# The Spread of Management System Certifications in Italy

In recent years, management system certifications have seen significant growth, occupying a fundamental place in the global industrial landscape. As a recent report indicates, as of December 31, 2023, the number of active certificates has reached almost 1.5 million, with a predominance of certifications related to quality, environment, and occupational health and safety. These certification schemes, well-established in the market, have not only supported the quality of industrial practices but have also become essential for ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction.

## Traditional Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001

ISO 9001 certification, which focuses on quality management, has been a benchmark for companies looking to improve their efficiency and customer satisfaction levels. Alongside this, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 have gained importance, reflecting a growing commitment among businesses towards sustainability and health and safety at work. The integration of these management systems has enabled companies to address contemporary challenges more synergistically, enhancing their overall performance.

## A New Horizon: Digital Certifications

In recent years, new certifications related to digital transition have emerged alongside this framework. One of the most significant examples is ISO IEC 27001, which deals with information security management. This certification has seen considerable growth, reaching over 47,000 active certificates, signaling an increasing awareness among companies regarding data and information security, especially in an increasingly digital context.

## Italy as a Leader in Europe

Italy stands out as one of the world leaders in the number of active management system certificates. With a historically strong position, due to a well-developed industrial fabric integrated into global value chains, Italy ranks second in the European manufacturing landscape, following Germany. The high diversification of the sector and a constant focus on quality have allowed our country to excel in the adoption of technical standards that represent best practices across multiple sectors.

In absolute terms, Italy is the leading country in Europe and the second globally in terms of active certificates. This achievement is the result of a mix of stringent regulations and voluntary commitment from companies, which have recognized the benefits of certifications in terms of reputation and competitiveness. Although China holds a significant market share, leading in overall volumes, Italy stands out notably when considering the distribution of certificates relative to the number of companies and the population.

## Types of Certifications in Italy

The manufacturing sector, the backbone of the Italian economy, has adopted ISO 9001 quality management systems for decades. These standards are fundamental to ensuring product quality and corporate efficiency. Additionally, the increasing attention to sustainability has led to a strong commitment to adopting ISO 14001 certification, especially in sectors related to energy and waste management. Adjustments and investments in renewable energy highlight how the ecological transition is becoming a crucial element for many organizations.

Despite Italy having achieved a high level of maturity in the adoption of management standards, there are still ample opportunities for growth, especially in areas such as technology and the environment. The emergence of “Other certifications” marks an ongoing trend, with this segment representing 9% of active certifications in the country today.

## ISO 9001 Certifications: Between Regulation and Voluntary Adherence

Over the years, the spread of ISO 9001 certifications…