The main objective of the workshop was to emphasize the importance of activating interregional cooperation processes on shared priorities and priority value chains for the socio-economic development of the territories of the Alpine Region, such as the circular economy and digitization. Joint and strategic actions that can be facilitated under the European Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP). The Research and Innovation Strategies for Intelligent Specialization (RIS3) are in fact a fundamental tool for encouraging and increasing the precious collaboration between science, business world and governance on strategic issues for the development of local territories.
The afternoon dedicated to the event was therefore punctuated by discussions on current and future governance challenges, highlighting regional initiatives in the field of the circular economy and digital transformation, highlighting the work done by EUSALP action groups in promoting an ecosystem sustainable and competitive in the Alpine region.
The event saw the participation of experts from various sectors: Michael Keller - HES-SO Friborg and AG1 member, Prof. Marcello Colledani - Politecnico di Milano, Valentina Pinna - European Commission DG Regional and Urban, Enza Cristofaro - Lombardy Region and member of AG1, Julien Balsen - Interregional Partnership for Smart Specialization on Medical Technologies, Marek Przeor - EC expert - DG Grow, Jürgen Jähnert - CEO BWCON Stuttgart and member of AG2 Subgroup Digital, Gianluca Zanivan - Eurotexfilati and Gianluca Mazza - CEO Feelera.
The main results that emerged from the discussion, which involved more than 100 participants, were: first and foremost that smart specialization strategies are strategic for the development of an efficient innovation ecosystem. Secondly, the interaction of PAs with the actors of the triple helix (PA, SME, Academy) has intensified more and more, towards an integration perspective - an activity already carried out through some strategic sector partnerships. Finally, it emerged that the innovation ecosystem in the Alpine region needs support from institutions with regard to the digitization of territories and the networking of strategic value chains (e.g. circular economy), for this reason it is necessary to continue in this direction traced by continuing a fruitful collaboration based on improvement.