Italy is the world’s eighth-largest economy and a leading industrial producer in the EU. Its strategic location also offers access to key markets in Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. All of which have helped make Itay a key trading partner in Europe.
This report presents the 2025 edition of our Business Climate Survey of Swedish companies
operating in Italy. Most of the respondents hold a neutral view but have a positive outlook for the year ahead, with 59 per cent of the responding companies expecting to increase their turnover – an increase of 20 percentage points from the previous year – and 74 per cent plan to increase or maintain investment levels over the next 12 months.
Italy presents diverse business opportunities for Swedish companies across multiple sectors. It features a well-developed network of service providers, distributors, and suppliers, which are particularly valuable for Swedish companies setting up operations in the country.
The ‘Swedish brand’ continues to be an important differentiator for companies seeking to establish and grow their presence in the Italian market. There is a broad consensus among Swedish companies that the Swedish image remains a significant asset. In Italy, Sweden is strongly associated with innovation and sustainability.
Italy’s receipt of EUR 194 billion as the largest beneficiary of the most extensive stimulus package in EU history, NextGenerationEU funds, secures funding to enhance social and economic resilience and drive the country’s green and digital transformation through June 2026. This opens up opportunities across key sectors, such as smart energy infrastructure, digitalisation, and other sustainable industries.
Want to read a full overview of the survey results with detailed analysis? Download the report today.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
For the purpose of enhancing the understanding of Swedish companies’ performance in Italy, as well as the opportunities and challenges presented by the Italian market, Team Sweden conducts a survey among Swedish companies currently operating in Italy. This year’s Business Climate Survey for Italy was conducted with the participation of 49 Swedish companies. The respondents represent a diverse range of business profiles and sizes.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the participating companies and respondents who have been instrumental in shaping this year’s edition of the Business Climate Survey in Italy. Team Sweden in Italy is proud to continue fostering strong bilateral relations between Sweden and Italy and supporting the growth of Swedish companies in the Italian market.
