Spoke 5 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

InspAIr ’25: winning projects announced

Posted on 3 March 20263 March 2026 by admin

On 30 January 2026, the final award ceremony of the InspAIr ’25 Hackathon, titled “2050: the story begins now”, took place online. The event marked the culmination of the educational programme “InspAIr – educating critical thinking with a future-oriented perspective in the age of AI”, designed and led by the CNR Institute for Educational Technology within the RAISE – Robotics and AI for Soci-oeconomic Empowerment ecosystem. The initiative engaged upper secondary school students in a learning experience combining artificial intelligence, robotics and sustainability.

The Hackathon represented Laboratory 3 of the InspAIr programme, serving as the final applied stage of work initiated in the previous months. After imagining scenarios set in 2050 and exploring their social, environmental and political implications, participating classes faced an additional challenge: identifying in the present the critical issues that had emerged in their future narratives, with particular attention to the role of AI and robotics.

The 2025 challenge invited teams to start from a critical issue identified in their 2050 scenarios and demonstrate how it already manifests today, analysing it through the lens of the non-neutrality of technology. Freedom and control, identity and intersectionality, environment and climate justice, oppression and emancipation were among the thematic frameworks within which students developed their proposals. Each team produced a communication product capable of engaging a 14–19-year-old audience through podcasts, original storytelling and multimedia content, demonstrating creativity, depth of analysis and critical awareness.

Four schools participated in the Hackathon, involving a total of sixty students. A jury composed of experts in sustainability, speculative design, communication and AI and robotics technologies evaluated the projects according to cross-cutting criteria: the rigour of their exploration of the relationship between technology and sustainability, their ability to problematise risks and dilemmas, and the quality and effectiveness of their communication for the intended audience.

The InspAIr – RAISE 2025 Award was granted to a podcast produced by a group of students from Liceo San Vitale in Parma. The project addressed the issue of the military use of advanced technologies in the present day, focusing on the narrative of Gaza. The authors rigorously connected current geopolitical dynamics with the role of artificial intelligence and automated systems, highlighting the impact these technologies have in conflict scenarios. The work combined sensitivity, narrative clarity and strong argumentation, offering a timely and thoughtful reflection.

The jury also awarded two special mentions to groups from the same class at Liceo Copernico Luxemburg in Turin. One mention recognised a podcast exploring the relationship between technology and sustainability in a dystopian future marked by rigid social hierarchies, effectively highlighting the link between technological choices and inequality. The second mention rewarded the originality of its format: a podcast built around a mysterious phone call from the future, a narrative device that made a complex reflection accessible and engaging.

The InspAIr Hackathon confirmed the value of an educational pathway that integrates speculative design and problem framing to foster a critical culture of digital innovation. Working with the future to interpret the present offered younger generations concrete tools to understand how artificial intelligence and robotics shape social, economic and environmental life. Students, teachers and jurors contributed with commitment and expertise to an experience that strengthened the dialogue between schools, research and active citizenship.

Immersive technologies to engage the RAISE community and audience with research results

Posted on 27 February 202627 February 2026 by admin

Immersive technologies today represent a strategic tool for engaging the public and project stakeholders in the enhancement and dissemination of research results. Immersion is a defining quality of certain cultural and exhibition experiences and can be described as the combination of multiple elements.

While interactivity may be present to varying degrees, what cannot be missing are a compelling narrative – capable of capturing and transporting visitors into a story (transportation into a narrative) – and multimedia design developed with strong directing and design expertise, able to generate a sense of embodiment, that is, multisensory engagement.

Within the framework of RAISE Spoke 5, CNR-IAS and ETT (a creative digital industry company within Dedagroup and project partner) developed several immersive environments aimed at science communication.

The main challenge was to build stories capable of presenting the results of an innovation ecosystem through engaging, multimedia narratives projected onto one, three, or four walls.

Within this context, three installations were created: RAISE Cube, EXPOsing RAISE, and RAISE More than Human.

