Sardinia, startups and research are growing: "But too many young talents are leaving."
The island's attractiveness is mixed in the South. Innovation Competitiveness Index: "Stopping the loss of human capital is a priority."
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Southern Italy is increasingly attractive, with an average annual turnover growth rate of 102% between 2020 and 2023.
This is one of the indications provided by the "Sud Innovation Competitiveness Index" , a comparative indicator for the competitiveness of the South and the Islands, developed by Sud Innovation APS with the contribution of ten universities in the South, the Polytechnic of Milan and Growth Capital.
A report that "for the first time provides a systematic measurement of the competitive capacity of Southern Italy's territories, combining innovation, human capital, and attractiveness," and which captures a growing "ecosystem," with €289.9 million raised and 700 new jobs .
Driving the trend are two regions in particular, Campania and Puglia , which together account for over 60% of the capital invested in Southern Italy over the last eight years. And what about Sardinia? The analysis, the report explains, confirms that the island "has significant potential, but still needs to overcome structural weaknesses," starting with the loss of qualified human capital and the reduced presence of large corporations.
Positive signs come from the " growth of innovative startups , the ability to launch initiatives recognized at national and European level, and scientific research increasingly integrated into international networks."
The dossier also provides mixed numbers and data . Regarding talent attraction , "signs of growth are intertwined with structural issues. According to AlmaLaurea data, the University of Sassari registered 1,820 graduates in total in 2024, while the University of Cagliari graduated 3,719 in the same year."
The issue of skilled emigration remains crucial. According to the Migrantes 2024 Report, 130,217 Sardinians were registered with AIRE (Registration of Italian Citizens) as of January 1, 2024, an increase of 417 compared to January 1, 2023. "This figure," it is noted, "confirms how the island continues to lose human capital, especially among the most skilled young people."
"The impact," the report adds, "is not only the depletion of intellectual capital, but also the slowdown in the innovative capacity of local businesses, which struggle to find adequate skills in the most technologically intensive sectors."
Despite the critical issues of the regional ecosystem, Sardinia has nevertheless "strengthened its capacity to attract tourists through high-level training measures."
Also positive is the growth in research and development spending, which represents a concrete sign of vitality: "In 2022," the report highlights, "Sardinia recorded a 15.2% increase, compared to the national average of 5%." This increase is "largely due to the contribution of the public and university sectors, which account for over 80%."
On the investment front, Sardinia, however, remains "in a still fragile context." According to AIFI data, in 2024, Southern Italy and the Islands attracted just 7% of the total number of private equity and venture capital deals and 6% of the amount invested in Italy , compared to a national market that recorded 732 deals for a total value of €14.9 billion. Within this aggregate share, the report emphasizes, "Sardinia's specific weight remains marginal and there is no evidence of significant rounds."
But, as mentioned, positive signs exist. "To translate these elements into systemic advantages," the conclusion is, "it is necessary to strengthen the pathways for attracting and retaining talent, consolidate growth tools for innovative businesses, and facilitate the establishment of global players through adequate technological infrastructure and market-opening policies. The underlying goal is to transform insularity from a constraint to a competitive lever , positioning Sardinia as a Mediterranean laboratory capable of attracting investment, expertise, and cutting-edge collaboration."
