Tajani launches the national strategy for science diplomacy. «ASI and the Calabria Region collaborate with NASA on the Artemis project»

A diplomacy that takes research by the hand and leads it abroad. All thanks to Italian researchers in the world, ambassadors of Italian scientific heritage abroad. «From Reggio Calabria I want to launch a new key initiative: the first national strategy for scientific diplomacy», said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani speaking from the stage of the Conference of Maeci scientific workers in Reggio Calabria.

«From today - he clarified - a process begins with ministries, universities and research bodies for the definition of a strategic document to strengthen scientific diplomacy and Italian scientific research abroad. We want to systematize and relaunch our action" he added. In this area, Italian researchers around the world will have a key role, he said. «For the first time we brought together the presidents of the associations of Italian researchers abroad. I am very pleased to announce that today, right here in Reggio Calabria, the Confederation of Italian researchers' associations in the world is born."

«Science diplomacy is now a fundamental pillar of growth diplomacy - Tajani recalled -. Science is a great driver of competitiveness and growth. Artificial intelligence, robotics and digitalization are transforming industry. Italy must lead these processes. With scientific attachés we transform our embassies into outposts of Italian research in the world. This is why I have decided to invest more and more in this network, which we are expanding across all continents", said Tajani.

The line is clear: «Our scientific diplomacy must put the theme of innovation and support for start-ups even more at the center - underlined the head of the Farnesina -. Among the many young students present here, there are certainly many who have the spirit of the entrepreneur within them. Don't suffocate this vocation, if you feel like it, take a risk, create a start-up, we will try to help you in every way to realize your dream and ensure that your potential can be put at the service of Italy. The game is played on the export field. «Last year we reached the record of 643 billion. This year we are growing even faster: around 6%. The objective - said the minister - is 700 billion by 2027. Scientific diplomacy can make a very strong contribution.

Tajani gave the example of Calabria. «The Italian Space Agency and the Calabria Region are working with NASA to create in this territory one of the communications antennas of the Artemis program which will take us to the Moon - explained the head of the Farnesina -. The final objective is a large Calabrian space hub between ASI, universities, research centers and industry. The participation of the University of Calabria in the European Space Agency's Plasma Observatory space mission is another key achievement. A great project to explore the Earth's magnetic shield. A source of pride for the entire Region and for Italy", he concluded.