Networks and Associations

It is an international nonprofit association formed to represent the sustainable process industry sector through resources and energy efficiency (SPIRE), with a public-private partnership launched under the Horizon 2020 program This new association represents more than 130 industry stakeholders, from over twelve countries across Europe.

The Agrifood Clust-ER is a private association of public and private entities: research centers, companies, and training institutions that share expertise, ideas, tools and resources to support the competitiveness of the sector.

All Digital (previously known as Telecentre Europe) is a leading pan-European association based in Brussels, representing member organisations across Europe that work with 25,000 digital competence centres.

A non-profit association whose aim is to support and facilitate Italian participation in the European Union's research and innovation programmes, by providing information, training and assistance services. APRE, headquartered in Rome, operates through a network of regional desks throughout Italy. Since 2004 ART-ER is APRE EMILIA-ROMAGNA desk supporting researchers, enterprises and other entities based in Emilia-Romagna region and promoting actions among APRE shareholders.

National Network of Science and Technology Parks that carry out actions to support economic development through innovation for the integration of the growth needs of enterprises, with particular reference to small and very small enterprises, and the wealth of knowledge expressed by the Technological and Scientific Poles of Excellence, Universities and Research Centers.

It aims to raise awareness in Italian society, economic actors and institutions of the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to mobilize them in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to network those who deal with specific aspects included in the Sustainable Development Goals, in order to

• foster the development of a culture of sustainability at all levels, orienting production and consumption models to this end;
• analyze the implications and opportunities for Italy related to the Agenda for Sustainable Development;
• contribute to the definition of an Italian strategy for the achievement of the SDGs (also using analytical and forecasting tools that help the definition of policies for sustainable development) and to the implementation of a monitoring system of Italy's progress towards the SDGs.

It is an independent public-private association that aims to offer effective support to public and private operators engaged in urban regeneration processes. Its action is developed towards opening, maintaining and consolidating relations with institutional and political levels that can direct urban regeneration processes; it stimulates, enriches and enhances the experiences carried out by members in the territory, promotes exchange and collaboration among members, both to achieve the purposes of the Association and to facilitate autonomous collaborations among them. Active since 1995 AUDIS gathers 4 types of members: Public Administrations, Institutions - Research Institutes - Associations, Private Companies and mixed public-private companies, and Freelancers, and has an AUDISNews bulletin that reaches 8000 contacts.

BI-REX is one of the 8 national Competence Centers established by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (formerly MISE) within the framework of the Industry 4.0 plan. it is a public-private Consortium, established in 2018 and brings together in partnership 60 players including Universities, Research Centers and Businesses of excellence and has a specialized focus on Big Data. ART-ER is a member of BI-REX and participates in the Steering Committee.

The non-profit Association established in 2018 aims to promote a community founded in Emilia-Romagna by research centers and infrastructures of excellence in the field of supercomputing (High Performance Computing) and Big Data processing. Specifically, the Association promotes the sharing and integration of Big Data infrastructures present on the national territory, in order to strengthen the capacity of the productive system to develop services and applications based on Big Data processing.

14 founding members: ART-ER Soc.Cons.p.a (also on the Board of Directors), CINECA, CMCC (Centro Euro Mediterraneo Cambiamenti Climatici), CNR, ENEA, INAF, INFN, INGV, IOR, LEPIDA Spa, University of Bologna, University of Ferrara, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University of Parma.

Clust-ER Build is a private association of companies, research centers, and educational institutions that share expertise, ideas, and resources to support the competitiveness of the building and construction industry.

The central strategic objective of the Energy and Sustainable Development Clust-ER is to support the transition of the regional economy to a system with a reduced impact on the environment and less dependence on fossil energy sources, favoring a circular approach directed toward closing cycles.

The Health and Wellness Industries Clust-ER is an association recognized and supported by the Region, made up of large companies, SMEs, universities, research centers, healthcare facilities, training institutions and patient associations that share expertise, ideas and resources to support the competitiveness of Emilia-Romagna's Health and Wellness Industries sector.

The Clust-ER aims to strengthen the role of services in order to maximize their potential for driving and changing the production system and the entire socioeconomic system. It focuses its action on 6 strategic lines of research and innovation through working groups representative of Emilia-Romagna's innovative services system

The Cluster-ER Tourism aims to create an innovative and integrated tourism ecosystem where sustainability, both human and environmental, is at the forefront: universities, schools, public research organizations, tour operators, businesses and institutions are involved to foster the growth of an experiential offer, which enhances the authenticity of the territory.