The chosen communication approach entrusted the storytelling to one of the protagonists of the RAISE ecosystem – the humanoid robot – and highlighted 3D and 4D models, which serve as tools for scientific understanding and representation while also possessing their own aesthetic quality.

The project’s focus on robotics and artificial intelligence is thus presented from the perspective of two social robots and the researchers who design and program them.

From the very first installation, the RAISE Cube, set up under the arcades of Palazzo Ducale, the robots Pepper and R1 introduced visitors – especially young people and families – to the project’s main results through photos, videos, and 3D models. Graphics and keywords also played a central role, acting as a visual and conceptual thread throughout the narrative.

Pepper and R1 – symbolically representing, respectively, a Japanese robot and a Made in Italy robot – later became ambassadors of RAISE at Expo 2025 Osaka with EXPOsing RAISE, a narrative adapted to a single screen to meet the exhibition and visitor flow requirements of the Italy Pavilion.

The latest project, RAISE More than human, highlights a key aspect of the ecosystem: a model that includes not only people, but also plants, animals, and natural and urban ecosystems, together with innovative technologies supporting well-being, care, inclusion, sustainability, safety, and efficiency.

RAISE More than human is a site-specific immersive installation designed for the Inspiration Room of the Blue District. It was conceived both as the core content of the experience and as a setting for robotic demos—live presentations featuring researchers and technologies.

RAISE therefore stands out for an approach to science communication that combines emotional engagement with informational rigor: alongside its narrative and sensory dimension, the installations maintain strong attention to the project’s figures and keywords, also through the use of dedicated infographics. Technology, science, and art merge into an experience that is not merely didactic, but experiential and memorable, built through high-impact images and sound.

The three installations also represented both an opportunity and a challenge to use robots as true performers, highlighting their communicative potential in cinematic and theatrical contexts, as well as in the enhancement of digital heritage.

The scripts were specifically adapted to be performed by robots; at the same time, careful aesthetic research and editing were required to ensure the proper appreciation of the content and its stage presence. Researchers developed dedicated applications and defined precise methodologies for the effective use of robots on stage.

The 3D and 4D models were enhanced not only for their scientific value, but also for their aesthetic dimension.

Together, the three projects form a collective narrative. In particular, in RAISE More than human, content from all the Spokes unfolds harmoniously across four walls in less than four minutes: videos, 3D/4D models, and laboratory images come together in a dynamic mosaic, supported by a fast-paced yet balanced narrative rhythm.

The collective effort involved more than 100 RAISE researchers, along with communication managers, who contributed scientific content and research materials that were transformed into a shared, high-impact immersive experience for the public.

In this way, RAISE positions itself as an ecosystem capable of innovating not only in research, but also in the way results are shared with the public and within its own research community, through the use of immersive technologies.

Cover image
The immersive installation RAISE More than human
Author: Adriana Ferrari (ETT, Spoke 5)
Credits: RAISE

AI and Robotics for Smart and Sustainable Ports, within the RAISE Training Program, Spoke 5

Posted on 4 February 20264 February 2026 by admin

On January 30, the seminar “AI and Robotics for Smart and Sustainable Ports” took place at Talent Garden Genova, at Giardini Baltimora. The event was part of the P7 – Advanced AI & Robotics Applications for SMEs, within the RAISE Training Program, coordinated by Spoke 5.

The RAISE project, and in particular the research and technology transfer activities of Spoke 4, were presented by the spoke leader, Davide Giglio (University of Genoa).
In the following presentation, Francesca Garaventa (CNR-IAS) introduced the activities carried out by CNR within Spoke 4, which were then presented in detail by Filippo Castelli (CNR-IAS).

The CNR technologist discussed the use of RAISE’s innovative technologies in two areas: the analysis and cleaning of biofouling on ship hulls, and the analysis of the presence of invasive species on ship hulls.
Castelli showed how robotics (in this case ROVs), combined with neural networks and AI, can also be applied in the marine biology field.

