Description
A delegation from Trentino, comprising 38 representatives of institutions, research bodies, trade associations and companies, took part in an institutional mission to Lyon from 16 to 19 June: the aim was to promote the internationalisation processes of local companies and strengthen economic ties with the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region and France.
Among those present were the Vice-President of the Province, Achille Spinelli, representatives from Trentino Sviluppo, Trentino Marketing, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, University of Trento, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Confindustria Trento, Craftsmen's Association, Chamber of Commerce and various innovative enterprises.
The days were characterised by plenary and specific sessions with, in particular, three thematic tables: economy and local development, agritech and hydrogen. In addition to moments of collective discussion, the Tables made it possible to build relationships for future forms of collaboration.
The Hydrogen Table saw the active participation of Trentino and French institutional representatives and local start-ups. The two territories are currently engaged in important paths and investments for the establishment of hydrogen valleys. It should be recalled that the hydrogen sector is particularly important for the European Union, due to its strong decarbonisation effect in many industrial sectors and in everyday mobility. For the period 2021-2027, the total EU funding is estimated at EUR 18.8 billion. In the context of the Green Deal, the sector thus presents itself as strategic for achieving the ambitious climate neutrality by 2050.
At the same time, the Agritech Table enabled a wide-ranging and in-depth discussion between Trentino and the AuRA region on the topic of integrating artificial intelligence. More than twenty representatives from research institutes, universities, local clusters and highly innovative start-ups ensured an active and heartfelt contribution. The numerous challenges and opportunities that the sector experiences on a daily basis were addressed through a series of presentations. The agri-food sector in Trentino is of primary importance not only for its weight on the overall economy, but also in terms of employment and identity.
Finally, the Economic Table allowed a more specific discussion between representatives of the Trentino and Lyon production and economic fabric. In this case, the discussion focused on topics of high and common interest to Trentino and the AuRA region: for example, the digital transition, the green transition, the generational transition or the shortage of skilled labour. Also in this case, the intention is to create cognitive and collaborative bridges that can help the Trentino entrepreneurial fabric to face the current moment of great international turbulence.