Invitalia

In the late 1990s, Italy sought a new way to energize its economy, particularly in less developed areas. The answer came in 1999 with the creation of Sviluppo Italia S.p.A., founded by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. This new entity was formed by merging several existing economic development agencies with a clear mission: attract investment, foster industrial development, and create jobs. The company was structured as a joint-stock company wholly owned by the ministry, giving it a unique position to act on behalf of the state. A significant turning point occurred in 2008 when, following a reorganization mandated by the 2007 financial law, Sviluppo Italia was rebranded as Invitalia. This wasn't just a name change; it marked a strategic refocus. The agency concentrated its efforts on key sectors, managing national incentives for new businesses and innovative startups, and attracting foreign investment. It also became a central purchasing body for the government, implementing strategic projects across the country. Today, led by CEO Bernardo Mattarella and Chairman Sergio Schisani, Invitalia is a central player in Italy's economic strategy. It manages a vast portfolio of incentives and has a critical role in deploying funds from Europe's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). By financing thousands of businesses, from innovative startups to large industrial projects, and supporting public administration, Invitalia acts as the government's engine for national development and competitiveness.