Thanks to the integrated approach of ecorobotics, it is possible to carry out an assessment of the hull and then clean it, simplifying the task while operating effectively and efficiently, ensuring greater safety for port operators and achieving a positive final impact on biodiversity.

Ferdinando Cannella (IIT) presented some of the activities involving IIT researchers, particularly those aimed at enabling robots to move and recognize elements within the port using a “detection box.” These technologies have applications in various activities, such as area inspection and cigarette butt recognition by a robot; the detection of a radioactive source by a tracked or quadruped robot; as well as projects involving social robots that can move within a museum or a passenger terminal, recognize people, and interact with them.

The researcher also showed how cameras can be used to compare before-and-after images, mapping part of the port or scanning sections of ships.

In the following part of the event, two representatives from companies – Davide Anghinolfi (IROI) and Francesco Rebora (Exis) – offered direct testimonials about the work carried out within RAISE through projects that won the cascade funding calls.

The event concluded with a round table discussion on the opportunities and challenges of RAISE for smart and sustainable ports, with the participation of all the speakers, followed by a networking session involving researchers and members of the audience.

AI-e-Robotica-per-Porti-Intelligenti-e-Sostenibili-castelli

AI-e-Robotica-per-Porti-Intelligenti-e-Sostenibili-IIT

Cover image
Author: Communications Team, Spoke 5
Credits: RAISE

RAISE and learning Ecosystems: the contribution of the Observatory and Training

Posted on 24 December 20252 January 2026 by admin

On Thursday, December 4, an event dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in innovation ecosystems, education, and territorial development was held at the Nautilus Hall of the Genoa Aquarium, within the framework of RAISE Spoke 5.

This event represented an important opportunity for dialogue among academia, institutions, companies, and research centers, with the aim of reflecting on the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of advanced technologies for innovative and sustainable development.

The program of the day was very rich in content. It included talks by two international keynote speakers, the presentation of the RAISE Observatory on AI and Robotics, several round tables dedicated to business, public administration, and education, as well as the presentation of eight training projects aimed at strengthening skills in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics.

The event opened with institutional greetings from Nicoletta Buratti, University of Genoa, and Cristina Battaglia, RAISE Programme Manager, who introduced the audience to the RAISE ecosystem and its strategic objectives.

This was followed by the two keynote speeches. Margherita Pagani of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence offered a reflection on the use of AI, highlighting its potential for business creativity, ecosystem protection, and the improvement of educational systems.

Fulvio Mastrogiovanni of the University of Genoa addressed artificial intelligence and robotics as a process of gradual learning, emphasizing the importance of a conscious and responsible approach to technological development.

The central part of the morning was dedicated to the presentation of the RAISE Observatory on AI and Robotics, coordinated by Nicoletta Buratti.

The researchers involved illustrated the main lines of research and the results achieved. Valeria Schifilliti presented a study on the impact of GenAI on marketing professions; Gioele Zamparo analyzed the monitoring of deep tech technologies in Italy; and Valentina Costa showcased applications of AI in local public transport. These contributions highlighted how artificial intelligence and robotics are already transforming key sectors of the economy and public services.

This was followed by a round table dedicated to the role of AI and robotics in the development of businesses and society, moderated by Nicoletta Buratti. The discussion involved representatives from academia, industry, and institutions, who examined the present and future of innovation ecosystems, underscoring the need for collaboration among research, the productive system, and public administrations.

In the afternoon, attention shifted to RAISE training projects dedicated to the AI and robotics of the future. Nicoletta Buratti introduced the Training program, followed by two round tables moderated by Miriam Molinari (IIT), which gave voice to the leaders of the individual projects and to local stakeholders.

The first round table focused on changes in education and the importance of new pathways for students and researchers, capable of integrating technological skills, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.

The second addressed the issue of the skills gap in companies and public administration, reflecting on how to move from theoretical knowledge to practical know-how in the use of AI and robotics.

The day concluded with an overall reflection on the results of the Observatory and the Training program, enriched by the perspectives of representatives from institutions and businesses.

