Economy of the Sea: the conference on Innovation and Sustainability in Naples on 6 March

Innovation and sustainability are today essential elements for the development of the blue economy. The maritime sector is facing profound transformations, driven by the need to adopt more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly models. In this context, collaboration between institutions, established companies, and startups proves essential to tackle future challenges and seize the opportunities offered by new technological and financial trends.

To delve deeper into growth prospects and emerging challenges, Fabbrica Italiana dell’Innovazione, The International Propeller Club – Port of Naples and Port of Salerno, and ForMare - Polo Nazionale per lo Shipping are organizing the conference “The Blue Economy between Innovation and Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities”, scheduled for 6 March 2025 at the headquarters of Fabbrica Italiana dell’Innovazione in Naples.

The debate will be led by Roberto Napoletano, Editor at Il Mattino, who will moderate contributions from distinguished representatives of the institutional, business, and research sectors. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on the strategic role of the Blue Economy and the potential of Open Innovation as a lever to enhance the competitiveness of the maritime sector.

A discussion among experts to outline the future of the blue economy

The conference represents an important occasion for dialogue between companies, institutions, and investors to discuss strategies needed to ensure the competitiveness of the maritime sector. The program includes contributions from prominent figures of the national and international scene.

Opening the conference will be Umberto Masucci, National President of the Propeller Club, together with Maurizio de Cesare, President Propeller Club Salerno, followed by Fabrizio Monticelli, President of Fabbrica Italiana dell’Innovazione and CEO of ForMare, who will present an overview of the innovative dynamics transforming the sector.

Following this, the speakers will include:

• Mario Mattioli, President of the Federation of the Sea, with an analysis of the growth prospects of the blue economy.

• Paolo Guglia, Vice President of the National Technological Cluster Blue Italian Growth, who will outline development opportunities for companies in the sector.

• Alessandro Balboni, Head of Innovation Business Development at Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, who will delve into the role of financial institutions in supporting maritime innovation.

• Lorenzo Franchini, Head of Boost Innovation Fund CDP Venture Capital SGR, who will discuss investment strategies to accelerate growth in the sector.

A key moment of the event will be dedicated to testimonies from companies and startups experimenting with innovative solutions for the maritime sector.

Among the speakers:

• Giuseppe Maffia, CFO of Next Geo Solutions, focusing on advanced technologies for underwater exploration.

• Andrea D’Ambra, Energy Saving Manager at Grimaldi Group, who will outline strategies for energy efficiency in the shipping sector.

• Michele Zaccaria, General Director of Salerno Containers Terminal, who will address the topic of port logistics.

• Salvatore Bonaccorso, Group Head of Open Innovation Ecosystems and Hubs at Fincantieri, who will speak about innovation in shipbuilding.

Concluding the event will be the address by the Councillor for Research, Innovation, and Startups of the Campania Region, Valeria Fascione, who will underline the role of institutions in supporting the development of the blue economy.

The event represents an important opportunity to explore open innovation models, collaboration mechanisms between companies and startups, and growth prospects for a sector strategic to the national economy.

The meeting will conclude with a networking session between speakers and participants, offering a genuine opportunity to develop synergies and new projects.

Participation is free, but registration is required via Eventbrite at the following link.