Italian Space Economy Innovation Grows 91% with Key Contributions from Leonardo and Thales Alenia Space
The Italian Space Economy saw a 91% increase in patent filings from 2000-2011 to 2012-2022, outperforming the global average. This growth is driven by a significant rise in patents for Space Access technologies, which increased by 348%, compared to 149% globally.
Satellite Communications patents also exceeded global growth rates, rising 69% in Italy versus 47% worldwide. However, patents in Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation grew slower than the global averages.
The Innovation Patent Index indicates a decline in innovative capacity in Space Access and Earth Observation, despite an overall increase in patent numbers. Major players like Leonardo S.p.A. and Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A. dominate the landscape, with the latter achieving a 550% increase in patent filings. The emergence of new innovative SMEs and startups since 2012 signals a more dynamic and competitive ecosystem.
