Research and Innovation background
- National Research Programme (PNR) (2021-2027): A cross-sector national research framework, which is structured around six major research and innovation areas aligned with the Horizon Europe clusters, ensuring coordination between national, European and international R&I priorities. Transport-related research is embedded within the area of Climate, Energy and Sustainable Mobility, which encompasses the development of accessible, low impact and resilient transport infrastructure; innovative, multimodal and user-centred mobility services; green and clean vehicle and energy systems; and increasingly automated, connected and safe mobility solutions.
- Strategic document on road mobility (Documento Strategico della Mobilitá Stradale) (2022-2026): Strategic road mobility policy outlining transport innovation in road transport infrastructure and services as well as smart systems. Key elements of the strategy include:
- Maintenance and development of the road network.
- Enhancement of road safety.
- Energy efficiency and fuel from renewable sources.
- Circular economy and sustainable materials.
- Promotion of sustainable mobility.
- Digital transition and Mobility as a Service.
- Autonomous vehicles.
- Integration with TEN-T and the National Integrated Transport System (SNIT)
- Strengthened planning, evaluation and coordination mechanisms, including ANAS’s strategic role.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT): The central government body responsible for transport research, policy and transport infrastructure and investing in Italy’s transport system and infrastructure. It oversees roads, railways, ports, airports and urban mobility, as well as broader logistics and transport policy with an increasing focus on sustainability and system efficiency. It also ensures that transport research and innovation are aligned with national priorities, EU programmes and the transition to more sustainable mobility.
- The National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST): A national research and innovation hub which is established under the PNRR that brings together universities, research bodies and industry to develop technologies and solutions for sustainable, connected and inclusive mobility. It coordinates research, demonstration projects and industrial partnerships to reduce emissions and modernise transport systems across Italy.
- ISM4Italy – Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility Project: National research and innovation initiative for sustainable mobility research using advanced technologies for aviation decarbonisation and system optimisation, which is co-funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Mission 4.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- Sustainable Mobility Fund (Fondo Mobilitá Sostenibile): Multi-annual funding instrument established by the Budget Law to accelerate research of decarbonisation in transport modalities including low-emission vehicles and infrastructure, active mobility and alternative fuels deployment. The fund supports projects that improve air quality in urban areas and strengthen local public transport.
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) - Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility: Aims to modernise and decarbonise the country’s transport infrastructure by 2026. Key interventions include completing major north-south and east-west high-speed rail corridors, electrifying regional lines, improving port and airport connectivity and sustainability.
- National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Mobility (PSNMS):A long-term policy framework that guides public investment in local and regional public transport with the goal of reducing emissions, congestion, and social inequality while improving service quality. It focuses on renewing public transport fleets (notably low and zero-emission buses and trains), strengthening mass transit systems and promoting modal shift towards collective and active mobility.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)