The Cultural and Creative Clust-ER is an association of companies, research centers and training institutions that come together in a logic of open innovation to:

• strengthen the regional production system by focusing on the integration of technology, creativity and culture,
• create synergies and alliances with networks and other aggregations at the national and European level,
• identify future scenarios and strategic themes for research, training and internationalization.

European association representing more than 240 organizations active in supporting business creation and innovative entrepreneurship in Europe and beyond. Created in 1984 as a joint initiative of the European Commission, a number of leading industry representatives, and the first European Business and Innovation Centers (BICs), the EBN association brings together business incubators that have been awarded the European Business Innovation Centre (BIC) label, other incubators also present in areas outside Europe, and organizations that promote innovation and entrepreneurship. EBN carries out technical assistance activities in the definition and implementation of new policies for entrepreneurship development, promotes networking actions and implements special initiatives of interest to members.

It is the most important European network supporting business and industrial research. Established by the European Commission in 2008, it has more than 450 contact points in more than 40 countries around the world. The Network provides free services to support competitiveness, innovation and technology transfer and to support the creation of international partnerships. We are part of the Lombardy-Emilia SIMPLER node together with: Finlombarda (coordinator), Innovhub Stazioni Sperimentali per l'Industria, FAST, Confindustria Lombardia, Unioncamere Lombardia, CNA Lombardia, Unioncamere Emilia-Romagna, Confindustria Emilia-Romagna, CNA Emilia-Romagna, Promos Italia - Ravenna local unit.

Is an association to promote the development of new and innovative manufacturing technologies. It represents the private component of the "Factories of the Future" public-private partnership.

The program was launched in 2022 by Horizon Europe's European Innovation Council (EIC) with the aim of expanding EIC Business Acceleration Services, dedicated to EIC beneficiaries. As an EIC Partner, ART-ER offers specialized services directed to beneficiaries of EIC projects (Pathfinder, Transition and Accelerator), active or already concluded, and to those who have received the Seal of Excellence and are located in Emilia-Romagna.

It is Europe's largest public-private partnership on climate change issues.Established in 2010, it is one of the first three Knowledge & Innovation Communities (KICs) created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the European agency aimed at supporting sustainable growth. The Climate KIC's mission is to create, support and strengthen a dynamic community to build the zero carbon economy.

The EIT Culture & Creativity is the ninth Innovation Community of the European Institute of Technology (EIT), a European Union body.

The initiative is designed to strengthen and transform European cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSIs) by connecting creatives and organizations to Europe's largest innovation network.It takes a holistic and open approach to innovation (from technological to artistic innovations, from business to citizens) and reinforces European values and identities. ART-ER is a partner.

EIT HEALTH has the ambition to enable people in Europe to live longer and healthier lives.  An aging population, rising chronic diseases and increasing multi-morbidity put pressure on health care systems across Europe. Some 130 world-class organizations partnering with EIT HEALTH are working across borders to connect the three worlds of business, research, and education ("knowledge triangle").EIT HEALTH initiates projects to address problems with solutions-whether it is a new type of diagnostic, a device or therapy that can help better manage a disease, or infrastructure to improve the organization of care. It brings together the right people to turn ideas into commercially viable products and services. Since 2016, EIT HEALTH has supported more than 2,500 start-ups and scale-ups, trained more than 49,000 students and professionals, and launched 113 products and services to solve unmet healthcare needs.

EIT Manufacturing was created for the purpose of responding to major challenges in the manufacturing industry and by society as a whole, such as: resilience to challenges and rapid changes in global markets, multiple transitions, and the need to retain and grow young and new talent. Manufacturing is a major asset of European and Italian prosperity: related sectors are major drivers of industrial innovation, job creation and growth. SMEs and start-ups need support to turn ideas into ready-to-industrialize solutions: EIT Manufacturing can ensure that their innovations do not die prematurely and can successfully reach international markets.

EIT Manufacturing is part of the global network of Innovation and Knowledge Communities (KICs) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

The main goals are: competitive manufacturing skills and social sustainability; strong manufacturing innovation ecosystems; globally competitive and resilient manufacturing; environmentally sustainable manufacturing; and manufacturing fit for the digital age. These strategic goals are realized through 4 main pillars: education, innovation, creation and society.