Andrea Pescino, StratejAI & Fusion AI Labs, emphasized the importance of building maturity and awareness around key issues for the future of society.

Iacopo Avegno, representing the Liguria Region, highlighted the value of the RAISE ecosystem as a network of skills and strategic vision, expressing the hope that research results can be translated into concrete benefits for the territory, companies, and citizens:
“What I will take away from this day is the awareness that there is a community, an ecosystem of highly capable researchers and companies within RAISE, who have done an excellent job in exploring areas of excellence such as robotics and artificial intelligence, environmental data sensors, transport and port logistics. I will take with me the awareness that the work we must now do is to ensure that this work has an impact on the territory and on companies, and that it becomes a shared asset that truly contributes to development and to providing better services to citizens. Let us think about what research on artificial intelligence can mean for industry, healthcare, and the services that healthcare can provide—an area in which we as a Region are particularly engaged—but also tourism, or monitoring environmental data and risks to people. These are many highly valuable insights that we must ensure turn into concrete outcomes. The important thing is that we have built a network of capable people with a strong vision. This is the great legacy of RAISE, and one that I would not want to see dispersed.”

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-battaglia

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-copertina

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-osservatorio

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-pescino

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-tavola01

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-tavola02

RAISE-ed-Ecosistemi-di-apprendimento-tavola03

A wide range of training opportunities for digital citizenship thanks to the Spoke 5 Training Program

Posted on 9 December 20259 December 2025 by admin

The RAISE Digital Citizenship Training Courses are free, online, and interactive courses that award 1 ECTS credit and 1 RAISE Open Badge for skills in robotics and artificial intelligence applied to different disciplines.

The courses are aimed at UniGe students and interested citizens, with the goal of increasing awareness and autonomy in the use of advanced digital skills.

UniGe offers a rich and innovative training catalog consisting of 34 courses – 23 developed in the first edition and 11 in the second edition – always available online to follow asynchronously and with complete flexibility.

The 34 training courses are divided into basic, intermediate, or advanced levels, which can be accessed based on prior knowledge. Three “pilot” courses are also available to introduce the first concepts of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Teaching is delivered through interactive videos on the dedicated RAISE Aulaweb platform.
Each course is organized into learning capsules, quizzes, games, exercises, and self-learning activities.

At the end of each course, everyone will receive an Open Badge and UniGe students will also earn 1 ECTS credit to include among their additional credits.
The courses were designed by faculty members with the support of UniGe experts in innovative teaching as part of the P4 | Basic AI and Robotics Skills at University Level project within the Training Program coordinated by Spoke 5, part of the RAISE Liguria educational program.

Here is the link to the UniGe page.

AI and Robotics: transforming perspectives

Posted on 4 December 20254 December 2025 by admin

On Thursday, December 4, the Nautilus Hall of the Genoa Aquarium hosted the RAISE meeting Learning Ecosystems: the Contribution of the Observatory and Training, as part of Spoke 5.

The initiative brought together scholars and local representatives for an engaging discussion on the transformations affecting research and intelligent technologies. The two keynote lectures expanded the conversation by offering original and complementary perspectives on the future of AI.

The first speaker was Margherita Pagani, Director of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence at SKEMA Business School and Professor of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing. In her talk, AI with Purpose: From Business Creativity to Ecology, Health, and Education, Pagani illustrated how artificial intelligence is broadening the scope of creativity in business and individual pathways.

She concluded her presentation by saying: “Artificial intelligence generates new ways to stimulate both corporate and individual creativity. If applied appropriately, it connects many of the topics I have presented with the objectives of RAISE.” She added: “We are exploring how AI can pursue a purpose, a goal, a mission, and in particular, how it can benefit society, ecology, healthcare, and education.”

Margherita Pagani’s keynote provided a clear overview of AI’s potential as a transversal driver of evolution, capable of creating value in services, digital platforms, and experiential engagement processes.

The second keynote, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: A Slow Apprenticeship, was delivered by Fulvio Mastrogiovanni, Associate Professor at the University of Genoa, Vice Rector for International Relations, and Coordinator of the International Master’s Degree in Robotics Engineering. With extensive experience in robotics and two spin-offs founded within the university, Mastrogiovanni outlined an evolutionary framework that intertwines science, design, and everyday impact. He remarked: “An interesting aspect of the evolution of artificial intelligence and robotics is their pervasive nature: they are part of our lives even in areas where we do not realize it.” He then encouraged a long-term perspective: “I believe it is necessary to start thinking of artificial intelligence as something that exists and will continue to exist in the future, and especially to understand how to make the most of it. In a very broad sense, humans and intelligent technologies will develop together.”

Nicoletta Buratti, Associate Professor of Economics and Business Management and organizer of the event for Spoke 5 of RAISE, commented: “For me, it was important to invite these two keynote speakers, as they allowed us to start the day with two different perspectives on the importance of investing in research on these topics. We heard how AI, particularly from a managerial standpoint, can support business processes that enhance competitiveness and the development of applications aimed at people’s well-being. We talked about AI for Purpose, meaning artificial intelligence focused on solving real-world problems. Professor Margherita Pagani, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence at SKEMA Business School in Paris, presented this perspective very clearly. Professor Fulvio Mastrogiovanni, a cognitive roboticist, offered a broader reflection: he invited us to consider the origins of the human desire to create machines ‘like us’ and provided a historical, and sometimes provocative, overview leading up to the present.”

Today presents both great opportunities and significant questions. While innovations in robotics and AI can truly provide solutions to humanity’s challenges, concerns also arise regarding scenarios that could lead to a dystopian future. For this reason, it is essential to pay careful attention and always include ethical reflection in everything we do.”

Training and innovation: a Genova event dedicated to AI and robotics for professionals and SMEs

Posted on 20 November 202520 November 2025 by admin

On 14 November, Talent Garden Genova Baltimora hosted the training event “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Implementation Strategies for Professionals and SMEs”, organised within the project P7 – Advanced AI & Robotics Applications4SMEs, one of the training pathways of the RAISE ecosystem coordinated by Spoke 5.

The event brought together professionals, technicians, researchers, consultants and representatives of innovative SMEs from the region, with the aim of providing practical tools for introducing advanced artificial intelligence and robotics solutions into business processes.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Order of Engineers of the Province of Genoa, enabled registered members to earn four professional training credits and to explore in greater depth the topics introduced in the online training capsules, which remain available even after the in-person session. The speakers led three complementary sessions designed to offer an integrated view of AI adoption: from software and hardware development fundamentals to the implications for business processes, up to the managerial strategies needed to support long-term digital transformation.

The first session, led by Luca Tricerri, a software engineer specialised in embedded systems, explored the technical foundations of developing advanced solutions. The speaker analysed recurring challenges in real-world projects and illustrated tools such as LLM, RAG and digital twin, showing how to integrate them into products and processes designed for reliability, scalability and upgradability. His contribution offered participants a clear framework of best practices that guide the development of intelligent systems in robotics and embedded applications.

The second session, presented by Silvana Frascheri, a consultant specialising in business process analysis and redesign, addressed the organisational implications of adopting artificial intelligence. She illustrated concrete examples of companies that redefined operational flows, business models and work methodologies through the introduction of AI solutions. Her intervention highlighted the transversal skills required during change processes and provided useful tools for managing digital transformation projects in diverse organisational contexts.

The third session, delivered by Emanuele Castagno, Executive Vice President at RINA, focused on experiences developed within enterprise environments. He shared practical examples related to advanced automation, quality control, predictive maintenance and the use of Generative AI for decision support. The cases presented showed how a strategic approach guides the introduction of intelligent systems through progressive phases of experimentation, validation and scaling.

The day concluded with a roundtable featuring all three speakers – Luca Tricerri, Silvana Frascheri and Emanuele Castagno – which explored topics related to AI-driven competitive opportunities, organisational challenges and collaborative innovation pathways involving SMEs, research centres and professionals.

The event offered participants a comprehensive overview of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and robotics, strengthening the role of the RAISE ecosystem in supporting the digital growth of the region through training, knowledge exchange and structured collaboration.

The P7 – Advanced AI & Robotics Applications4SMEs project supports professionals and employees of innovative SMEs by offering managerial, regulatory and technological guidance for the adoption of AI- and robotics-based solutions. The programme helps companies and operators improve internal processes, increase competitiveness and develop a solid awareness of emerging technologies. It also promotes encounters between researchers and companies, fostering new forms of Open Innovation.

Negotiating with awareness: strategies and tools for researchers

Posted on 10 November 202510 November 2025 by admin

The “Effective Negotiation Masterclass”, part of Module 3 of P1 – RAISE Knowledge Transfer & Entrepreneurship Academy (second edition) and coordinated by RAISE’s Spoke 5, is included in the Training Program aimed at researchers and PhD candidates, both within and outside the RAISE network.

The workshop offered an intensive pathway to translate theory into practice and to face the challenges of scientific and organizational collaboration with greater confidence.
Designed and led by Barbara Galli, International Professional Coach and founder of BGTalentUp, with the participation of Giorgio De Sario, Founder & Executive Chairman of Day One, the Masterclass guided participants through an experiential journey that combined established methodologies with innovative negotiation tools, enriched by opportunities for exchange and hands-on experimentation.

The session began with an exploration of the Negotiation Polygon and the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZPA) – concepts useful for defining objectives, margins for maneuver, and underlying interests. From there, the group explored different negotiation styles, learned how to manage conflict situations, and developed strategies for fostering constructive dialogue. Practical exercises encouraged a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, helping participants recognize their own behavioral patterns and transform them into relational strengths.

Special attention was devoted to the role of emotions in negotiation, considered essential components of the process. Learning to identify and manage emotions helps build trust, promote cooperation, and reach more balanced and conscious agreements. Through case studies and moments of shared reflection, participants also addressed the topic of negotiation traps—the cognitive and relational habits that can undermine the balance between listening and assertiveness.

Among the practical tools presented, the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) provided a concrete method for evaluating options and strengthening one’s negotiation position. The Johari Window and the Creativity Canvas for Negotiation enriched the experience with insights for self-reflection and group analysis, encouraging a broader understanding of relationships and interpersonal communication. A case study simulation allowed participants to consolidate the skills acquired, transforming theory into applied competence.

“Bringing negotiation into the world of research means exploring a very different context from the corporate one,” explained Barbara Galli and Giorgio De Sario. “For researchers, negotiation is not primarily about profit, but about building alliances, sharing knowledge, and managing projects among organizations with diverse cultures and goals. It involves not only strategies, but also ethics, trust, and relational awareness. In managerial or commercial contexts,” they added, “negotiation tends to be more direct and result-oriented. Yet in every field, negotiating does not mean selling — it’s about creating sustainable relationships based on listening and mutual understanding. Ultimately, regardless of our role or context, we remain human beings, and the quality of our relationships determines the quality of the outcomes we achieve.”

The Masterclass offered an engaging and meaningful experience in which theory, practice, and introspection merged into a path of personal and professional growth. It provided a valuable opportunity to understand how negotiation, conceived as a conscious form of dialogue, can become a tool for cultural innovation — one capable of connecting diverse worlds, from science to business, through collaboration, emotional intelligence, and shared responsibility.

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-6

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-5

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-4

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-2

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-1

RAISE-Negoziare-con-consapevolezza-strategie-e-strumenti-per-ricercatori-7

Digital technologies and public procurement: the second edition of Plan 3 concluded

Posted on 5 November 20256 November 2025 by admin

On November 3, 2025, the second edition of Plan 3 – “E-procurement: the Use of Digital Technologies in the Procurement Process” concluded. The course was promoted by Spoke 5 of RAISE as part of the Training Program P5 | AI for Public Administration.

