Technology Clusters are networks of various associations of public and private entities which work throughout Italy in sectors such as industrial research, training and technology transfer. Clusters act as resource catalysts to answer the needs of the region and market, and co-ordinate and strengthen the connection between research and businesses with a multi-disciplinary approach. Each aggregation refers to a specific technology and application field considered strategic for Italy, and is the most authoritative representative in terms of skills, knowledge, structure, networks and potential.
In 2012, in keeping with the priorities outlined in Horizon 2020, the European Union Programme for Research and Innovation, the Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (MIUR - Ministry of Education, the University and Research) promoted the establishment and development of the first eight Italian technology clusters. Subsequently, the Regional Clusters were also set up, and there are currently nine Technology Clusters in the following subject areas in Lombardy Region: Aerospace, Agri-food, Green Chemistry, Energy, Smart Factory, Mobility, Life Sciences, Technologies for Smart Communities, and Technologies for the Living Environment. They are recognised as being the key representative for each of the technology sectors considered ‘flagship’ by Regional Strategy S3 (‘Smart Specialisation Strategy’), in turn, aligned with Europe 2020 Strategy.
The Region has thus favoured the creation and development of clusters between the various entities (companies, universities, research centres, public and private institutions and other bodies) active in research and innovation in the area through the recognition of the Technology Clusters.
The University of Brescia is a member of the following Clusters:
- Agri-food
- Life Sciences
- Technologies for the Living Environment
- Smart Cities & Communities
- Energy
- Green Chemistry
- Mobility
- Smart Factory