Rome, 50 million for the supercomputer
An investment plan that envisages 60 million euros for the current year to support infrastructure projects for the competitive revitalisation of the area. Of which the largest allocation, 50 million, is earmarked to equip Rome and the metropolitan area with a supercomputer in cooperation with the main institutions in the area and the university and research world, to be located at the Tecnopolo Tiburtino. This was announced yesterday by Lorenzo Tagliavanti, president of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, detailing the project he had already announced to Sole24Ore on 27 December.
Tagliavanti yesterday took stock with journalists of the outlook for the Roman economy and the initiatives that the Chamber of Commerce organisation he presides over will take to develop the territory. In the year just ended, GDP is estimated (Cer data processed for the Rome Chamber of Commerce) to have grown by 0.9%, against a national average of +0.6%. According to the economic survey presented yesterday by the Chamber of Commerce for 2026, 28% of businesses expect an increase in turnover, 43% expect a stable turnover during the year, and 29% fear a decrease. For employment, 12% expect an increase in the number of employees compared to 15% who imagine a decrease. Despite the fact that in 2025 the inflation rate was the lowest in the last five years in Rome, the biggest concern of companies for 2026 is the increase in costs (69%). The scarcity of demand is cited by businesses as the second biggest factor of uncertainty (40%). In both cases, the percentage is increasing: rising costs were indicated in 65% of cases in 2025, insufficient demand in 36%.
The percentage of companies struggling to find skilled labour is still high (22%), the concern about access to credit is stable, but at lower levels than years ago (17%).
Practically one in two (49%) of companies plan to make investments in innovation in 2026, a slightly higher percentage than last year's 48%. 29% have planned investments on the environmental sustainability front, convinced that they will increase their competitiveness in the markets, 'only' 8% will make this type of investment because they are obliged to do so by current regulations.
Noteworthy, 51% think that there will be a negative impact on the local economy this year due to the end of Pnrr-related investments.Finally, 88% are concerned about the international geopolitical situation.
