SISSA plays an active role in regional, national, and international innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration between science and industry. At the same time, the School partners with industries in the most important funding programs, including European structural funds and competitive research grants to foster innovation for the national system. These resources fuel scientific excellence in industrial research, promote interdisciplinary projects, and create new opportunities for the private sector.
SISSA is part of a rich innovation ecosystem that bridges academic research and industry. Through strategic partnerships, the School helps bring scientific ideas to market.
Key collaborations include:
- SMACT Competence Center: An Industry 4.0 innovation hub supporting the adoption of advanced digital technologies in manufacturing and services. SISSA contributes through modeling, simulation, and participation in demonstration projects.
- iNEST (Interconnected North-East Innovation Ecosystem): A PNRR-funded initiative bringing together universities, research centers, and companies to boost innovation in Northern and Southern Italy. SISSA coordinates Spoke 9 on applied mathematics and modeling.
- MARE FVG – Maritime Technology Cluster: A regional cluster focused on marine and maritime innovation, including offshore engineering, marine robotics, and environmental technologies.
- CBM – Cluster in Biomedicine: A regional hub connecting research institutions, healthcare providers, and biotech companies in the field of life sciences, supporting translational research and industrial collaboration.
- Area Science Park: One of Italy’s largest multi-sector science and technology parks, promoting innovation through infrastructure, business support services, and technology transfer. SISSA collaborates on joint projects and startup initiatives.
- COMET – Cluster Metalmeccanica FVG: A network of companies in the mechanical and manufacturing sectors. SISSA contributes through applied research in computational mechanics, design optimization, and advanced materials.
- Graphene Flagship: A major EU-funded initiative aimed at translating graphene and related materials from the lab to real-world applications. SISSA plays a role in theoretical modeling and materials simulation.
- Underwater Blue Efficiency: An initiative focused on sustainable technologies for underwater environments. SISSA contributes expertise in modeling, signal processing, and environmental data analysis.
- Netval – Network for the Valorization of University Research: The leading Italian network promoting knowledge transfer from academia to industry. SISSA participates in training, national coordination, and policy for research exploitation.
- SiS FVG - A regional network that connects research institutions, universities, and innovation hubs. SISSA plays an active role in collaborative projects, infrastructure sharing, and coordinated actions to strengthen scientific excellence and technology transfer across the region.
To support research and innovation, SISSA actively participates in national and international funding programs that offer financial resources for scientific projects, talent development, and technology transfer.
The main funding programmes are:
- POR FESR 2014–2020 (Fondo Europeo di Sviluppo Regionale): The Regional Operational Programme (POR) co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund supports innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Through POR FESR, SISSA has carried out industrial research and technology transfer projects in collaboration with regional enterprises and clusters.
- FSC (Fondo per lo Sviluppo e la Coesione): The National Development and Cohesion Fund (FSC) finances strategic investments to reduce territorial disparities and strengthen research infrastructure. SISSA has accessed FSC funds for infrastructure upgrades and participation in large-scale innovation ecosystems such as iNEST.
- FSE (Fondo Sociale Europeo): The European Social Fund (FSE) supports education, training, and employment. At SISSA, FSE resources contribute to doctoral scholarships, soft skill development, and career transition programs for PhD students and early-stage researchers.
- PNRR (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza): The Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan, funded by the EU’s Next Generation EU program, aims to boost digital transformation, research, and sustainability. SISSA is a key player in iNEST, one of the major research ecosystems funded under PNRR, and participates in several initiatives related to training and innovation.
- ERC (European Research Council): The ERC funds frontier research led by outstanding researchers of any nationality. SISSA has a strong record of ERC-funded projects, supporting top-level individual research across physics, mathematics, and neuroscience.