Detecting Potential Fake Innovators Using Web Scraping: The Case of Italian Startups

Abstract

[EN] Measuring innovation is a complex challenge due to the absence of a universally accepted metric. Traditional tools, such as the number of patents and R&D expenditure, often fail to capture the more dynamic dimensions of innovation. This study proposes an alternative approach based on web scraping to identify fake innovators, i.e., startups that qualify as innovative to gain regulatory benefits while exhibiting a low level of digital innovation. By analyzing the structure and content of corporate websites, we identify key indicators of genuine technological progress. We will demonstrate how the adopted website model, based on the HTML 2015 criterion, can distinguish truly innovative enterprises from those that claim innovation without actual technological development. The findings highlight that higher digital sophistication correlates with a genuine commitment to innovation, providing policymakers with a more effective tool for assessing firms’ technological progress.