Aerospace
Italy: the perfect platform for Aerospace.
Italy has a rich tradition in the aerospace industry. It boasts a thriving aerospace ecosystem that combines cutting-edge technology with a deep-rooted passion for exploration and discovery. Italy ranks third in the EU for the number of companies and employees. What sets Italy apart is its comprehensive aerospace value chain, encompassing design services, aircraft systems, engine production, component manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and support services.
Italy has a storied history in the space industry: in 1964, it launched its first satellite, ranking as the third country to do so after the USA and Russia, using national technology. In 1988, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) was founded, solidifying Italy's commitment to space exploration.
3ʳᵈ in the EU by number of companies and employees in the sector
The Italian aerospace industry comprises 198 aerospace companies, including large system integrators, SMEs, and start-ups, ranking third in the EU for both the number of companies and employees, with over 49,000 persons employed.
Source: Eurostat (2022).
3ʳᵈ contributor to the budget of the European Space Agency
As one of the founders of ESA, Italy is also the third largest contributor to its budget. For 2024, Italy's contribution amounts to 881.2 million euros, which represents 17% of the total budget. Furthermore, Italy, along with its companies, actively participates in a wide range of ESA missions and programs.
Source: European Space Agency (2024).
3ʳᵈ in the EU by number of citations in key disciplines
Italian companies, universities, and research centres actively participate in national and international research programs. Italy ranks 3ʳᵈ in the EU and 7ᵗʰ worldwide by number of citations in Aerospace Engineering (227,000 citations from 1996 to 2022). It also ranks 3ʳᵈ in the EU and 5ᵗʰ worldwide in Space and Planetary science (1,650,000 citations from 1996 to 2022).
Source: Scimago Journal & Country Rank (1996-2022).
Enter the orbit of the Italian Aerospace Industry!
Italy is the ideal destination for foreign aerospace companies and investors. It offers a robust industrial base, the presence of key industry players, reliable suppliers, and potential industrial partners. Italy boasts a high level of research and development, a skilled workforce, and unparalleled research and testing infrastructure.
Many foreign companies have already recognised the potential of Italy for their business activities and partnerships, such as Airbus, Dassault Systems, OHB Italy, Nanoracks, and Terran Orbital.
Join this vibrant business community that contributes with its expertise to the success of the European space program and attracts high-level foreign investments.
