Events
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Future Manufacturing: Skills, Tech, Investment
22 September | 09:00 – 13:00
An event dedicated to the future of European manufacturing, bringing together businesses, innovators, researchers and investors to explore the key challenges and opportunities of the digital and green transition. From emerging technologies and AI to skills, funding and investment, the event will provide practical insights into the drivers of competitiveness, innovation and strategic autonomy for European industry. The event is part of the official programme of Rome Future Week 2026.
Programme
Welcome and opening remarks
Why is manufacturing essential to Europe’s competitiveness, innovation and strategic autonomy? The opening session will present the challenges and opportunities of the digital and green transition in strengthening the European industrial ecosystem.
Panel 1 – New technologies and the factory of the future
How are emerging technologies, AI, automation and virtual worlds transforming manufacturing? This discussion will explore engineering copilots, production planning, quality control, knowledge management, predictive maintenance, process optimisation, digital twins, robotics, human-machine collaboration, flexible manufacturing and AI. Industry leaders, technology providers and researchers will share practical insights into the factory of the future.
Panel 2 – Talent and skills for the manufacturing of the future
As Industry 5.0 evolves, people remain at the centre of manufacturing. This panel will examine the skills required for the future of manufacturing, including AI literacy, robotics, data-driven production, and sustainability. Speakers will address talent shortages, upskilling and reskilling, lifelong learning, corporate academies and stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
Networking coffee
Panel 3 – Capital and funding for industrial innovation
Innovation requires investment. This session will explore the European and national funding landscape, including Horizon Europe, the EIC Accelerator, Transition 5.0, regional programmes and private capital. Investors and public funding bodies will discuss how to accelerate industrial innovation and scale manufacturing technologies across Europe.
Q&A with the audience
An interactive discussion with the audience on the adoption of new technologies, skills development, funding opportunities, startup growth and European innovation programmes.
Speakers
- Alessio Gugliotta – Senior Manager, Strategic Projects | EIT Manufacturing South
- Lanfranco Marasso – Head of International Digital Innovation & R&D | Almaviva
- Gianluca Misuraca – Founder and CEO | Inspiring Futures Europe
- Ivana Russiello – European Initiatives Specialist – Active Labour Market Policies and Education System Innovation, SFC – Confindustria Training Systems
- Sara Toticchi – Head of Corporate Funding | ManpowerGroup
- Arianna Tibuzzi – Partner | Obloo Ventures
- Susanna Zuccarini – Senior Business Developer | Invitalia
