Trentino looks to the future: a new festival dedicated to innovation is set to launch in Rovereto in 2027

The University of Trento, FBK, the E. Mach Foundation, Muse, Iprase, HIT, ASUIT and other research bodies, MART and Rovereto’s cultural institutions, educational establishments and the business community, all of which are called upon to help shape the initiative’s remit. The aim is to consolidate the expertise available in Trentino and strengthen the links between research, technology transfer, innovation and economic development.

Discussions will continue over the coming months to give concrete form to the foundations laid at today’s meeting. In January 2027, the title, format, theme and key features of the new event will be unveiled.

This new initiative confirms the Province’s commitment to investing in a long-term project and to establishing an event that is set to grow over time.

Achille Spinelli, Vice-President and Councillor for Economic Development, Employment, Family, Universities and Research of the Autonomous Province of Trento: “The Festival has been, and aims to become even more so in the future, a key reference point on the national and international innovation scene: for this reason, the Province reaffirms its commitment to continuing to invest in an event that consolidates Rovereto’s position as a hub for technological and scientific exchange,” says Vice-President Spinelli. “With this new project, we are looking ahead to 2027 whilst continuing to believe in the importance of this event. Bolstered by our collaboration with an outstanding publishing partner such as the Il Sole 24 ORE Group, we want the excellence of our research to move beyond the laboratories to engage with the public, inspire young people and empower businesses. Transforming knowledge into collective well-being and tangible progress is the challenge we are renewing, including through the Festival and for the future of Trentino.”

“Rovereto,” comments Mayor Giulia Robol, “has always been a city that looks to the future with courage and vision. The confirmation of our central role in this ambitious project, which will culminate in the event in October 2027, is an important recognition but, above all, the natural evolution of our identity. I would like to thank Wired for our past collaboration. Rovereto is cementing its reputation as a showcase of great quality and depth, capable of engaging a national and international audience. From this perspective, the partnership with *Il Sole 24 Ore* is a great opportunity that guarantees the highest level of professionalism and provides the necessary assurances to make the event a forum for meeting and exchange, showcasing our region, which has always been dedicated to research, innovation and technology transfer. Our commitment is to get straight to work on developing the project by involving key economic and local stakeholders so that they can participate constructively in this major festival, organised in partnership with the Province, Trentino Marketing and Trentino Sviluppo.”

Maurizio Rossini, Chief Executive of Trentino Marketing: “The new initiative launched today stems from the experience of the WIRED Next Fest Trentino, which has left an important legacy over the years – a legacy confirmed by the latest edition, which attracted over 14,000 visitors. We are therefore at the start of a new phase: a journey looking ahead to 2027 which, thanks to our collaboration with the Il Sole 24 ORE Group, will benefit from excellence in methodology, editorial vision and project management. This synergy is the result of joint work with the Autonomous Province of Trento, the Municipality of Rovereto, Trentino Sviluppo, the Rovereto Vallagarina and Monte Baldo Tourist Board, and the entire Trentino research, education and business sector, and aims to consolidate Rovereto’s position as a key hub in the national and international debate on major contemporary transformations and to strengthen Trentino’s standing in the fields of innovation, research and emerging technologies.”

“It is important to build on the work begun in 2023,” emphasises Giuseppe Consoli, president of Trentino Sviluppo, “with the aim of showcasing and providing a ‘hands-on’ experience of innovation in a rigorous and stimulating way, through an accessible and engaging format. For Trentino Sviluppo, in its role as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, this is a valuable opportunity to showcase existing and future innovation hubs, links with research centres, the region’s entrepreneurial excellence and the appeal of our local ecosystem.”

Giulio Prosser, President of the Rovereto Vallagarina and Monte Baldo Tourist Board: ‘Bringing a festival dedicated to innovation to Rovereto is a source of pride for us, as Rovereto is recognised as a centre of innovation and development, thanks to the excellence of its research and education system. Thanks to its prestigious partners, this initiative will undoubtedly raise our city’s profile throughout Italia and beyond. This is a new way of raising awareness of our region and generating discussion about it within new circles capable of networking.”

“We are particularly proud of the trust that the Autonomous Province of Trento and the institutions of Trentino have placed in the Il Sole 24 ORE Group by involving us in this new and ambitious project dedicated to innovation, research and emerging technologies. – comments Federico Silvestri, Chief Executive of the Il Sole 24 ORE Group - It gives us great satisfaction to be able to renew our collaboration with the institutions of Trentino and with a region that, over the years, has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to foster collaboration and to promote dialogue between businesses, research, academia and civil society. The experience of the Trento Festival of Economics, built together and which has grown to become a national and international benchmark, provides a solid foundation from which to develop a new initiative in which we will contribute our editorial and project management expertise, helping to further strengthen Trentino’s position as a laboratory for innovation and a forum for dialogue on the future.”