Italy National Workshop Explores R&I Priorities for PRIMA 2 (2028–2035)
Rome, Italy – December 9, 2024
On December 9, 2024, more than 60 Italian stakeholders convened virtually to refine the research and innovation (R&I) priorities for PRIMA 2 (2028–2035).
The event, organized under MUR and the PRIMA Foundation, connected participants from diverse backgrounds, including research institutions and SMEs, all working to address pressing Mediterranean challenges.
The workshop began with opening remarks by Aldo Covello, Program Officer at MUR, who underscored the critical role of R&I in tackling regional issues such as water scarcity, climate change adaptation, and sustainable agriculture.
Angelo Riccaboni, President of the PRIMA Foundation, emphasized the need to strengthen PRIMA’s partnership approach by bridging the gap between research outputs and their adoption in practice. His remarks aligned with the strategic recommendations outlined in the Competitiveness Report led by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi and the direction of the future EU Framework Programme (FP10).
Antonella Autino (PRIMA programme and Future4PRIMA Project Coordinator) highlighted the importance of linking the partnership’s work with the objectives of the next Framework programme and drew attention to the Future4PRIMA Open Survey, introduced by Covello and analyzed by Valeria Pulieri (MUR), which offered insights into national trends and stakeholder priorities.
Discussions centered on key thematic areas that will shape PRIMA 2’s trajectory. Sustainable water management emerged as a top concern, as participants underscored the need for innovative governance models that address regional water scarcity. The circular economy in agriculture, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services were all identified as crucial avenues for fostering long-term resilience. There was a recurring focus on strengthening partnerships and collaboration, not only between researchers and businesses, but also through community engagement.
Participants emphasized converting research outputs into practical, scalable applications, developing local capacities to implement solutions, and ensuring that outcomes support inclusive growth. Efforts to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and address Mediterranean-specific needs reinforced the vision of PRIMA 2 as a transformative force capable of driving sustainable innovation.
The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to advance PRIMA 2’s objectives through an enhanced partnership model, guided by insights gained from the day’s discussions.
