Innovation services

The aim is to strengthen the competitiveness of Italian businesses and promote the growth of a dynamic and future-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystem through the co-creation of innovative solutions developed by startups, spin-offs and innovative SMEs in response to the needs of medium and large enterprises. With this ambitious goal and as part of the activities and services of IP4FVG – EDIH, Area Science Park, in collaboration with ELIS Innovation Hub, is launching the Open Innovation@IP4FVG, programme through two calls: Call 4 Need, for medium and large enterprises, and Call 4 Solution, dedicated to startups, spin-offs and innovative SMEs. Thanks to the programme, the selected companies will work together, for 12 weeks, on the co-development of a Proof of Concept (PoC), a pilot project or prototype that makes it possible to test the innovative solutions and assess their effectiveness, applicability and scalability. Every stage of the approach will be guided and supported by experts from Area Science Park and ELIS Innovation Hub, through to final validation of the solution. Thanks to PNRR funds from the IP4FVG-EDIH project, selected medium and large enterprises will have access to subsidised funding of up to 80% to develop their PoC with a value of €40.000 each. The co-innovation approaches must focus on advanced digital technologies for optimising processes across the entire value chain, for reducing environmental impact and for cybersecurity. The programme includes a first local service event on 15 April at 3 p.m. in the Pasolini Room of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in Udine, during which companies and startups can join the programme, meet, delve deeper into the topic of Open Innovation and take part in networking sessions aimed at fostering long-term collaborations. The programme is part of the IP4FVG-EDIH services, an initiative funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4, Component 2 (M4C2) – Investment 2.3, subsidised by the European Union – Next Generation EU, which aims to encourage the adoption of digital and green technologies. More information on the areas and the approach is available at this link. To register for the presentation event on April 15 in Udine, click here.

The Welcome Office FVG confirms its crucial role in supporting the international mobility of students and researchers in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The data contained in the 2024 Report highlights a significant increase in activities and continuous evolution of the services offered. Throughout 2024, the Welcome Office FVG— a help desk giving assistance and advice on the main mobility-related issues for students, researchers and their families, both before arrival and during their stay in the region— provided a total of 5.982 consultations to 655 users. Among the most frequent requests received at the Trieste help desk, managed by Area Science Park, were matters related to residence permits, entry and residence conditions and health insurance. At the Udine help desk, which operates within the university, the main focus was instead on the pre-arrival phase, with a greater demand for advice regarding departure formalities and conditions, insurance and healthcare and the search for accommodation. One of the Welcome Office FVG’s strengths is its collaboration with local and national institutions. In 2024, 11 agreements on personal data processing were signed between Area Science Park and the partners who took advantage of the appointments at the Police Headquarters. The relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Visa Centre was also fundamental, leading to the organisation of a training and refresher event. One of the most significant results was the organisation of 10 collective appointments with the Trieste Police Headquarters, allowing around 300 students, researchers and family members to obtain their residence permits more quickly. The Welcome Office FVG web portal continues to be a reference point for international mobility. In 2024, it recorded 35.689 users and 48.954 sessions, with visitors from 158 countries. The Welcome Office FVG also took part in several promotional events, including the “Welcome Conference for International and Mobility Students” at UniUD and the Welcome Days organised by the University of Trieste, the University of Udine and the Tartini Conservatory. The level of user satisfaction remains high: 94% of respondents to the questionnaire stated that they would recommend the service.

China is the most attractive market for patents in the rare earth element (REE) recycling sector, with a significantly higher number of patent applications compared to other countries. This is what emerges from the study “Innovation in rare earths recycling: A quantitative and qualitative analysis of patent data”, which, through a meticulous analysis of patent data, offers an in-depth examination of innovation in the Rare Earth recycling sector. Rare earth elements are fundamental for the digital transition and decarbonisation and are used in key technologies such as batteries, wind turbines and electronic devices. However, their extraction has a significant environmental impact and the supply chain is highly concentrated in just a few countries, making recycling a strategic solution to ensure sustainable access to these resources, reduce dependence on imports and limit the environmental impact of mining activities. According to the study, published in Resources Policy and conducted by Area Science Park (Riccardo Priore and Marinella Favot) and the University of Milan-Bicocca (Marco Compagnoni), China remains the most dynamic market in the REE recycling sector and Chinese universities are the main players in innovation, demonstrating a strong commitment to research and development of new technologies for the recovery of these materials. However, the United States and Japan emerge as technological leaders, with patents that are more frequently mentioned and with greater international protection of their inventions, indicating more advanced and globally relevant technological innovation. Europe, on the other hand, shows signs of stagnation in both the number and quality of patents. To bridge the gap with the main players in the sector, greater support for innovation is needed through public investment, business incentives and international collaborations. Moreover, revising policies for managing waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE), which is rich in critical raw materials, is crucial to making the circular economy more effective, by improving waste collection, enhancing recycling facilities and incentivising the use of secondary raw materials. Riccardo Priore of the Patlib Centre, at Area Science Park, states that “This study represents an innovative type of support, through statistical analysis of patent documents, to various issues related to academic research activities. The study of innovation dynamics in the rare earth recycling sector provides an important starting point for developing more effective strategies in the REE recycling sector, with significant implications for the strategic autonomy of importing countries and for the future of the global circular economy.” In a context of increasing demand for rare earth elements, recycling capacity will become increasingly crucial in reducing dependence on imports and mitigating the environmental impact of extraction. The results of the study suggest that, in order to remain competitive, Western countries should intensify their efforts in the recycling sector by promoting high-quality innovations and investing in the transition to a more sustainable economy. Link to the paper 

