Piemonte Innova Foundation and Confindustria Piemonte have renewed and expanded their memorandum of understanding until December 31 2030Digital innovation, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are the priority areas for which we intend to develop support and guidance for SMEs in their digital transformation processes, with the aim of increasing innovation, competitiveness, and resilience. The new protocol assigns a strategic role to Digital Innovation Hub Piedmont and Aosta Valley, which will be the point of reference for digital assessment activities to enhance the offering of services to businesses, with a particular focus on upskilling and reskilling digital skills. Together, Confindustria Piemonte and Fondazione Piemonte Innova also intend to work on regional, national, and European calls for proposals (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme, Chamber of Commerce funds) regarding innovation, AI, quantum computing, digital infrastructure, and investment attraction.
"Fondazione Piemonte Innova represents a strong stimulus for Piedmontese businesses, but also a consolidated partner with whom they can plan their technological development. Artificial intelligence and ICT are just some of the key themes of the Piedmont Industrial Plan that Confindustria Piemonte has been pursuing with the Region since 2021. These themes will enable the growth of businesses in Piedmont's historic supply chains, as well as in emerging ones. This is why this collaboration has never been interrupted and will now continue with even more ambitious goals," stated Andrea Amalberto, president of Confindustria Piemonte It represents 5.750 companies and approximately 285.000 direct employees, and is the majority shareholder of the Digital Innovation Hub Piemonte (DIHP), through which it supports Piedmont and Aosta Valley companies in their digital transformation journeys, providing an integrated portfolio of specialized services.
"Supporting businesses on their journeys of innovation and digital transformation is the mission of the Piemonte Innova Foundation. The renewal of this agreement confirms the value of our collaboration with Confindustria Piemonte, a strategic partner that allows us to strengthen and spread services, skills, and opportunities for businesses throughout Piedmont. This is also thanks to the synergy with the Digital Innovation Hub Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta, a key tool for accelerating the digital transformation of the regional production system. In a scenario where artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping competitiveness, working together is key to supporting business growth and the competitiveness of Piedmont," he added. Elena Baralis, president of the Piemonte Innova Foundation, the public-private partnership that has been promoting and developing the Piedmont Technology District since 2002 and that since 2009 has also managed the ICT and Multimedia Innovation Hub, promoted by the Piedmont Region, which brings together more than 330 active entities including small, medium, and large companies and public and private research institutions. Since 2012, it has also been the coordinating body of the National Technology Cluster on Technologies for Smart Communities, promoted by the MIUR.
In detail, among the new features of the The new protocol includes AI applications in manufacturing, cybersecurity strengthening, assessment, capacity building, and regulatory compliance support (NIS2, Cyber Resilience Act)., including within supply chain projects. Particular attention will be paid to innovation in the health and healthcare sectors, including in collaboration with the Confindustria Piemonte Healthcare Commission. Other topics covered in the new protocol include green transition and sustainability, skills and academies in the Piedmont Region, and the enhancement of joint participation in the EEN network, including a focus on quantum, and digital infrastructure. Confindustria Piemonte and Fondazione Piemonte Innova are also committed to promoting and disseminating the results of their ongoing collaboration.
