A Model for Urban Innovation
When it comes to innovation, Torino is a remarkable example of how a city can undergo radical transformation while remaining deeply connected to its heritage.
Historically recognised as Italy's industrial capital, Torino has, over the past few decades, reinvented itself into a vibrant laboratory for technological, social and environmental innovation.
This evolution has been propelled by an open innovation strategy and the city's proactive approach to adapting to present and future urban challenges: from Climate Resilience to Housing, from Urban Mobility to Talent Retention.
Innovation Strategy: A Flourishing Ecosystem
Torino boasts an ever-expanding innovation ecosystem, engaging over 600 stakeholders from public institutions, R&D actors, businesses (incl. Start-ups) and nonprofit entities. This collaborative network and its agile governance has been nurtured through 2 key platform – initiatives led by the City of Torino, namely Torino City Lab (TCL) and Torino Social Impact (TSI), which operate in synergy to address contemporary urban challenges. European projects and other EU and extra UE cooperation opportunities are seen as a strong innovation booster in this context.
Torino City Lab: The Urban Innovation Laboratory
Torino City Lab represents a longstanding dynamic environment where emerging technologies are tested, and innovative solutions are promoted. Through interaction with over 100 partners and stakeholders, TCL serves as a bridge between the public and private sectors, facilitating experiments in real-life conditions, also thanks to dedicated stress test areas. TCL was enriched in 2021 with Turin House of Emerging Technologies (CTE NEXT) a collaborative technology transfer hub led by the City together with 12 skilled partners, offering services, training and reinforced urban testing support to startup and SMEs to tackle complex urban challenges with cutting-edge technology (5G/6G, AI, IOT, Blockchain, Quantum technologies, XR) and creative solutions.
Torino Social Impact: Purposeful Entrepreneurship
In parallel, Torino Social Impact unites over 334 actors to advance social entrepreneurship and impact investments. From establishing the National Competence Center for Social Innovation (with the EC project SEED) to launching the Social Impact Stock Exchange, Turin is solidifying its reputation as a global leader in ethical business practices.
Torino, a recognised university and research hub
Torino Academia played a strong role in positioning Torino a place to be for urban innovation: with its top-ranked universities and Research Centers, like Torino Polytechnic and Torino University, ESCP Business School and LINKS Foundation, Torino ranked as Top 35s global ecosystems for recruiting Tech Talents according to Genome Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 (GSER2024).
The university system also still plays a crucial role in Torino's acceleration ecosystem, complementing initiatives like TCL and TSI through its two main incubators: 2i3T (University of Torino) and I3P (Polytechnic University of Torino). Not only, the National Research Foundation AI4Industry has just been established in Torino and will start its operation soon.
The Importance of Digital Ethics: Torino's Ethical Board
Torino also leads in ensuring the ethical use of emerging technologies through the Ethical Board for Emerging Technologies. This pioneering body aligns the adoption of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with community rights and values. With this initiative, Torino affirms its commitment to a fair and sustainable technological future for all citizens.
Ecological Transition: Towards Climate Neutrality
Through the Climate City Contract – which has just received the official label by the European Commission - Torino commits to being one of the 100 European cities achieving zero emissions by 2030. The city has implemented a comprehensive action plan to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by this target year, seamlessly integrating technological innovation with environmental sustainability across all projects.
A Comprehensive Urban Transformation: Torino Impact City!
Torino envisions a city where innovation and social well-being are intertwined. Initiatives like “Torino Cambia” designed to enhance urban livability through a comprehensive plan encompassing over 300 interventions ensure that every citizen plays a role in the transformation. With an investment of €900 million from national and European sources, this ambitious plan focuses on urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, and initiatives with significant social impact. It aims to transform public spaces, enhance green areas, and promote accessibility, ensuring that every citizen experiences a richer quality of life.
With its innovative and inclusive approach, Torino is poised to write a new chapter in the history of European cities, demonstrating that technological progress can harmoniously coexist with social responsibility.