by Silvia Tartamella
From March 24 to 28, Miami will host the Think Tech Italia Made in Italy Innovations Showcase, one of the most important events dedicated to promoting innovation and technology. We spoke with Fabio De Furia, president of the Miami Scientific Italian Community, which organizes the event alongside other organizations.
President De Furia, in a few weeks, the Think Tech Italia Made in Italy Innovations Showcase will take place in Miami. What does this represent for our entrepreneurs?
Think Tech Italia is an initiative supporting the Italian innovation ecosystem, focused on the internationalization of excellence in the fields of research and technology transfer. The event – which began in 2015 – involves small and medium-sized enterprises, high-tech startups, research institutions, and universities, particularly in sectors like healthtech, aerospace, finance, education, and smart cities. The initiative is part of those selected under the “Calls for Promoting the Internationalization Paths of the Italian Innovation Ecosystem / Participation in Fairs.”
How is the event organized?
We will facilitate meetings and dialogue with key players in the sector, such as research centers, venture capitalists, private equity, and innovation companies of large and medium sizes, as well as research and development entities from universities, institutions, and laboratories, both in the United States and internationally. The participation package includes meetings for businesses with national and international operators, personalized assistance; and for research groups, visits to universities and private labs.
The event will also feature presentations on acceleration programs at the Star Italia Accelerator, and for those who wish, participation in “eMerge Americas,” the leading fair for new technologies on the U.S. East Coast and Latin America. It has become one of the most important global events for promoting partnerships in the tech sector, bringing together all major scientific and economic operators worldwide.
What other activities are you promoting to strengthen the Italian innovation ecosystem in Florida?
Being one of the first countries to contribute to the development of the innovation ecosystem in Florida is a testament to our commitment to promoting international collaboration and the growth of the tech sector.
Over the years, the presence of the Italian innovation ecosystem in Miami (Miami Scientific Italian Community, Star Italia Accelerator) has created a bridge between Italian excellence in innovation, design, and technology transfer and the thriving innovation landscape in Florida. Not only do we strengthen bilateral ties, but we also demonstrate the importance of global cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century economy. Our role is critical in accelerating the adoption of new technologies, encouraging cross-border investments, and ensuring that innovation is used as a strategic resource.
In May, the XIX Conference of Italian Researchers Abroad will be held in Brussels, organized by the Texas Scientific Italian Community. What topics have characterized this event in recent years?
The conference, since its first edition, is divided into two parts: the first, more political, where the presidents of the Italian researchers’ associations abroad present ideas and share their experiences; the second part is dedicated to showcasing the best scientific research by country. Italian researchers abroad have always promoted collaboration with foreign entities and institutions to foster relationships between researchers, make available the technologies on hand, and support Italian universities and research centers entering foreign markets.
It’s an incredible effort, considering that the Italian research ecosystem abroad lacks an integrated project. Research and innovation cannot be improvised; they require an approach grounded in practicality and dialogue with the associations of Italian researchers abroad, who can provide significant contributions. We need a “vision,” the ability to project into the future, toward 2050, with qualified human capital, clear objectives, and the means to achieve them. In short, a major pact on research and innovation is necessary.
Do you think that the new course of international relations pursued by Trump could impact the innovation activities you are carrying out in Florida?
You see, I belong to that category of people who believe that optimism is part of the realm of will, while trust is part of reason. Well, my invitation to you today is to look to our future with confidence.
Read interview in Italian: In Florida riflettori accesi sull’innovazione targata Italia
*Silvia Tartamella, is a journalist and the Editorial Director of L’Imprenditore, the magazine of Confindustria’s Small Industry Division.
