Technology

Sicily is regarded also as peculiar inrelation to its production fabric, market dimension, technological focus and production specialisation. In terms of political structure, the Sicilian Government, unlike many other Italian regions, has a high level of devolved political autonomy. 

It has exclusive powers in industrial policy that have contributed to the creation of specific bodies devoted to industrial promotion and development, with a special focus on innovation, training, and market openings. Even though Sicily, which receives 18% of the national budget for scientific research, has the highest concentration (31%) of 'scientific research structures' in Southern Italy, when compared to Central and Northern Italy, it is still regarded as a less favoured region.

This is particularly the case with regard to a number of factors: the presence of qualified local labour; the existence of an advanced scientific and technological structure; and the vitality of the 'instruments of transfer' such as research consortia, centres of innovation, and scientific and technological parks. Despite having some 'prominent institutions' and a large number of research institutions, the networking system to build co-operation with industry (mainly with SMEs) needs to be improved.

The ultimate aim of the project was to 'solve this problem' by enhancing the regional innovation and technology transfer. The main priority actions were identified as follows: to launch or further develop technology and innovation transfer activities; to co-ordinate and diffuse innovation and technology transfer policies to the whole of the region; to set up networks that link local centres with national and international centres; to build partnerships with external technology transfer initiatives in priority sectors for the region, but sectors/partnerships which are locally weak; and to provide training and raise awareness among local operators and intermediaries.

The project was led by the Sicilian Regional Government. Consultants from Italy and France supported the project. Consultants from Italy and Ireland were members of the ”reference panel‘.