Call for Proposals to Support Research and Development Projects Carried Out by Industrial Districts and Regional Innovative Networks
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
AXIS 1 – “RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION”
Action 1.1.4 – Call for Proposals to Support Research and Development Projects Carried Out by Industrial Districts and Regional Innovative Networks
PROJECT
“Hybrid Sustainable Worlds”
The project aims to enhance the products of the mentioned sectors (in terms of both functionality and aesthetics) by making available the various technologies offered within the Regional Innovative Network (RIR).
OBJECTIVES
The Hybrid Sustainable Worlds project focused on research and practical experimentation with hybrid systems, understood as the integration of the physical dimension of our environment with virtual worlds—now commonly referred to as “metaverses,” and previously known as “cyberspace.”
These hybrid systems were examined in depth across four key sectors of the regional economy: construction, commerce, culture, and artistic manufacturing. The project was led by the Venetian Green Building Cluster, the Regional Innovative Network representing the Sustainable Living (and Energy) sector, which acted as a bridge connecting the four sectors. These are all closely tied to the built environment and living environments, including human interaction with artifacts, whether architectural or artistic.
Each of the four sectors was thoroughly analyzed and defined by RIRs with specific expertise, tasked with exploring innovative methodologies and technologies relevant to their case studies. The participating RIRs benefited from the know-how of nine departments from four universities, as well as an additional research institution, alongside the experts and researchers from 21 partner companies.
PROJECT RESULTS
The Hybrid Sustainable Worlds project achieved significant results in researching and testing new work models based on hybridization between the real and virtual worlds, validated in four different economic sectors. Among the broader objectives, the project successfully explored effective solutions to the challenges posed during the pandemic period and identified innovations for future applications.
A particularly noteworthy result was the development of tools capable of providing innovative solutions to help overcome the energy crisis, which has impacted the entire economy. From its inception, the project focused its research on themes related to sustainable development, placing emphasis on innovative and sustainable materials, as well as on methods and techniques for energy-efficient and climate-conscious management.
COVID-related restrictions prompted businesses and economic activities to accelerate the adoption of already emerging solutions, such as remote work, online collaboration platforms, advanced e-commerce, and digital communication tools. These solutions not only met urgent needs but also had a positive impact on reducing climate-altering emissions by limiting the production of physical goods and reducing transportation-related consumption. Today, these approaches continue to offer sustainable ways to mitigate the climate impact of business operations, even under normal conditions.
The total contribution granted amounted to €2,021,179.23, against a total eligible expenditure of €2,998,736.75.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
Regional Innovative Networks (RIR):
- Venetian Green Building Cluster
(FATTORI S.R.L., GREEN PREFAB ITALIA SRL, COSTRUZIONI E RESTAURI G. SALMISTRARI S.R.L., SEINGIM GLOBAL SERVICE S.R.L., GEMMO S.P.A., ICONIA INGEGNERIA CIVILE S.R.L., ENNOVA RESEARCH S.R.L., LA.SO.LE. EST S.P.A., KIEBACK&PETER ITALIA S.R.L., MR ENERGY SYSTEMS SRL, FABLAB VENEZIA S.R.L.) - ICT for Smart and Sustainable Living
(THRON S.P.A., CORVALLIS S.R.L.) - Venetian Smart Lighting
(KAZAN S.R.L.) - EUTEKNOS
(MYWOOD S.R.L., MODENESE GASTONE INTERIORS S.R.L., ORTOLANI GIANFRANCO S.R.L.) - Venetian Innovation Cluster for Cultural and Environmental Heritage
(SOGET EST S.R.L., VIRTUALGEO S.R.L., AIPEM SRL, THE EDGE COMPANY S.R.L.)
Research Organizations:
- Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
- University of Padua
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (ICEA)
- HIT Center – Human-Inspired Technology
- Department of Cultural Heritage: Archaeology, History of Art, Cinema and Music (DBC)
- University of Verona
- IUAV University of Venice
- T2I S.C. A R.L.
PROJECT DURATION: 28 months
PROJECT START DATE: 10/09/2020
PROJECT END DATE: 31/12/2022
