Mediterranean Growth Initiative

Which Mediterranean countries are leading in high-tech exports, involving advanced technological products such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and other cutting-edge industries? The latest data provides a snapshot of how some nations dominate the region's high-tech trade, with the share of high-tech goods in their manufactured exports offering further insight into their economic focus. France remains the dominant player, with high-tech exports valued at over $115 billion. These sectors account for nearly a quarter of its total manufactured exports, showcasing the country’s strong technological and industrial foundation. Italy follows with $52 billion in high-tech exports (9.98% of manufactured exports), while Spain exports $25 billion (9.56% of manufactured exports). While countries like France lead in export values, several smaller Mediterranean economies are making strides. Greece, for example, is expanding its high-tech export sectors, which make up a significant portion of its total manufactured exports. This trend highlights the region’s growing role in shaping the future of technology and international markets, as smaller economies rise to prominence through innovation and specialisation. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics, based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. For more information and to explore data relating to the Mediterranean, visit mgi.online #MedTrends

The latest data on patent applications reveals interesting differences in innovation dynamics across Mediterranean countries. France leads the region in patent applications filed by residents, consistently submitting around 14,000 applications per year. Italy and Turkey also maintain strong innovation ecosystems, with steady growth in domestic filings. Meanwhile, some smaller economies are seeing gradual increases, though at a much lower scale. Additional data on nonresident applications – patents filed by foreign entities – suggests that Israel and France maintain high nonresident filings, signalling strong international interest in their markets. Others, such as Morocco and Egypt, show an increasing trend, possibly due to their growing appeal as emerging innovation hubs. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics, based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. For more information and to explore data relating to the Mediterranean, visit mgi.online #MedTrends

When we look at intellectual property (IP) payments per capita, the #Mediterranean landscape shifts once again (check our previous posts for more insights). Malta stands out as an extreme outlier, spending $2,178 per capita on IP payments – far surpassing any other country in the region. Other high spenders include Israel ($297), Cyprus ($243), and France ($237), reflecting their reliance on international patents and trademarks. On the other end of the spectrum, North African and Balkan nations report very low per capita IP payments – as little as $2–$4 in Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics , based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. #MedTrends

A very interesting discussion between Dr Marios-Panagiotis Efthymiopoulos and Cleopatra Kitti, Founder of the Mediterranean Growth Initiative. ➡️youtu.be/l7SJdkwA3cw

In contrast to our previous post, when we look at intellectual property (IP) payments as a share of GDP, the picture changes. While France leads in total payments, Malta stands out as the Mediterranean country spending the most relative to its economy – allocating over 5% of its GDP to IP payments. Cyprus follows in second place, spending around 1% of its GDP on IP payments. This is interesting, as it highlights how smaller economies can have a high reliance on foreign patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Countries like Malta and Cyprus often serve as financial or digital service hubs, licensing foreign-owned technologies. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics, based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. For more information and to explore data relating to the Mediterranean, visit mgi.online

France leads the #Mediterranean in intellectual property (IP) payments. What does this mean? France recorded the highest charges for the use of IP in 2023, paying over $16.2 billion for patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Given France’s status as a large economy with strong industrial and technological sectors, this comes as no surprise. Other Mediterranean countries, like Italy and Spain, also show high payments, reflecting their role in global markets. However, North African and Eastern Mediterranean nations show much lower IP payments, highlighting disparities in tech adoption and local innovation in the Med region. But what does high IP payment tell us about a country? ➡️ Innovation & global ties – High IP payments often indicate a country’s deep integration into global innovation networks. ➡️ Tech-driven economy – Countries with higher IP payments tend to have advanced industries, including pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and AI-driven sectors, which rely on international patents and technology licenses. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics, based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. For more information and to explore data relating to the Mediterranean, visit mgi.online #MedTrends

The #Mediterranean is deeply connected to global trends, from economic shifts to climate risks. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2025 highlights key challenges, many of which are particularly relevant to the region. Understanding these risks is essential for building resilience. Read more and explore the report 👉 tinyurl.com/7af4hh24 @eliamepgr

