Italy has become a leader in the number of freelancers, surpassing Germany, France, and Spain. This trend reflects a broader development in the European professional landscape, which is important for knowledge-based economies.
The density of freelancers in EU nations is correlated with GDP per capita, highlighting the sector's role in driving economic growth.
A recent event focused on the role of freelancers in addressing challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and resulted in the signing of the 'Rome Call for AI Ethics' by President Stella.
The latest report on liberal professions reveals progress and weaknesses in the sector. The freelance sector in Italy is experiencing a resurgence, with an estimated increase of 10,000 freelancers in 2023. This represents 5.8% of the Italian workforce and 27% of self-employment. The report also shows a positive trend in gender representation, particularly in southern regions. However, there is a decline in the number of young professionals, posing a threat to the sector's future. The average age of freelancers has increased, and there has been a net loss of self-employed jobs due to the rise of salaried employment.
These trends are also observed across Europe, where the freelance sector has seen significant growth. Europe now has nearly 6 million freelancers, with intellectual work comprising three out of every 100 jobs. The resilience of the freelance sector, despite challenges, underscores its importance in the future of work.