Innovating in the heart of the Dolomites
The province of Belluno, nestled in the Dolomites, boasts an economic fabric rich in craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence, but faces challenges related to its geographical location, generational change, and the need to integrate digital innovation. Fondazione Cariverona, attentive to local dynamics, has identified Upskill 4.0 as the ideal partner to promote a model of innovation that starts from the real needs of local businesses, enhancing the skills of young people and creating a concrete bridge between training and the world of work, with the aspiration of making the area more attractive and competitive.
Method and protagonists
The Upskill Belluno project, part of the broader Upskill Cariverona program, is developed through co-design cycles. Selected companies present specific challenges related to products, processes, or services. Teams composed of ITS students (from various foundations in the Veneto region) and university students (Ca' Foscari University of Venice and University of Padua), supported by Upskill 4.0 teachers and project managers, work for about three months applying design thinking methodologies. The process ranges from needs analysis to idea generation, prototyping, and testing of concrete solutions based on technologies ranging from AI to digital marketing, virtual tours, and experiences. Among the companies involved in the 2023 and 2024 editions are Dolomiti Hub, Bonel Misurina, Plastoptic, Apidolomiti, Cerentin, Tib Teatro, RR Group, Tonet & Galvani, Cooperativa Sociale Dumia, and Hotel Des Alpes, representing the economic diversity of Belluno.
Tangible benefits for a resilient region
Upskill Belluno generates a multi-dimensional impact: companies obtain tested prototypes and development plans to innovate more quickly; students acquire practical skills and direct knowledge of the local production fabric, increasing their employability; the territory as a whole benefits from a more dynamic ecosystem, capable of attracting and retaining talent and promoting a sustainable development model that integrates manufacturing tradition and technological innovation.
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Notes
A project by Fondazione Cariverona, created with Upskill 4.0.
Fondazione Cariverona is a philanthropic organization that promotes the social, cultural and economic development of the territories of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Ancona and Mantua. With a future-oriented vision, the Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that can generate a positive and lasting impact for the community.
