In Italy, SMEs represent 99.9% of all businesses, 64% of GDP and 76% of employment in the private sector. Only 54% of Italian exports are carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Of the 216 companies interviewed, 73% in fact believe that regulatory obstacles increase costs, 65% say that regulatory differences between countries reduce competitiveness, while 62% report a decrease in profits. Greater harmonization would increase GDP per capita by 0.6%, lead to the creation of approximately 141,000 jobs per year, generate an increase in the purchasing power of Italian families by 240 euros and increase investments by 1.8 billion euros, according to a study by Implement Consulting Group, with the participation of Cna and Amazon. The study highlights how "regulatory simplification and regulatory harmonization between the Member States of the Union" are needed. For 7 out of 10 companies, increased costs from regulatory obstacles (ANSA) is the main reason for increased costs of doing business in Italy.