From secure high-speed communications to humanoid robotics, the future of innovation in Friuli Venezia Giulia is rapidly taking shape. These themes were at the center of the FVG Connect forum held at the regional headquarters in Trieste, where public institutions and major companies discussed the region’s technological horizons.
According to regional councillor Sebastiano Callari, Friuli Venezia Giulia stands out as one of Italy’s few “strong innovator” regions. Through deregulation and targeted public investment, the region is building the digital and infrastructural “highways” that allow businesses to compete globally. Among the key players attending the forum were the Port Authority, Trieste Airport, British American Tobacco, and Fincantieri, which recently presented its new industrial plan.
For Fincantieri, innovation follows two main tracks: greener, increasingly digital ships and a production process enhanced by automation. A central role is played by collaborative robotics—cobots—and even humanoid robots. Claudio Cisilino, Executive Vice President for Operations, Strategy and Innovation at Fincantieri emphasized that humanoids are not intended to replace human labor. Instead, they are designed to support workers, improving efficiency and safety across shipyards where certain tasks are becoming harder to staff.
“Collaborative robots and automation tools help increase the capabilities of our operators”, Cisilino explained, highlighting the growing difficulty in recruiting skilled labor for demanding industrial roles. By integrating cobots into shipbuilding processes, Fincantieri aims to address workforce shortages while maintaining high standards of productivity and safety.
Innovation in Trieste also extends beyond shipbuilding. British American Tobacco has established an innovation hub in the city dedicated to reduced-risk, combustion-free products. The company is now advocating for policies that complement prevention and cessation strategies with a third pillar: harm reduction. A pilot project in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region known for its forward-looking approach, could pave the way for broader national initiatives.
Together, these developments position Friuli Venezia Giulia as a laboratory for advanced manufacturing, robotics, and policy innovation where public institutions and global companies collaborate to shape the future of industry.
