Revitalizing the Economy in Southern Italy: The Council of Ministers’ New Mini Development Contracts Initiative

The Council of Ministers, headed by Adolfo Urso, the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, has launched a new initiative called the ‘Mini development contracts’ within the Cohesion Legislative Decree. With an initial budget of 300 million euros, this program aims to encourage medium-sized productive investments ranging from 5 to 20 million euros.

Any business, irrespective of size, can apply for this measure as long as their investments align with the advanced technologies listed in the new EU STEP regulation. Initially, these contracts will be available exclusively in Southern Regions to promote digital and ‘deep tech’ technologies, strengthen local production chains and facilitate the transition towards a greener and more digital economy.

This program complements existing measures that support investments exceeding 20 million euros as outlined in the PNRR. The primary focus will be on green technologies, biotechnologies (including critical medicines), and their components. Minister Urso expressed his optimism about these contracts’ impact on revitalizing the economy in Southern Regions by attracting new investments and fostering technological innovation within the Italian industrial landscape.