steep drop in 2017. A resurgence led to peak values in 2018 and saw continuous growth from 2019 onwards. By 2023, the values stood at 501.4 FTEs, showing a strong recovery and steady increase.
Key variations include:
- 2014: -39.64% YoY
- 2015: +17.17% YoY
- 2016: +0.37% YoY
- 2017: -62.77% YoY
- 2018: +300% YoY
- 2019: +8.09% YoY
- 2020: -1.13% YoY
- 2021: +5.11% YoY
- 2022: +4.73% YoY
- 2023: +4.46% YoY
The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of this sector exhibits a mix of periods with low growth or decline and high recovery phases, achieving a balanced average of 4.21% from 2018 to 2023. Forecasts suggest a modest growth trajectory with a 5-year CAGR of 3.15%, expecting total researchers to reach 612.8 FTEs by 2028.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements in defense R&D, increased government spending on military research, and potential shifts caused by geopolitical dynamics that may influence the number of researchers in this sector.