Which #Mediterranean country spends the most on Research and Development (R&D) as a percentage of GDP? Historically, Israel has led Mediterranean countries in research and development spending, consistently dedicating a significant share of its GDP to this area. In 2021, Israel allocated 5.5% of its GDP to R&D, far surpassing France in second place, which spent 2.2%. At the lower end of the spectrum, Cyprus, Malta, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have maintained R&D spending levels below 1% of GDP, reflecting considerable variation in investment priorities across the region. Note: Analysis produced by @almaeconomics, based on the most recent available World Bank data. Data gaps identified highlight the need to systematically collect quality data to inform decision-making. For more information and to explore data relating to the Mediterranean, visit mgi.online #MedTrends

The Mediterranean is a well-known climate change hotspot, yet the CCPI - Climate Change Performance Index for 2025 shows that the region’s response remains inconsistent. Out of the 12 #Mediterranean countries assessed, half received only a ‘medium’ rating, while five scored ‘low’ or ‘very low.’ Just one achieved a ‘high’ rating. The CCPI evaluates countries based on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy. In each of these areas, the discrepancies between Mediterranean countries are even more striking. See the detailed country results 👉 ccpi.org/ranking/ @eliamepgr

The Mediterranean Growth Initiative (MGI) is excited to continue its #MedTrends series, where we explore key insights across socio-economic topics, from environmental challenges and unemployment to a strong emphasis on trade. This time, our focus shifts to Research and Development (R&D) within the Mediterranean region: - Which country invests the most in R&D? - Where are the highest numbers of patent applications coming from? - Which nation leads in high-technology exports as a share of GDP? We’ll explore these questions and more in the upcoming MedTrends Series 3, launching in the next few weeks. Stay tuned! #WorldBankData #Mediterranean @eliamepgr

#Energy prices remained unchanged in December, despite a 43.6% increase in natural gas U.S. prices. #Agricultural prices inched up by 1.8%, #food prices eased by 1%, while #metal prices declined by 1.1%. See more 👉shorturl.at/ASY19 #Mediterranean @eliamepgr

Since the #ParisAgreement in 2015, coal power capacity in the @OECD region has declined by about 26%, as countries have retired ageing coal plants. In 2015, there were 111GW of proposed new coal capacity across 13 OECD countries, four of which in the Mediterranean: Greece, Italy, Israel and Türkiye. To date, one of these Med countries still resists calls for no new coal. Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/2d74f2ja @eliamepgr #Mediterranean #ClimateChange #SustainableDevelopment

#Energy in 2025 will revolve around cycles, trends and shocks – but the cycles are increasingly being swamped. The trend of major energy related IPOs in the Gulf is likely to continue. @robinenergy has more on energy here: shorturl.at/Sxd5d @eliamepgr #Mediterranean

Natural #gas storage in the EU is under pressure from high withdrawal rates. If forecasts of #Europe experiencing its coldest winter since 2020 prove accurate, this would exacerbate supply tightness. More here: shorturl.at/5wi0E @TheWorldBank1 @eliamepgr #Mediterranean

Just one additional year of #education can increase #climate change awareness by 9%. However, less than 1.5% of climate finance goes to education, despite its proven impact. Education systems themselves are increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts. Since 2022, over 400 million young people have lost at least 28 days of learning due to climate-related events, with students in low-income countries losing up to 45 days. Want to know more? Click here: lnkd.in/dSpSGM9i @WorldBank @eliamepgr #Mediterranean

Despite relatively low levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the #Mediterranean is warming faster than the global average. #Renewables present an opportunity to address the diverse yet shared challenges faced by countries across the region. A research paper by @eccoclimate highlights that the installed renewable energy capacity in the region falls significantly short of its full potential. This shortage, combined with the uneven development of renewables across the two shores of the Mediterranean, creates opportunities for deeper #energy market integration. 👉shorturl.at/noID4 @eliamepgr

Investments in all areas of #ClimateAction must increase across all economies. According to the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, US$6.5 trillion is needed on average per year by 2030. As climate impacts intensify, the need for adaptation #investment becomes urgent, especially in vulnerable regions already facing high #poverty, limited services and governance challenges. Without adequate investment, these communities risk losing decades of #development progress. Read more and download the Third Report of the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance: shorturl.at/G9et0 @eliamepgr #Mediterranean

Women are particularly vulnerable and are at a greater risk of losing their livelihoods due to a climate shock than men. Governments must work hard to include the poorest, particularly women, in climate initiatives. Read more here: shorturl.at/ko4Up @WorldBank

Can we tackle #poverty and #climatechange at the same time? The world’s poorest people typically lack resources to cope and adapt to #climate shocks. They often respond in ways that further degrade their surrounding #environment. @eliamepgr #Mediterannean