Lombardy Region
Covering an area of 23,858 square metres and inhabited by around nine million people, Lombardy Region is the fourth largest but most densely inhabited Region in Italy. Strategically placed for both Mediterranean and Alpine markets, its position has always had a favourable impact on the region's economic and cultural development.
Lombardy is also Italy's "wealthiest" Region. Heading the league in terms of pro capita income, the region accounts for 20% of the entire gross national product and 30% of Domestic production, whilst boasting one of the lowest levels of unemployment in Europe (3,8%).
GDP per head and per person employed in Lombardy is one of the highest in the Union, over a quarter above the average.
The geographic area of Lombardy is the most industrialised in Italy, with about 740.000 operating companies. A strong tradition of entrepreneurships (around 1 firm per 11 inhabitants) and a high dynamism on international market (one third of national export) are good evidence of a regional development model based on change and innovation.
Most of traditional (literature) technology indicators show Lombardy economic system as a leader within national and international context:
25% of total Italian expenditures in R&D are from Lombardy;
40% of Italian demands to European patent office come from Lombardy;
Lombardy represents around 50% of Italian technological balance of payment (registering import/export movement of technology).
Lombardy Region designed and implemented a policy aimed at improving competitiveness of the manufacturing sector with the following priorities:
Strengthening the research of excellence
Use the best quality R&D for Technology Transfer in new or existing businesses in high tech sectors (or in sectors with a high propensity towards innovation)
Stimulate propensity towards innovation, in SME which would otherwise lose market share
It may be pointed out that Lombardy Region has also created a specific Directorate whose main task is that of promoting Research and Technological Innovation, managing activities and undertaking initiatives aimed at rationalising funds and actions as far as innovative activities are concerned.