Regione Puglia

Description

Puglia is an emerging region in southeastern Italy, where the endless beauty of the sea and rural  landscapes have made it a major tourist destination, and the high quality of life represents a strong  asset for local businesses. Rich in history, it is an authentic and modern region, looking toward the  future, which rivals Silicon Valley Silicon Valley in its ability to innovate and attract talent. The region has  built a solid reputation on the international scene as a hub of innovation thanks to the ongoing activities  of its vast research and innovation ecosystem, which brings together over 415 public and private  entities, including five local universities, more than 20 industrial and technological clusters, and an  ever-expanding network of research laboratories. The National Research Council alone accounts for 24  research institutes in the region, engaged in cutting-edge research in fields such as nanotechnology,  biosciences, biotechnology, and smart technologies. 

In addition, the presence of three certified incubators (including The Hub Bari and TQC – The Qube  Consulting in Lecce), one national accelerator (FAROS Blue Economy in Taranto), and a European Digital  Innovation Hub (CETMA-DIHSME in Brindisi) supports the growing number of innovative start-ups that  have chosen to set up in Puglia: there are currently 557 innovative start-ups registered as active in Puglia (Source: MIMIT, July 2025). Recognized as one of the most dynamic regions in southern Italy, with over  272,380 active businesses registered in 2023 (Source: SACE -Istat) and growing international relevance,  the region's attractiveness as a destination for businesses has become increasingly tangible in recent  years, thanks in part to regional incentives for business investment projects aimed at supporting  innovative start-ups and SMEs, as well as multinationals (MNEs) seeking to expand their operations in Europe. 

The Puglia Region has defined an integrated intervention strategy to support economic growth,  innovation, and competitiveness in the region, starting with the Puglia Regional Operational  Program (ROP) 2014-2020 and continuing with the Puglia Regional Program (PR) ERDF-ESF+  2021/2027. 

The latest program is structured around several instruments and funding lines, including:

- calls for proposals for innovative start-ups and SMEs, which support the creation and  development of technology companies; 

- the Boost4Innovation program, dedicated to digital innovation and the technological  transformation of companies; 

- funds for energy transition and sustainable manufacturing, aimed at encouraging green  investments and Industry 4.0; 

- measures to promote tourism, culture, and rural heritage, including urban and rural  redevelopment projects; 

- digitalization and smart infrastructure initiatives, with a particular focus on ultra broadband, digital hubs, and regional Digital Innovation Hubs. 

These instruments aim to foster business creation and growth, attract investment, promote  the internationalization of Apulian companies, develop human capital, and create skilled  jobs, further strengthening Apulia’s position as an innovative hub in Southern Italy.