by InTrieste
On Wednesday, December 11, the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Maritime Industry Report was presented at the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia in Trieste during the “FVG Maritime Supply Chains Observatory” event, organized by the regional maritime technology cluster, mareFVG.
The report, a collaborative effort between mareFVG, Area Science Park, and the Department of Economic, Business, Mathematical, and Statistical Sciences (DEAMS) at the University of Trieste, provides a five-year analysis of the region’s maritime industry. Leveraging data from mareFVG’s M.IND platform, Innovation Intelligence FVG, and ModeFinance, the study examines the sector’s positioning within Italy, Europe, and globally. Key themes include technological innovation, sustainability, and the evolution of workforce skills.
Key Findings:
- The maritime economy in FVG represents 15% of the regional economy, directly employing over 10,000 workers.
- FVG accounts for nearly 40% of Italy’s shipbuilding exports, with €3.5 billion in export value.
- Despite reduced public funding, 43% of firms show innovation potential, and 25% are actively engaged in sustainability initiatives.
- A majority of firms have adopted sustainability practices focused on employees, emphasizing human resources as a strategic priority.
Challenges and Opportunities: The report highlights a significant gap in internal sustainability leadership, with three-quarters of firms lacking a dedicated role. However, the industry’s strong financial health and growing investments in green innovation present opportunities for further advancement.
At the event, representatives from companies such as Fincantieri, Goriziane, and Marine Engineering Services shared strategies to navigate technological and market transformations. Ketty Segatti, Regional Director for Strategic Innovation Projects, commended the initiative for providing actionable insights to strengthen the maritime sector.
Looking Ahead: mareFVG aims to foster stronger connections between businesses, research institutions, and educational bodies to enhance the region’s competitiveness. Its innovative M.IND platform serves as a key resource for mapping the sector’s capabilities and sustainability trajectory.
The report underscores the strategic importance of aligning economic growth with sustainability, ensuring that FVG remains a leader in the maritime industry.
