The Region Emilia-Romagna is considered one of the most advanced areas in Europe and is one of the Italian Regions with the highest per capita income ( with a GDP pro capite 30% above the Italian and European average) and the dynamism of his productive sector has brought high levels of employment (the unemployment rate is 3,4%).

With 413.000 firms (one each 10 inhabitants) the Region gives strong signs of its entrepreneurial attitude, also linked with local culture, shown by 138000 artisans firms and 8000 co-operatives.
The Emilia-Romagna productive system is strongly based on SMEs, organised in networks and clusters. The strength of the system is the deep attitude to learn, change and co-operate.
Although the main regional clusters were originally based on traditional sectors, they are now highly specialised and, due the consolidation of the engineering sectors and in technical services, all of them are now technology exporters. Nowadays, traditional light industry sectors cover just less than 30% of manufacturing employment, while mechanical engineering and motor industry represent more than 50% of employment and exports.

In order to support the local development the regional department for production activities manages policy instruments aimed at reinforcing the competitiveness of the region, the diffusion of production activities in the regional territory, the process of change and modernisation of SMEs.

The main activities are:

• stimulating SMEs research and development activities,
• reinforcing University/industry relationships, technology transfer, spin off;
• favouring the introduction of ICTs and clear technologies by SMEs;
• ensuring easy access to credit through effective guarantee schemes
• supporting SMEs internationalisation;
• supporting local development programs