Abstract

Defining and measuring industrial sectors based on environmental, economic, and social sustainability parameters is crucial for shaping priorities in energy industrial policies and fostering ecological transition. The concept of the green industry has recently gained attention in scientific research and national institutions, yet a clear definition and consensus on measurement are lacking. This study offers an original contribution in this realm by using the case of Italian provinces. Employing a sector-based approach and recent academic and policy literature, we create indices for provincial export specialization, identifying territories with green exports or vulnerability to transition. The results form a taxonomy of areas with potential to drive or be threatened by the transition, including those specialized in hard-to-abate sectors. This analysis informs on industrial policies for the transition, focusing on areas with existing productions and skills to build upon, while identifying regions requiring specific accompanying policies to avoid resistance to change in the face of structural shifts.