The Information and Communications Technology Sector

Apulia has always been one of Italy’s pioneering regions as far as the ICT sector is concerned. A degree course in Information Science & Technology, one of the first in Italy, was established at the University of Bari as far back as the 1970s. It is the regional government’s view that quite apart from being fundamental to the economic development of businesses; ICT is today an important tool in bringing about social inclusion and in supporting sustainable growth throughout the region.

The ICT sector in Apulia is characterized by the fully comprehensive digital services available. The fact that IT companies deliberately develop products that can be used in different and complementary areas of business is undoubtedly an added benefit for the entire sector. It is also the driving force in the growth of an industrial system that is making it possible for Apulian companies to compete on new markets, both nationally and internationally. Local companies are intent on identifying the best way to manage human resources, create computerized diagnostic systems, design apps for use in the health sector and local public administration, establish inclusive platforms of intelligent multi-channel virtual assistants as well as ICT systems for supply chain logistics.

The regional government sees ICT as a tool for social inclusion and has always strived to improve the well-being of those living in the region by encouraging the development of a technologically advanced industry able to resolve the region’s major social challenges. There are many projects with this end in view and some have already resulted in new realities thanks in part to new models of hands-on decision making. One such project, “Living Labs”, is a digital platform that channels positive energy from digital communities into the development of new, innovative projects.

An intelligent region is one that fosters and simplifies the flow of information between administrative bodies, businesses and inhabitants, and with that in mind, the regional government has backed the actualization of many excellent projects that have had a significant value in various areas of local life ranging from public administration to the health system.

Today in Apulia, ICT is a tool used to improve the quality of life of the region’s population, to help local businesses grow, to raise employment levels and to take the “made in Puglia” brand to the rest of the world.