Andrea Pace, Vice-Rector for Research, Technology Transfer and Relations with the Administration, University of Palermo and president of the extended partnership HEAL ITALIA, took part in the conference “Digital and green transition. With cohesion policies we innovate Sicily”, held at the University of Palermo as part of the European project COINS – COhesion INnovation Stories.
The meeting, organized by Digital360 GOV with FPA and Nextwork360, in collaboration with the Sicilian Region, focused on the contribution of cohesion policies to the technological and ecological development of the Sicilian territory. Three thematic panels were proposed, dedicated to innovation networks, digital transition and environmental sustainability.
During his speech, Andrea Pace illustrated the experience of HEAL ITALIA, a project funded by the PNRR and focused on personalized medicine, underlining the value of technology transfer and cooperation between research, business and institutions.
“Cohesion policies are a fundamental tool to strengthen the innovative capacities of the Southern regions. With HEAL ITALIA we are creating concrete connections between universities, companies and healthcare facilities, to generate useful and accessible innovation”, explained Pace.
Andrea Pace’s contribution to the debate highlighted how the strategic use of European funds can foster the growth of territorial innovation ecosystems, bringing concrete benefits in crucial areas such as health, sustainability and digitalisation.
The Palermo event represents one of the main stages of the national campaign #EUStories, created to enhance the role of the European Union in local development through multimedia content, testimonies and real projects. The presence of HEAL ITALIA has helped to bring to attention operational examples of sustainable innovation in the context of digital and green transformation in Sicily.