More details can be found in the video.

ART-ER is an associate member, core partner; it participates together with the University of Reggio Emilia and Modena, and the University of Parma.

It is the innovation community launched by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), on the topic of raw materials. Strengthening innovation and competitiveness in the sector to ensure sustainable growth for Europe that can guarantee economic development and new high-quality jobs. These are the goals of the largest European partnership on raw materials, consisting of companies, research institutions and universities, which is to provide new solutions, products and services for the extraction, processing and recycling of raw materials.

Non-profit associations, promoted by the Emilia-Romagna Region, in which public and private entities participate share ideas, skills, tools, and resources to support the competitiveness of the most relevant productive systems in Emilia-Romagna, and focused on the S3 areas of specialization. Clust-ER's members are the laboratories and innovation centers of the High Technology Network, companies, and higher education institutions. ART-ER is not a member of the Clust-ERs, but on behalf of the Region it plays a coordinating and connecting role with other players in the regional innovation system.

EPSI is a Brussels-based European non profit association dedicated to innovation in the field of sport and physical activity, leisure, health and tourism. The association aggregates sports associations and federations, businesses (industry and SMEs), public bodies, communications and marketing agencies, clusters, research centres, universities, incubators/accelerators and consumers; it supports them in identifying funding and opportunities for activities and collaborations, also accompanying the creation of partnerships and presentation of project proposals. Specifically, EPSI offers lobbying (influence on policy makers at the European, national, regional and municipal levels to increase public attention and investment in sports); education (training of professionals in the field of sports through the Sport Academy); funding search (creation, coordination and management of projects with public grants/investment, at the European, national and regional levels); and business creation (creation of business opportunities among its members and other stakeholders).

Membership in the association expands opportunities for the development of relationships and collaborations at the European level that are of interest to regional innovation actors from both the research and business worlds.

It brings together more than 90 regions in the European Union. The Network facilitates knowledge exchange, organizes joint policy influence actions through lobbying to EU institutions, and participates in discussions with EU institutions and policy consultations to support the needs of European regions. The Network also promotes project partnerships with the aim of improving access to EU programs and strengthening the research and innovation capacity of the territories it represents.

A nonprofit organization in which about 150 development agencies participate that promotes regional economic development through the exchange of experience and best practices among members, participation in spatial development and business support programs, and dialogue with the European Commission and other EU institutions. Eurada also has strong international ties through a partnership with the International Economic Development Council (Iedc) in the United States, and with networks of economic development agencies in China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

EUROCROWD is a professional and independent network that promotes appropriate transparency, regulation, and governance in digital finance while providing a united voice in policy discussion and public opinion building. EUROCROWD also provides professional training, technical assistance and advice and aims to professionalize, represent, promote and protect the European crowdfunding industry as a key aspect of innovation in alternative finance and financial technology. ART-ER has been a partner since 2017.

The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) Network is the driving force behind Europe’s digitalisation. With the support of the European Commission, it brings together EDIHs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and public sector organisations (PSOs) to make the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 targets a reality.
ER2Digit, the Emilia-Romagna EDIH coordinated by ART-ER, is one of the thirteen nodes of the EDIH Network.

European Talent Mobility Forum is a network of regional organizations based in the European Union promoted by Future Place Leadership starting in 2020, whose membership is by invitation only. To date, it is composed of eleven regional and provincial level organizations that have qualified experience in public policy development to foster the attraction and retention of international talent: Berlin Partner, Bizkaia Talent, Brainport Development, Copenhagen Capacity, International Citizen Hub Lund, Move to Gothenburg, Osloregionen, TalentScotland, Turku Business Region, Work in Estonia, and ART-ER. The goal of the network is to exchange best practices, increase know-how and collaborate on specific projects, with technical support from Future Place Leadership

The European network that brings together institutional investors, investment funds, bank and community foundations, local authorities, businesses, incubators and accelerators, and others working to develop a European market for impact finance.
Their work involves networking, capacity building, structuring and disseminating sector data, and advocacy for European policies to grow capital markets that support high social impact initiatives.

in-ER was born to improve the regional offer of services to startups and develop relationships with national and foreign institutions

The Invitalia Startup System is a network that involves entities supporting Italian innovative companies and their growth with services, on-the-ground initiatives and joint projects. The network has activated a community, the meeting place for all partners of the Invitalia Startup System composed of more than 90 of the best Italian incubators, accelerators, associations and business angels

Mechatronics and Motoristics Clust-ER  strengthened by the skills and capabilities of numerous regional mechatronics and motor players, works to introduce product and process innovations in Emilia-Romagna's leading industrial sectors so that they develop toward a next-generation manufacturing system capable of strengthening its market position and increasing employment.

