Chairman Antonio Marcegaglia took part in the annual event organized by the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), chaired by Ferruccio Resta. Set against the forward-looking backdrop of the DAMA Technopole in Bologna, representatives from research, academia, industry and public institutions came together to discuss how Europe can strengthen its capacity to invest in frontier technologies, transforming scientific excellence into scalable industrial solutions that support strategic autonomy, economic growth and social inclusion.

Following a video address by the Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, the panel discussion – moderated by Massimo Sideri – brought together, among others, Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna; Vincenzo Colla, Vice President of the Emilia-Romagna Region; Alessandro Perego, Vice Rector of the Politecnico di Milano; Francesco Ubertini, President of CINECA; Stefano Paleari, Adviser to the Minister for Universities and Research; and Giovanni Molari, Rector of the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. The event concluded with a video interview with Roberto Viola, Director-General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission.

Speaking from the stage, Chairman Marcegaglia also announced the Group’s participation in the call for proposals under the IPCEI on AI, a project of strategic importance for the EU, aimed at developing an advanced technology platform to optimize complex, energy-intensive manufacturing processes.