To achieve the “zero emissions” target, emerging technologies such as green hydrogen are essential. However, the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis depends on critical raw materials (CRM), for which the demand is increasing, while supply remains concentrated in just a few countries. The study was presented at the “IRTC25: From Raw Material Policies to Practice” conference held in Ljubljana, supported by EIT RawMaterials (European Union) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (Switzerland). The research, conducted by Area Science Park (Riccardo Priore and Marinella Favot) and the University of Milano-Bicocca (Marco Compagnoni) within the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley project – NAHV, explored two key aspects: technological innovation in green hydrogen through the analysis of patents and the assessment of the criticality of the raw materials necessary. To identify global trends in green hydrogen innovation, patents related to key technologies such as fuel cells and electrolysers were analysed. Additionally, the criticality of the raw materials necessary for these technologies was assessed based on the EU’s list of critical raw materials. Thanks to the PatLib Centre at Area Science Park, the study used a patent database (PATSTAT) covering the period from 2000 to 2023, focusing on: temporal trends in patents for fuel cells and electrolysers countries with the strongest interest in intellectual property protection on these topics the most used critical raw materials and their trends over time. The picture that emerged is the following: patent applications for hydrogen technologies have increased significantly, reaching 5,380 applications filed in 2022 (a figure that may continue to grow), making a total of over 45,600 applications from 2000 to 2023 (noting that the publication secrecy period for applications is 18 months); China, Japan and the USA are the territories most interested in the legal protection (via patents) of the production or commercialisation of key green hydrogen technologies; 13% of patents mention at least one critical raw material, with Nickel, Platinum and Lithium as the most important for both technologies (fuel cells and electrolysers). The researchers conclude that while the increase in patent applications highlights a global push towards green hydrogen-based solutions, the dependency on critical raw materials such as Nickel, Platinum and Lithium raises concerns about supply risks, price volatility and geopolitical dependencies. To ensure the sustainable growth of hydrogen technologies, it will be crucial to develop new research into alternative materials and, at the same time, effective recycling strategies and supply chains.

An innovative solution for the recovery and reuse of yttrium, a rare and critical chemical element, from electronic waste, has emerged from research conducted by Area Science Park and the University of Udine, presented at the “IRTC25” conference in Ljubljana. The study, conducted by Marinella Favot, Roberta Curiazi and Antonio Massarutto, demonstrates how Yttrium Triflate (Y(OTf)₃), a widely used catalyst in the pharmaceutical industry, can be produced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way from waste materials. Yttrium and its compounds play a crucial role in numerous chemical and technological processes within the pharmaceutical sector. This element is used as a catalyst in key reactions for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, such as hydrolysis, condensation and oxidation-reduction reactions. Thanks to its high efficiency, yttrium triflate, in particular, makes it possible to reduce reaction times and improve chemical process yield, making it indispensable for the production of complex molecules that form the basis of many medicines. As well as its use as a catalyst, yttrium is used in advanced technologies such as solid-state lasers, used in medical devices for surgery and diagnostics (YAG – Yttrium Aluminium Garnet lasers), in medical imaging techniques (including positron emission tomography – PET) and in biocompatible materials used in medical devices. Additionally, yttrium is used in the production of ceramics, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and plasma screens, cathode ray tubes (CRT), automotive catalysts, fluorescent lamps, permanent magnets and metallic alloys for batteries, as well as in fuel cells and electrolysers (key green hydrogen technologies), primarily in the form of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ).   Recycling Yttrium from Electronic Waste: A Sustainable Solution The research presented at the “IRTC25” conference focuses on recovering yttrium oxide, which is present in small quantities in electronic waste, and transforming it into yttrium triflate through a three-stage process: catalyst synthesis, filtration and water removal. Although the final product is not 100% purified, it has proven to be effective and economically sustainable compared to purchasing pure yttrium triflate on the market. “The recycling process not only reduces dependence on virgin raw materials but it also represents a cost-effective solution”, explains Marinella Favot of Area Science Park. “In fact, recovering yttrium from electronic waste is more cost-effective than traditional disposal methods, especially when the price of the recovered material exceeds the costs of collection and treatment.” This research has been selected for a pitch at Apple and McKinsey’s “Talent meets Industry” event and represents a significant step towards a more sustainable circular economy, reducing the environmental and social impact linked to rare earth extraction and improving the resilience of supply chains. However, some challenges remain, such as the volatility of the prices of pure materials and the need to develop infrastructures for the treatment of electronic waste in Europe. In a global context where the demand for critical materials such as yttrium is constantly increasing, the recycling of electronic waste is confirmed as a key strategy for ensuring a more sustainable future and reducing environmental impact, also in pharmaceutical production.