Associations promoted by MIUR and selected according to the priorities of the European Research Program Horizon 2020, representing the best model of public-private collaboration on research and innovation issues of the production system from an international perspective. Clusters are made up of companies, universities, research organizations and associations that represent the widest pool of knowledge, skills, structures, networks and potential each on their own themes. ART-ER participates in the Cluster Coordinating Bodies, co-chairs with Federalimentare the Agrifood Cluster CL.A.N., and is the headquarters of the Intelligent Factory Cluster. 
ART-ER represents the Emilia-Romagna Region within the CTN.

• CTN Fabbrica Intelligente - Contact: Daniela Sani | daniela.sani@art-er.it

• CTN Chimica Verde SPRING - Contact: Daniela Sani | daniela.sani@art-er.it

• CTN Scienze della Vita ALISEI - Contact: Cecilia Maini | cecilia.maini@art-er.it

• CTN Agrifood CL.A.N. - Contact: Sofia Miceli | sofia.miceli@art-er.it

• CTN Tecnologie per le Smart Communities - Contact: Daniele Sangiorgi | daniele.sangiorgi@art-er.it

• CTN Trasporti Italia 2020 Contact: Lorenzo Calabri | lorenzo.calabri@art-er.it

• CTN MADE IN ITALY - Contact: Barbara Busi | barbara.busi@art-er.it

• CLUSTER ENERGIA - Contact: Stefano Valentini | stefano.valentini@art-er.it

• CTN BLUE GROWTH - Contact: Stefano Valentini | stefano.valentini@art-er.it

It is an international network founded in 2004 for the purpose of promoting new policies and partnerships in science and technology. In addition to providing a qualified communication and information service, the network is also a focal point in Brussels for discussion and dialogue on all aspects of research and innovation policies in Europe and around the world. The network provides an effective link between leading universities, companies and public organizations in order to enable information sharing, define strategies of interest to its members and build partnerships.

The SERN network was officially launched in Brussels in October 2015 as a nonprofit organization, supported by a number of European local authorities, including Baden-Württemberg, Lisbon, Nice/Cote d'Azur, Emilia-Romagna, and Extremadura. Objectives of the network:

• Strengthen links between regional authorities, development agencies, universities and associations that constitute ecosystems for innovative business creation;
• Provide information and policy papers on measures taken by regions to support startups, highlighting best practices

The Competitiveness Institute (TCI) network is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 that brings together organizations and experts worldwide dedicated to the development of clusters and innovation ecosystems. The network's mission is to create and strengthen connections, foster collaborations, and develop and share knowledge and expertise among actors involved in clusters and innovation ecosystems.The TCI network gathers a wide community of actors including: development agencies, cluster organizations, business networks, government ministries and departments, universities and businesses; in addition to these institutional members individual experts - such as cluster managers, consultants, academics and policy makers - join the network.

The Clust-ER aims to identify new models of organization and use of urban space, differentiated by type of territory and in line with the changing lifestyles of citizens, always putting their involvement at the center of the process; fundamental steps in this path, the digitization of services and the development of proximity infrastructures and the experimentation of innovative ways of organizing businesses, based on equity, sustainability, and inclusion.

The Vanguard Initiative (VI) is an association that brings together a large and growing number of European regions, starting with the most industrialized ones, that have an interest in developing synergies by pooling their regional strategies for smart specialization. The association's goal is to stimulate intra-regional collaborations for industrial innovation and create new value chains at the European level on primary technological thematic areas such as: Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, sustainable and efficient manufacturing, nanotechnology, 3D printing, smart medical devices, off-shore renewables and hydrogen. The Emilia-Romagna Region is a founder member of the VI association, ART-ER, which performs a supporting function for the entire regional innovation ecosystem, participates as Associated Member.