A reliable pool of talent

In Puglia, the higher education and vocational training system is based on a network of 10 Higher Technical Institutes (ITS), offering specialised 2-year post-diploma courses designed to train technicians for different industries, in addition to over 105 scientific high schools throughout the region, where the emphasis is on STEM skills development and training programmes.

5 major universities, including the only polytechnical university in Southern Italy, complete this network which works closely with local industry to guarantee the necessary tools and skills development to help companies recruit qualified staff and maintain a competitive edge.

  1. Its Puglia Marketing & Design, Andria (Bat)
  2. Its Mechatronics “A. Cuccovillo”, Bari
  3. Its Aerospace – Sustainable Mobility, Brindisi
  4. Its Apulia Digital Maker, Foggia
  5. Its Biotech For Life Academy, Lecce
  6. Its Tourism, Lecce
  7. Its Agri-Food, Locorotondo (Ba)
  8. Its Fashion, Martina Franca (Ta)
  9. Its Logistics, Taranto
  10. Its Green Energy Puglia, Troia (Fg)

1. University of Bari “Aldo Moro“

  • 7110 graduates
  • > 43000 students
  • > 130 degree courses

2. Polytechnic of Bari

  • 1950 graduates
  • 12000 students
  • 30 degree courses (applied sciences and technology)

3. University of Salento

  • 2885 graduates
  • 20200 students
  • > 70 degree courses  

4. University of Foggia

  • 1390 graduates
  • > 13100 students
  • > 50 degree courses

5. LUM University

  • 441 graduates
  • 1720 students
  • 12 degree courses

Did you know?

Between 2012 and 2024, over 1,400 start-ups and innovative SMEs registered to operate in Puglia.

A strong base for R&I

The regional ecosystem for innovation can count on at least 450 private and public entities active in research and innovation, including universities, networks of laboratories, innovative start- ups, that work together as an integrated system, making the region an attractive location for both manufacturing and applied research initiatives.

  • 25 National Research Council Institutes
  • 6 Technological Clusters
  • 1 ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and sustainabl Economic Development)
  • 5 EDIH – Eurpopean Digital Innovation Hub

Start-ups and business incubators

In Puglia, innovative and forward-thinking ideas can translate into a successful business, thanks to a wide network of public and private organizations which actively support young entrepreneurs and business start-ups, including ARTI-Regional Agency for Technology and Innovation.

  • 688 Innovative start-ups & SMEs
  • 1 ESA-BIC Start-up incubator
  • 4 Certified start-ups incubators
  • 2 Business incubators

Did you know?

On average, over 14,350 students graduate each year from the 5 Universities in Puglia, generating a unique talent pool for companies based in the region.