On October 25, 2024, the inaugural event of the “Italy-US Tech Business & Investment Matching Initiative” took place at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This cooperation initiative aims to strengthen industrial relations and promote investment flows between Italy and the United States in key sectors such as Aerospace and Life Sciences. This first edition, resulting from a collaboration between Italian and American public and private entities, was designed to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries, creating a platform for discussion among companies, institutions, and stakeholders in advanced technology sectors.
Objectives and Strategic Partnerships
The initiative is promoted by a network of prominent public and private institutions, including the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT), the Conference of Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces, and various U.S. organizations such as the Department of State and Select USA. The involved institutions highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation for the growth of the technology and industrial sectors, recognizing this platform’s potential to create a shared innovation ecosystem.
The event featured the participation of numerous Italian and U.S. stakeholders, including representatives from Italian regions and American states, among them Filippo Giabbani, Head of International Activities and Investment Attraction for Regione Toscana. These stakeholders explored synergies and collaborative opportunities in strategic sectors, contributing to the promotion of a “local to local” approach that strengthens regional attractiveness and facilitates targeted investments.
Highlights of the Event
The opening session included speeches by key figures such as Mariangela Zappia, Italian Ambassador to the United States, and Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Conference of Regions. They emphasized the value of cooperation between Italy and the United States. Following this, the plenary session focused on discussions and presentations about investment opportunities and industrial cooperation, with specific attention to Aerospace and Life Sciences and the importance of creating alliances that directly engage Italian regions and American states.
The afternoon sessions featured two parallel working groups, one dedicated to Aerospace and the other to Life Sciences. During these sessions, Italian and American technical delegates explored collaboration opportunities, aiming to outline a series of joint initiatives for 2024 and 2025, including trade fairs, conferences, and study and business tours in both Italy and the United States.
