15 May 2025
New ERA LEARN Country Report gives insights on Italian participation in Partnerships

ERA-LEARN has published a Country Report which offers an in-depth analysis of Italy's participation in Research and Innovation (R&I) Partnerships. Using the ERA-LEARN database, interviews, and various external data sources, the reports provide a comprehensive overview of countries’ performances in these Partnerships, framed within their national and regional research systems.
The report shows that Italy is a leading participant in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe Partnerships, showing strong scientific excellence, alignment with EU priorities, and significant institutional involvement, particularly from public research organisations and SMEs. A key strength is its active promotion of regional participation, systematically involving regional authorities and aligning Smart Specialisation Strategies with Partnership themes. Italy also demonstrates strategic leadership in initiatives addressing regional and cross-border challenges, such as PRIMA. However, challenges remain, including complex administrative procedures, funding delays, and rigid financial rules. Despite these issues, Italy’s proactive and inclusive approach solidifies its role as a major contributor to the European R&I landscape, with the potential to influence future collaboration both within and beyond the EU.
The report can be downloaded here: