JTP Groundwork: The potential of the ICT sector for the just transition in Taranto

A vision for an innovation hub in Taranto The beneficiary of the technical assistance, a consortium of enterprises of the local industrial development area (ASI Consortium), intends to contribute to Taranto’s economic diversification by establishing an innovation hub. This hub aims to foster development of new skills, competencies and entrepreneurship, while providing data and information and communication technology (ICT) services to local companies and public bodies.

Aligning with the TJTP and the applicant’s priorities, JTP Groundwork is assisting the ASI Consortium by assessing the needs and opportunities for establishing an innovation hub, with a focus on key areas such as cybersecurity, telemedicine and e-health, network services, start-up incubation and training services.

The support aims to enhance the understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem and the ICT sector’s potential to foster innovation, diversify the economy, support start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, generate new employment opportunities, and create sustainable pathways for local economic growth and prosperity.

The need for a green and digital transition Organised by the JTP Groundwork team in collaboration with the ASI Consortium, the capacity building workshop brought together around 30 participants, including representatives from regional and local authorities, academia, businesses and innovation agencies.

Entitled “Taranto towards the future: ICT for growth and green transition”, the event’s main goal was to present the findings of JTP Groundwork experts, discuss them with stakeholders and collect their recommendations on establishing an innovation hub.

The workshop began with an analysis of establishing an innovation hub in Taranto. It covered the characteristics of the local ICT sector, key institutions and stakeholders, and alignment with local, regional, and supranational policy frameworks. It also assessed the current and future demand for skills, evaluated the local supply of skills within the ICT sector, and identified gaps and mismatches.

Two best practices were presented, highlighting successful models for innovation hubs at both local and national levels. The directors of CETMA, a regional research and technology organisation, and ART-ER, Emilia-Romagna’s agency for research and innovation, shared their experiences with the CETMA-DIHSME and the Data Valley Hub.

A site visit to Taranto’s industrial area took place in the afternoon, including a view of the Acciaierie d’Italia steel plant (formerly known as Ilva). The steel plant is one of the largest in the EU and one of the main sources of emissions and pollution of the entire region, impacting the health of the population.

Collaboration for economic diversification and workforce retention The discussions during the workshop were active and engaging, focusing on the importance of promoting economic diversification and implementing training activities to retain and attract a skilled workforce in the area, particularly youth.

For this to succeed, collaboration across the entire innovation ecosystem is key. Universities must focus on providing the skills required in the ICT sector, while companies should create employment opportunities that attract and retain talent. Moreover, a new innovation hub could align with existing initiatives in the area to avoid duplicating efforts.

The workshop offered local and regional stakeholders a platform to connect, share knowledge and expertise related to the topic while fostering meaningful interactions between industry professionals from the local and regional level.

The slides of the presentations are available on the beneficiary’s website (in Italian only).

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