The Puglia Region has been designated as Regionalinnovation valley (Riv), thus obtaining the recognition of the Riv brand, which promotes the Region’s commitment to improving the coordination and directionality of investments and policies in research and innovation towards EU priorities . This was announced by the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira. An inter-regional innovation collaboration to strengthen its own regional innovation ecosystem and connect it to other regions to establish connected regional innovation valleys.
Strengthen and advance European innovation ecosystems, connecting all EU territories to respond to Europe’s social challenges and promote greater cohesion. Harness the potential of deep-tech innovation across different EU territories and address the innovation gap. The calls launched by the European Commission in March and September 2023 start from these considerations, as part of the New European Innovation Agenda, which aims to establish regional innovation valleys to exploit the full innovation potential across Europe, connecting increasingly innovative regions and addressing social challenges through cutting-edge technologies, positioning Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep technological innovation and start-ups.
Last September the regional territory was included, as a Regional Innovation Valleys (Riv) candidate in response to the call, in the European matchmaking map aimed at facilitating interconnections between those regions that are committed to the same objectives, to create innovation valleys connected regional. The Apulian proposal was subsequently subjected to a further evaluation procedure, by a group of experts identified by the European Commission, aimed at verifying and validating the initiatives that Puglia has implemented to fill the innovation gap also through collaboration with regions with different innovation performances.
“The Puglia Region – declares the President of the Puglia RegionMichele Emiliano – in recent years it has activated a series of initiatives aimed at responding to the 5 important European challenges. I’m talking about reducing dependence on fossil fuels; increasing global food security; enhance digital transformation, including cybersecurity; improve healthcare; and the circular economy. Today, by expanding cooperation based on intelligent specialization, Puglia will have other tools to continue its growth path in Europe”.
“With the regional valleys of innovation – explains the councilor for economic development, Alessandro Delli Noci – it is intended to form a community of regions that responds to local challenges and needs while contributing to the strategic priorities of the Union. This recognition will allow us to work together and strengthen investments and policies in research and innovation, strengthening interregional cooperation.”
This recognition – underlines the director of the Economic Development department, Gianna Elisa Berlingerio – rewards the Apulian ecosystem, cradle of a modern and diversified economy, a place where innovation, research, incentives and innovative finance become pieces of an enlightened and attractive government policy towards the numerous companies that decide to invest in the region. A territory that aims for a high level of innovation, encouraging dialogue and creating networks to promote harmonious economic, social and territorial development in the Euro-Mediterranean area”.