A guideline to support European local and regional authorities in drafting, implementing and monitoring territorial plans that integrate aspects of energy, climate and mobility, aimed at achieving climate neutrality in a multilevel governance perspective. It was drawn up by the IN-PLAN project team, co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme, to support local authorities who often struggle to convert climate objectives into concrete actions. The IN-PLAN methodology suggests an integrated and collaborative approach combining sectoral plans (e.g. renewable energy, sustainable mobility and climate adaptation) and urban plans in a single spatial planning strategy. It also encourages collaboration among local, regional and national levels of government, fostering greater coherence and the allocation of adequate resources for climate actions. All this is in line with European initiatives, such as the Green Deal and the EU Climate Law, in support of the objectives of reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality. There are several key elements in the IN-PLAN Guidelines, co-created, developed and tested with 15 local authorities in Italy, Croatia, Ireland, Romania and Sweden, and now being implemented and spread to another 30 European municipalities: Integrated planning: it incorporates energy and climate objectives in spatial development plans, addressing key issues such as sustainable mobility, renewable energy and climate adaptation; Political commitment: it ensures collaboration among local, regional and national governments to obtain long-term support and dedicated resources for sustainable initiatives, with a view to multi-level governance; Skill building: it provides a two-phase training programme first for energy and climate agencies and consultants, who will then assist local and regional governments in developing their own spatial plans, thus guaranteeing knowledge transfer and replicability of the IN-PLAN model across Europe; User-friendly checklists: The checklists guide municipalities in the process of integrating energy and climate objectives into their spatial plans, making sure that effective measures to achieve climate neutrality are planned and implemented. “As climate change continues to present unprecedented challenges, it is crucial that local governments have tools available that are not only aligned with national and EU policies, but that also respond to the specific needs of their territories,” explains Fabrizia Salvi of Area Science Park. “Despite ambitious climate neutrality goals, many local and regional authorities face persistent challenges in converting these goals into concrete actions.” As the European Union strives to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, a tool like the IN-PLAN practice provides towns and regions with the tools they need to actively take steps towards a sustainable future, ensuring that climate goals are not only set, but also achieved through concrete and integrated actions. This support tool is already being tested with 15 local and regional authorities, called “Lighthouses”, and 30 more municipalities will be involved as “Pilots”, making it possible to adapt and replicate the methodology all across Europe. The Municipality of Prato, which is taking part in the European mission “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”, is working on the harmonisation of the new Municipal Structural Plan with the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan according to the measures indicated in the Climate City Contract. “In 2022, a governance structure was defined to coordinate urban planning, mobility and energy that developed policy measures for drafting the Climate City Contract – explains architect Riccardo Pallini, manager of the Mobility and Infrastructure Sector -. These indications were also the basis for drafting the new Structural Plan and a new Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP); in this way, the theme of sustainable mobility was already present in the guidelines for the drafting of the new Structural Plan, and the new SUMP of the Municipality of Prato can thus be developed in close relation with the indications of the Structural Plan and the Climate City Contract”. Interdepartmental collaboration has begun in Narni to deal with the challenges of complexity. “It is important for medium-small municipalities to have the opportunity to learn good practices, even if implemented in large municipalities, which then need to be adapted to the local situation, striving to remove some administrative barriers,” says Giovanni Rubini, Council member for Environmental Policies. There is a need for cultural change and simplified regulations; we need skills, a long-term vision, the possibility of establishing contacts with the Regions and Ministries, and a central coordination role for the provinces. The availability of resources is also a problem and if we want to encourage the development of monitoring plans, rewards should be provided that favour the most virtuous Municipalities.” The city of Padua is also committed to implementing ambitious integrated plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. “Data and a cross-sectoral approach are needed in order to address the challenges of implementing these plans,” says Giovanni Vicentini, technical official with the Environment and Territory Sector. The Municipalities do not have all the data and usually, even within these municipalities, each departmental area has data that could be useful to others. Data is essential for developing a detailed overview, and the barriers are not technological.” The Guideline will also be further explored within the National Round Table for Discussion (National Coalition Group) of the IN-PLAN project, an activity launched in December 2024, offering a unique opportunity for various stakeholders to exchange views and make recommendations on integrated planning to be subsequently shared with national policy-makers. Participation in the Round Table, which does not require any formal membership, is conceived as an open space for discussion and debate and foresees further online meetings during 2025. The IN-PLAN Guideline is available here. Further information about the IN-PLAN project is available here.