The initiative offered an advanced training path dedicated to public administration officials, aiming to provide them with up-to-date tools to address the ongoing transformations driven by digital and technological innovation.

The course provided participants with an in-depth focus on the application of digital technologies in public purchasing processes, with particular attention to Italy’s new Public Procurement Code. The training was structured in two sessions: the first took place online on October 24, 2025, and the second in person on November 3, 2025, at the Bensa Lecture Hall of the University of Genoa.

The final day, curated by Professor Matteo Timo (University of Genoa), Dr. Giovanni Botto (University of Genoa), and Dr. Valentina Varano (Italian Institute of Technology), featured a roundtable discussion with contributions from Professor Gerolamo Taccogna and active participation from the course attendees.

During the session, the speakers analyzed the main innovations introduced by the new procurement code, presenting practical examples of how digital tools can enhance the management of purchasing processes and encouraging an open exchange between experts and professionals from the public sector. The workshop-based approach and the high level of interaction allowed participants to translate theoretical insights into practical experience, strengthening the connection between academic research and administrative practice.

Plan 3 primarily targeted administrative officials working in e-procurement and digital transition management. The fifty available seats for this second edition were quickly filled, confirming the growing interest in the digital transformation of public administration and in innovative approaches to procurement management.

Across the two training sessions, participants developed key skills to understand the implications of the new regulatory framework, use digital technologies effectively, and recognize the benefits of e-procurement in terms of efficiency, cost savings, transparency, and accountability.

At the end of the course, participants received an Open Badge, certifying the competencies acquired.

As explained by Simona Tirasso, one of the event organizers: “Technological and digital innovation drives public administration and its officials to face new challenges that require specific skills. For this reason, during the training day we explored the use of digital technologies in the procurement process, with particular focus on the new procurement code. The public administration employees involved had the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in procurement, interact with expert lecturers, and deepen their understanding of the advantages and challenges of e-procurement in terms of efficiency, cost savings, transparency, and accountability.”

The second edition of Plan 3 built upon and expanded the content of the first, held in May 2025, reaffirming RAISE’s commitment to promoting continuous education for public sector personnel.

Thanks to NRRP funding, all P5 RAISE training activities were provided free of charge, supporting participation and fostering the growth of digital skills within public administration.

Tecnologie-digitali-e-appalti-pubblici-conclusa-la-seconda-edizione-del-corso-Plan-3-1

Tecnologie-digitali-e-appalti-pubblici-conclusa-la-seconda-edizione-del-corso-Plan-3-4

Tecnologie-digitali-e-appalti-pubblici-conclusa-la-seconda-edizione-del-corso-Plan-3-3

Tecnologie-digitali-e-appalti-pubblici-conclusa-la-seconda-edizione-del-corso-Plan-3-2

The P2 – Basic AI & Robotics Applications 4SMEs seminar series by Spoke 5 concludes successfully

Posted on 8 October 20258 October 2025 by admin

On September 24, the final session of the Basic AI & Robotics Applications 4SMEs seminar series, part of Spoke 5’s Training Program, was held at the Talent Garden Genoa venue.

The theme of the event focused on the applications of robotics in logistics operations on the company shop floor — from workshops and laboratories to warehouses.

Joining remotely, Jody Saglia, founder of Alto Robotics, presented Node, a platform featuring an autonomous mobile robot capable of navigating company spaces through a customizable mapping system. The robot’s design won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2024 in the Design Concepts category.

The second speaker, Paolo Guria, Founder and CEO of Unconventional Minds—a startup studio specialized in robotics and mechatronics—shared his experience of over 20 years in automation. Over the past eight years, including six at IIT, he has focused on the design, construction, and debugging of multi-joint and humanoid robots. His presentation highlighted projects for public spaces where robotics plays not only a functional but also a choreographic role, through kinetic sculptures that strongly define the character of each space.

With this final session, the training program comes to a close, offering participants concrete and innovative insights into the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics solutions within business processes. The initiative reaffirms Spoke 5’s central role in promoting advanced technological skills across diverse audiences.