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This study investigates Italy’s integration into Global Innovation Networks (GINs) from 1995 to 2020, focusing on four innovation-intensive manufacturing sectors: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and machinery. Using network analysis techniques applied to OECD inter-country input-output data, the study examines Italy’s position within GINs by measuring sectoral centrality, connectivity, and directional linkages. Preliminary findings show that the machinery sector holds a central position in European innovation clusters and that pharmaceuticals have gained increasing prominence over time. Conversely, the electronics sector remains peripheral, reflecting Italy’s lag in science-based and fast-evolving technologies. The analysis also reveals a link between network centrality and the ability to attract innovation-related FDI, suggesting a pattern of externally sourced innovation. Overall, we show that Italy appears strongly embedded in European innovation blocs but has limited interregional connectivity. Our findings provide insights for the design of policy strategies aimed at enhancing innovation performance and knowledge-based competitiveness of the Italian economy.