CI-LAM: China-Italy Joint Laboratory on Advanced Manufacturing

The China-Italy Joint Laboratory on Advanced Manufacturing (CI-LAM) is a bilateral cooperation platform between Italy and China, established in 2017, with the aim of promoting and enhancing scientific collaboration in the field of Smart & Advanced Manufacturing. Recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as the principal platform for collaboration between the two countries in the manufacturing sector, CI-LAM involves academic and industrial players from both nations. Promoting partners include, for Italy, the University of Naples "Federico II", the University of Bergamo and SPICI Srl; for China, the Tsinghua University and the China Sci-Tech Automation Alliance.  

Structure and Objectives 
Thanks to its "multi-bridge" structure, CI-LAM interconnects the innovative ecosystems of advanced manufacturing of the two countries, both academically and industrially. Each year, the laboratory facilitates direct dialogue between universities, research centres, large companies, SMEs, industrial clusters, and accelerators, ensuring that the world of research develops technologies that are immediately applicable in industry. The main activities include: 

Joint Research: Development of collaborative research projects in the field of advanced manufacturing. 

B2B Matchmaking: Organisation of meetings to foster partnerships between Italian and Chinese companies. 

Training Programmes: Implementation of Summer Schools, workshops, and joint degree and PhD programmes. 

Business and Cultural Visits: Exchanges to deepen the understanding of the respective industrial and cultural ecosystems. 

Recent Activities 
Over the years, CI-LAM has expanded its network of collaborations, including partners such as Capital Normal University, Hangxing China-Italy Innovation Incubator, Tus-Caohejing (Shanghai) Management & Operation Co. Ltd., and the Intellimech Consortium. Notable initiatives include: 

CI-LAM Academy 2020: Launched on 3 June 2020, in the presence of the Italian Minister of University and Research, Gaetano Manfredi, and the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, Wang Zhigang. The Academy offered a series of webinars on Industry 4.0, aimed at professionals, researchers, and academics.  

CI-LAM Summer School: An annual training programme on advanced manufacturing. The sixth edition took place from 14 to 26 July 2024, involving students and PhD candidates from Italian and Chinese universities.  

Role of SPICI 
SPICI Srl plays a crucial role within CI-LAM, contributing to: 

Activity Coordination: Operational management of joint initiatives between Italian and Chinese partners. 

Promotion of Innovation: Facilitation of technology transfer between academia and industry. 

Organisation of Educational Events: Support in the implementation of educational and cultural exchange programmes. 

Through these activities, SPICI contributes to strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Italy and China in the field of advanced manufacturing, promoting the development of innovative solutions and the training of new generations of highly qualified professionals.