by InTrieste
Regional officials in Friuli Venezia Giulia have detailed a new round of investments aimed at strengthening advanced training, research, and social inclusion across the region, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and international collaboration.
Presenting the plan before the Regional Council’s First Commission, Alessia Rosolen — the regional councillor for labor, training, education, research, universities, and family — said the government will allocate €12 million in 2026 for post-university programs. These funds are part of a broader three-year package that foresees €10 million in 2026, €12.25 million in 2027, and €5.25 million in 2028 for higher education initiatives. The investment, she said, is intended to bolster skills, innovation, and the region’s competitiveness.
The new resources will support advanced courses in innovative and emerging technologies, data, and artificial intelligence, developed in partnership with local universities and scientific institutions. The funding is also aligned with international research projects, including the European “Offshore Fresh and Groundwater” initiative, which focuses on underwater freshwater aquifers in collaboration with Italy, Germany, and Malta.
Rosolen highlighted additional measures targeting music schools, which will now be able to submit multi-year project proposals, and programs linked to the regional disability policy fund. These initiatives integrate new calls for proposals consistent with the region’s three-year plan for targeted employment services.
A separate section of the budget will support the preservation and enhancement of historical materials held by schools with at least 70 years of activity. Eligible institutions will be able to access multi-year contributions for restoration, reorganization, and exhibition projects.
On the academic front, the plan includes two advanced master’s programs: one on emerging technologies and intelligence services developed with the University of Udine and CAST, and another on data and advanced technologies offered by the University of Trieste in collaboration with SISSA, Area Science Park, Italy’s National Research Council, and other scientific bodies.
The budget also provides funding for a school project linked to the èStoria Film Festival, a contribution to the ITS Academy of Udine, and updated criteria for eligible expenses at the Scriptorium Foundation in San Daniele del Friuli.
In the area of equal opportunities, €400,000 has been consolidated within the region’s family law framework. The move is designed to streamline access for municipalities across Friuli Venezia Giulia, following guidelines set annually by the regional government.
