How is Italy doing in green innovation? Tracking the Italian green industrial revolution through patents

This paper delves into the intersection of patents, green technology, and economic development, focusing on Italy’s trajectory from 2000 to 2023. Drawing on data collected from EPO’s PATSTAT and ESPACENET Search tools and an analysis of patent filings, it underscores the pivotal role of green technology in shaping employment and innovation trends In Italy and across the European Union. Notably, our findings reveal a consistent uptrend in green patent filings, indicative of the sector’s robust growth and strategic importance. Within Italy, the study identifies key areas of green technology innovation, particularly in energy production, distribution, and smart grid technologies. Despite historical challenges such as raw material dependence and high electricity prices, Italy demonstrates a burgeoning eco-innovation landscape, with notable advancements in energy efficiency and resource utilisation. However, the paper also highlights systemic barriers hindering Italy’s full potential in eco-innovation, including underinvestment in research and development compared to EU benchmarks.