The problematic growth of the ict sector in southern italy

Journal title ECONOMIA E SOCIETÀ REGIONALE
Author/s Roberto Errico
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/2
Language Italian Pages 11 P. 101-111 File size 290 KB
DOI 10.3280/ES2026-002007
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The essay analyses the evolution of the Ict sector in Southern Italy between 2012 and 2023, highlighting a significant increase in local units and employees, higher than that recorded in Central and Northern Italy. This trend confirms the existence of a real basis for development which, however, is not sufficient on its own even to mitigate the structural gaps that continue to characterise the area. The analysis of data relating to firms classified under Ateco J shows, in fact, lower levels of value added per employee, lower average wages, and a smaller average firm size, all of which point to a weaker positioning within the value chain. These factors are compounded by less favourable access to credit for firms in Southern Italy and a lower inflow of foreign direct investment. The resulting picture suggests that the central issue is not merely the quantitative growth of the sector, but its ability to translate into stable development, skilled employment, and the strengthening of the productive capacity of Southern Italy.

Keywords: ICT Sector, Regional Development, Labour Productivity

Jel codes: R11, O33, J24.

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Roberto Errico, La crescita problematica del settore ict nel mezzogiorno in "ECONOMIA E SOCIETÀ REGIONALE " 2/2026, pp 101-111, DOI: 10.3280/ES2026-002007