Is Northern Italy the new Silicon Valley?

Is Northern Italy the new Silicon Valley?

Tax incentives and easier visas

Since 2012, a set of regulations has been implemented with the specific intent of encouraging innovative startuppers to choose Italy as their operational base. The so called “startup act” includes significantly simplified bureaucratic procedures and tax incentives up to 30%. Visa applications for motivated startuppers have also been processed faster, with responses arriving within 30 days of the original application, after a quick check of investments and assessment of the project. A startup visa allows successful applicants to stay in the Country for one year and it can be extended. As a result of these policies, 2016 saw a 158% increase in applications.

Call us today to launch your brand on the Italian market!

Who, when and why

Who are the startuppers moving to Italy? Where are they settling and what kind of projects are they working on? As well as the already mentioned Russian and Chinese entrepreneurs, applications are coming in from American, Ukrainian and Pakistani startuppers. Their preferred destinations are the northern regions of the Country, particularly Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Piedmont and Veneto. Rome has also proved relatively popular. Large cities are generally preferred to small towns – despite the higher cost of living. Language and the need for an international living and working environment can be significant discriminating factors in a young entrepreneur’s choice of destination. Engineering and tech innovation are the preferred fields of expertise of the international startuppers relocating to Italy.

A new Silicon Valley

Several Countries and regions have been competing for the title of New Silicon Valley and Trentino-Alto Adige is our most likely candidate. While the regional GDP can’t be compared to that of the Californian hub of innovation, it is undeniable that this region has been promoting growth, entrepreneurship and innovation better than any other in the Country, and providing the right infrastructure for it. Trentino has been investing on average 1,8% of its GDP in research and development, when the national average is 1,2%. Thus, this autonomous region has established itself as a beacon of technological and social progress, drawing some of the most promising startups in Europe, working closely with schools and universities to create a positive environment for innovators and drawing young talent from all over the Country and beyond. Compared to the metropolitan areas of Rome or Milan, most locations in Trentino also offer a better quality of life, cheaper accommodation and a healthier environment.

Future prospects

While some of the most interesting policies and financial incentives of the past few years will not be sustained in the long term, a new trend has been emerging and it shows no signs of abating any time soon. Incubators and Accelerators have been emerging all over the Country and a growing number of startups have been growing past the dreaded three-year mark. The future of Italian innovation appears to be brighter and ever.

Need help starting your business in Italy? Call us today!