by Guisela Chiarella
The newly launched Agorai Innovation Hub isn’t just a triumph of public-private partnership—it’s also a showcase of academic excellence. Four of the region’s leading institutions—University of Trieste, University of Udine, MIB Trieste School of Management, and SISSA (the International School for Advanced Studies)—are core members of the initiative, bringing their research expertise and top-tier talent to the ambitious project.
We spoke with Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste, who underscored the university’s mission “to bridge advanced scientific research with real-world innovation,” adding that Agorai represents “a unique opportunity to scale up collaboration with industry on an international level.”
Andrea Tracogna, Dean of MIB, highlighted the importance of preparing future business leaders: “We’re committed to equipping managers who can navigate the AI-driven transformation of the global economy. Agorai will be their training ground.”
Andrea Romanino, Director of SISSA, emphasized the scientific depth the institute brings: “Our role is to push the boundaries of fundamental research in physics and mathematics, which are the backbone of every AI breakthrough.”
The University of Udine, a long-time research partner in the region, will also contribute to Agorai’s core mission of applied innovation.
During the launch event, Italian Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini reaffirmed the government’s support for the project and acknowledged that while Trieste is reclaiming its role on the international stage, “Friuli Venezia Giulia still needs better links to Europe—and we are working on that.”
With its academic institutions at the helm and a collaborative model that spans continents, Agorai is set to position Trieste not only as Italy’s innovation frontier, but as a global hub for science, strategy, and sustainability.
