The European Commission’s Horizon programs have become a cornerstone for fostering research, innovation, and collaboration across Europe and beyond. Through significant investment, these programs aim to address some of the continent’s biggest challenges—such as climate change, digital transformation, and industrial sustainability—by empowering researchers, companies, and public institutions to work together. While the Horizon programs bring…

In today’s technology-driven world, gender equity remains an essential yet challenging goal, especially within the IT industry. While the sector continues to expand and evolve, women and other underrepresented genders still face barriers to entry, progression, and recognition. Creating a more diverse workforce isn’t only a matter of social responsibility—it is a business imperative that…

The recent FIWARE Global Summit was a milestone in digital transformation, bringing together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from around the globe. The summit demonstrated FIWARE’s vital role in expanding its ecosystem, nurturing local economies, and positioning itself as a global force for open-source solutions in smart cities, industries, and beyond. Expansion of the FIWARE Ecosystem…

From the moment I first held my son Edoardo, I knew life would never be the same. His arrival marked a profound transformation, not just within the walls of our home but also within the layers of my identity, my work, and my purpose. Edoardo has been an inspiration, a teacher, and a constant reminder…

Participating in Summit Cidades 2024 in Florianópolis, Brazil, offered a profound opportunity to engage with the vibrant leaders, policymakers, and innovators shaping the future of smart cities. Brazil’s ambition is clear: to become a global leader in innovation and technology. However, for Brazil to fully leverage its immense potential, we must address some foundational elements—chiefly,…

Attending the Smart Cities Connect Conference and Expo, held from May 7–10, 2024, in vibrant Raleigh, NC, was an illuminating experience. This premier event brought together innovators, policymakers, and solution providers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in advancing smart city initiatives. From innovative urban planning strategies to the latest in technology adoption, the conference served as…

Attending Hannover Messe 2024 was an extraordinary experience, providing an unmatched platform to explore cutting-edge advancements in industry and technology. This year’s event, known as the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology, showcased transformative innovations that align closely with pressing global challenges like climate change, sustainability, and economic resilience. A highlight of my participation was the…

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), introduced by the European Union, aims to bolster the security of digital products and services. While its primary goal is to enhance cybersecurity, the act also carries significant implications for the financial growth of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EU’s ability to foster a competitive technology market, and international…

From March 12–14, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Data Spaces Symposium in Darmstadt, Germany. The event was a hub of innovation and dialogue, gathering thought leaders, policymakers, and industry practitioners to discuss the evolving concept of dataspaces and their transformative potential. Dataspaces represent a paradigm shift in how organizations share, access, and utilize data while maintaining control…