The strategic role of HVAC&R in Italy’s employment growth
In recent years, the HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) sector has established itself as one of the main drivers of Italian economic and social development, leading toan a tangible increase in employment in Italy.
The latest figures show significant growth; with a turnover that has reached 83 billion euros (an increase of 55% compared to 2015) and an Added Value of 27 billion, this sector represents an increasingly relevant cornerstone of the Italian national production system.
Energy transition and construction: a driver for employment
Today, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning supply chain supports around four hundred thousand jobs (an increase of 20% in recent years). This is not an isolated figure but part of a wider context in which that sector is demonstrating greater resilience compared to other industrial sectors.
Its impact on overall employment has remained stable, a sign of structural solidity which has enabled it to face economomic crises and technological change without losing its central role. This stability is particularly relevant at a time characterised by uncertainty and the rapid transformation of the labour market.
One of the main factors accounting for the employment growth associated with the air conditioning sector is its key role in the energy transition. Buildings are responsible for 41% of Italy’s total energy consumption and are one of the main sources of CO2 emissions. Improving the efficiency of builidngs is therefore not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic and social opportunity.
The energy requalification of Italy’s building stock requires advanced technical skills, new technoloiges and an integrated supplly chain involving designers, fitters, engineers and digital specialists. This process has generated growing demand for skilled work, contributing strategically to increasing Italian employment. In particular, the spread of efficient, smart HVAC&R systems has opened up new professional opportunities, especially:
- in sectors linked to sustainability;
- and in those related to digitalisation.
A key element is the distribution of building energy classification, still heavily concentrated in the medium and lower energy classes. This implies enormous potential for intervention, which translates into new building sites, investment and job opportunities. Furthermore, growing attention towards domestic wellbeing and the fight against energy poverty are also increasing the need for widespread intervention, with a positive social impact.
Technological innovation and new skills requested
The HVAC&R’s sector is closely linked to technological innovation. In the last ten years, the Smart Home market had grown exponentially and is expected to continue to expand rapidly until 2030. This transformation implies a radical change in the skills requested by the labour market.
It is no longer just a question of system installation, but rather of planning and managing complex, integrated, digital systems. Specialised professionals like system integrators, domotics experts, technicians with digital skills and cutting edge energy engineers are increasingly requested. This scenario is contributing to redefining the concept of employment in Italy, placing the focus more on highly qualified individuals.
However, an issue known as the ‘skills mismatch’ is emerging. Over 60% of companies in the sector report difficulty sourcing qualified personnel, mainly due to the lack of adequately skilled candidates. Sustainbility related skills have become essential and are sought after by the majority of companies. This gap between supply and demand poses a significant challenge, as well offering an opportunity for the training sector and active employment policies.
Economic impact and future prospects
The importance of the HVAC&R supply chain is not limited to its direct contribution to GDP and employment, it also has indirect, secondary effects on the entire economic system. With an economic multiplier of 3.53, each euro invested in the sector generates a much wider total impact. Estimates indicate that by 2030, this value could reach almost 93.5 billion euros.
Future prospects depend however on certain key variables, including the legislative framework, investment in innovation and the ability to develop sufficient skills. In a positive scenario, characterised by supportive policies and sustained growth, the sector’s added value could rise to over 36 billion euros. In contrast, without intervention, there is the risk of a significant downturn, with negative effects on the labour market.
The difference between these two scenarios shows the strategic importance of investment in the sector. On one hand, it is a question of supporting an industrial sector and, on the other, it is a matter of directly influencing Italian economic growth and employment, with implications for several other related sectors.
Training and policies to sustain employment growth
In order to consolidate and amplify the benefits generated by the HVAC&R sector, it is essential to intervene on three main levers: training, legislative stability and public-private collaboration. The strengthening of the ITS Academy system, for example, offers a practical solution able to bridge the skills gap and prepare the professionals of the future.
At the same time, it is essential to ensure a stable and predictable legislative framework which favours investment and allows companies to plan their long term strategies. Small and medium businesses in particular need the tools to protect their investment in skills and innovation.
Finally, collaboration between companies, institutions and the educational system is crucial to create an ecosystem which favours development. Only via an integrated approach will it be possible for the air conditioning sector to fulfil its potential, further reinforcing its contribution to Italian employment.
In conclusion, the HVAC&R sector represents more than a mere industrial segment; it acts as an authentic engine for economic, social and environmental change. Its ability to generate work, innovation and value make it one of the key elements in the nation’s future. Investing in this sector means encouraging growth and building a more sustainable, inclusive development model.
