The provincial research and innovation system represents a fundamental driver for the territory's growth, based on a virtuous synergy between the provincial government, research organisations and businesses. This model finds its regulatory basis in Provincial Law no. 14 of 13 December 2005 (Research Law), which regulates interventions to support research and innovation, promoting scientific excellence and the competitiveness of the territorial system.

In this context, the Multiannual Research Programme (PPR) constitutes the strategic planning tool that defines the medium-long term objectives, the priority areas of intervention and the criteria for evaluating results. Approved by the Provincial Council after consultation with the Provincial Research and Innovation Committee, the PPR directs resources towards enhancing talent and strengthening the link between the scientific world and the economic system.

The system is represented by institutions of excellence such as the University of Trento, the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK) and the Edmund Mach Foundation (FEM). Alongside them operates a widespread network of public and private research centres and scientific-technological poles, supported by structures dedicated to technology transfer and business incubators - Fondazione Hub Innovazione Trentino (HIT) and Trentino Sviluppo - which transform knowledge into economic development.
The link between knowledge production and the productive fabric is further strengthened by Provincial Law no. 6 of 16 June 2023, which defines the framework of interventions to support the Trentino economic system, in order to stimulate private investment in R&D.

In line with this vision, the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) 2021-2027 of the Province today orients the provincial system towards four priority thematic areas: Sustainability, Mountains and Energy Resources; ICT & Digital Transformation; Smart Industry; Health, Food and Lifestyle. The pursuit of these objectives rests firmly on the two transversal guidelines of sustainability and digitalisation, assumed as the basis for guaranteeing innovation that is both a driver of economic development and a tool for protecting the territory.