On 27-28 May 2025, representatives of the EPIC project consortium met in Bologna, Italy, for a key working session aimed at reinforcing interregional collaboration and exploring new synergies in the packaging sector. The meeting took place alongside broader initiatives focused on regional innovation ecosystems and support mechanisms for enterprises, particularly within the context of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3).

Two powerful days of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Hosted in the heart of Bologna at ART-ER and across key innovation sites in the region, the EPIC consortium gathered to align strategy, share progress, and strengthen synergies between science, business, and regional ecosystems.

🧩 DAY 1 Highlights – 27 May
At Sala Rossa – ART-ER c/o IFAB, we launched the event with:
✅ Work package updates from all project leads
✅ Insights into capacity building and management strategy
✅ A dynamic workshop on the Emilia-Romagna Regional Innovation Ecosystem, featuring contributions from:
• Francesco Tutino – Regione Emilia-Romagna
• Valeria Bandini – ART-ER S. cons. p. a.
• Lucia Cortelli – ART-ER S. cons. p. a.
🍝 Following lunch, we visited the Tecnopolo Bologna CNR to discover cutting-edge labs and technology transfer in action. The day closed with a guided tour through historic Bologna and a networking dinner at the charming Osteria Broccaindosso.

🧠 DAY 2 Highlights – 28 May
The conversation continued at the CDE Room, ART-ER, where we:
✔️ Explored business case findings
✔️ Engaged in collaborative brainstorming on T3.3 use cases
✔️ Aligned on next steps and project direction
🌿 The afternoon concluded with the inspiring Sustainable Packaging Innovation Showcase at the Associazione Amici del Museo del Patrimonio Industriale di Bologna, where EPIC joined forces with European projects, clusters, and start-ups to spotlight real solutions for a greener future.

🤝 Grateful for the energy, expertise, and ambition shared by all participants—from research institutions to regional policymakers and pioneering start-ups.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to Clust-ER Meccatronica e Motoristica and Clust-ER Health - Emilia-Romagna for the warm welcome in Italy and the outstanding organisation of this packed and ambitious agenda. Making it all run so smoothly was no small feat, and you delivered brilliantly!