Sector Three's steady expansion in job creation persists
The Bertinoro Days for Civil Economy, an annual event organized by Aiccon - Center for Studies of the University of Bologna, recently presented data from Istat (Italian National Institute of Statistics) that highlights a positive trend in third-sector employment in Italy.
The total number of third-sector employees reached 919,431 in 2022, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year. This growth was particularly notable in associations for social promotion, foundations, and non-profit institutions (NPIs) involved in trade union relations, interest representation, philanthropy, and promotion of volunteering.
Interestingly, the growth of third-sector employees was highest in the South of Italy, with a 6.9% increase in 2022, and the Islands, with a 4.2% increase in the same year. This growth indicates a potential shift in employment opportunities in these regions.
However, the data also shows a decrease in social cooperation (-5.6%). Despite this, the numerical growth of NPIs remains at 360,061 in 2022.
The data presented at the XXIV edition of the Bertinoro Days for Civil Economy suggests a slowdown in the decline of non-profit institutions, indicating a possible stabilization of the third sector in Italy.
The growth of third-sector employees is mainly concentrated in the sectors of culture, sports, and recreational activities, which account for a significant portion of NPI activities.
While specific data on the increase in third-sector employees in Italy by sector from 2016 to 2022 is not readily available, the food and drink services sector, as well as the cultural and creative industries, have shown significant revenue growth and employment shares in recent years, potentially reflecting trends relevant to the third sector.
For more precise data on the increase in third-sector employees in Italy by sector from 2016 to 2022, including detailed employment figures by activities such as social services, education, culture, or food service activities, consulting national statistical institutes like ISTAT or sector-specific annual reports on the third sector would be necessary.
Work within the third sector has seen a significant increase, with a 2.9% growth in total employees in 2022. This rise in employment has mainly been observed in the sectors of culture, sports, and recreational activities, requiring careful consideration in financing these sectors to accommodate this growth.
