by EH
In a rapidly shifting global economy, the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is making a bold bid for digital dominance. At the opening of the third annual FVG Connect, an event dedicated to innovation and regional growth, the governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, underscored the region’s technological ambitions while warning against reliance on international decision-makers.
“Friuli Venezia Giulia continues to be at the forefront in key sectors such as innovation and digital transition, serving both citizens and entrepreneurial growth,” Mr. Fedriga said. “We were the first to establish a fiber optic network spanning over 1,600 kilometers, connecting municipalities, hospitals, and schools. But infrastructure alone is not enough.”
The governor called on the European Union to play a stronger role in fostering regional economic sectors, arguing that crucial technological advancements should not be left solely in the hands of global corporations. “We can no longer delegate these decision-making processes to international players at the risk of being left out of strategic developments essential to the future of our region and our country,” he added.
Mr. Fedriga also drew a sharp contrast between Italy’s cautious investment culture and the more risk-tolerant environment of Silicon Valley. “In the United States, there is a strong inclination to invest in innovative start-ups, with full awareness that most of these young enterprises will eventually fail,” he said. “Yet, in that context, failure is not a stigma but rather an integral part of an entrepreneurial spirit that we in Italy still struggle to embrace.”
The governor further criticized what he described as a “demagogic cultural mindset” that limits Italian investment funds to national initiatives. He urged a broader approach that would include international ventures capable of generating widespread economic benefits. “The time has come, as is common practice elsewhere, to also invest in international initiatives, aiming for results that can create prosperity for our entire system,” he said.
A Regional Race to Lead in Digital Infrastructure
Accompanying Mr. Fedriga at the event, Sebastiano Callari, Regional Councillor for Information Systems, outlined recent technological advances in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
“Thanks to the Regional Public Network (RPR), our region was among the first to complete the Ultra-Broadband Planfor underserved areas,” Mr. Callari said. “Now, we are working to cement this leadership by completing the Italia 1 Giga Plan, which aims to bring high-speed connectivity to homes still lacking suitable network infrastructure.”
The region is also collaborating with Slovenia on a cross-border 5G network designed to enhance road safety and enable the development of automated mobility across 275 kilometers of highways. Meanwhile, Friuli Venezia Giulia has positioned itself at the cutting edge of quantum communications, having recently inaugurated a fiber-optic quantum link between the Universities of Trieste and Udine.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
Yet, as Friuli Venezia Giulia accelerates its digital transformation, Mr. Fedriga raised concerns over European Union regulations that he believes are stifling technological progress. “While some rules passed by the European Union may be commendable in formal terms, they are unfortunately slowing down our technological development, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence,” he said.
Looking to the future, Mr. Callari emphasized the region’s investment in digital literacy, including the launch of digital facilitation centers designed to equip citizens and businesses with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. “We believe these centers will enhance the region’s overall attractiveness,” he said.
As global competition in high-tech industries intensifies, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s push for innovation-driven growth could serve as a model for other regions striving to carve out a role in the digital economy. Whether the European Union will answer the region’s call for greater support, however, remains to be seen.
