The Strategic Forum for the promotion of the regional aerospace in Emilia Romagna
About this good practice
The Strategic Forum for the promotion of the regional aerospace supply chain is a regional initiative established at the end of 2021 by the Emilia-Romagna Region with the support of its development agency ART-ER. It aims to aggregate and facilitate discussion among regional businesses, trade associations, universities, and research institutions specializing in aerospace.
It encourages collaboration with industry experts, with the Italian Air Force and the National Aerospace Technology Cluster (CTNA). It operates through vertical task forces organised around the main areas of potential development (avionics, Earth observation commercial spaceflights, satellite, drones), which may be expanded from time to time, which will ensure the direct involvement of the main representative companies that express an interest in participating.
In parallel with the establishment of the Forum, Emilia-Romagna signed an agreement with the Ministry of Defense and the Italian Air Force to enable the region's enterprises, universities, and research centers to engage in international exploration efforts led by the United States. This includes fostering ties with the aerospace hub in Houston and organizing institutional and entrepreneurial missions to the U.S.,
allowing stakeholders to visit leading American space organizations.
These missions aim to generate significant follow-ups, including institutional relationships and business collaborations.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
The Forum has been financed by the Emilia Romagna Region calls for innovation.
It also requires funding from regional budget, EU programs, and operational support from ART-ER. Additional resources include expert staff, research infrastructure, and coordination for international missions.
Evidence of success
The Forum has fostered a robust aerospace ecosystem, as shown by strengthened international partnerships, increased collaboration among regional stakeholders, and significant institutional agreements.
The ongoing relationship with the US aerospace hub in Houston and the organization of institutional missions are also tangible milestones.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Forum illustrates the value of strategic collaboration and internationalization to support development of the aerospace sector.
Its focus on multi-stakeholder engagement, targeted working groups, and international partnerships offers a replicable framework. Other regions can adapt this approach to build specialized ecosystems, leveraging partnerships with national defence and global aerospace leaders.