VITALITY is an Innovation Ecosystem funded by the Ministry of University and Research as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR, Mission 4, component 2, investment 1.5), and involves the participation of universities, research entities, and private organizations primarily from Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria.

The objective of activities includes enhancing the results of research, facilitating technology transfer, and accelerating the digital transformation of business production processes with a focus on economic and environmental sustainability and social impact on the territory, thanks to the collaboration between the research system, the production system, and local institutions in the reference area.

There are several socio-economic, urban, and territorial characteristics that unite the regions of Abruzzo, Marche, and Umbria (low population density, significant historical, environmental, and landscape value; a production sector mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises).

Innovative solutions to increase service coverage, improve quality, safety, and sustainability of production systems, public administrations, and living and working conditions are crucial to fully harness the development potential of local production systems.

The general purpose of the VITALITY project is to promote the creation of structured and dynamic innovation ecosystems capable of fostering technological development and knowledge transfer within regional production systems. Through an integrated and collaborative approach, the project aims to enhance the competitiveness of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by strengthening their capacity for innovation and their ability to adapt to global challenges.

At the same time, VITALITY seeks to improve environmental, economic, and social sustainability, contributing to the enhancement of quality of life both in urban contexts — often characterized by rapid changes and complexity — and in rural areas, which require new inclusive and resilient development models.
The initiative therefore aims to generate a long-term positive impact by supporting responsible innovation processes that successfully balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social cohesion.

Within VITALITY, 10 Spokes operate, each focused on a specific research theme.

🧭 Spoke 1 – University of L'Aquila

Main themes: Digital health, cybersecurity, aerospace.
Public affiliates: University of Teramo, University of Macerata, University of Molise, Italian Red Cross.
Private affiliates: Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A..

🛰️ Spoke 2 – Gran Sasso Science Institute

Main themes: Advanced space technologies, X-ray and gamma-ray observation, cryogenic systems, adaptive optics, digital satellite twins.
Public affiliates: University of Perugia, National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), Bruno Kessler Foundation.
Private affiliates: Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A.

🌾 Spoke 3 – University of Teramo

Main themes: Innovative food production, sustainability, and quality of life.
Public affiliates: Marche Polytechnic University, University of Perugia, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Teramo.

🏥 Spoke 4 – University of Chieti and Pescara

Main themes: Health and wellbeing, social inclusion, territorial cohesion.
Public affiliates: University of Urbino Carlo Bo.
Private affiliates: Synergo Group.

🏗️ Spoke 5 – Marche Polytechnic University

Main themes: Environmental, economic, and social sustainability of living and working environments.
Public affiliates: University of Camerino, University of Perugia, INRCA (National Institute of Health and Science on Aging).
Private affiliates: Meccano, COSMOB.

🏠 Spoke 6 – University of Camerino

Main themes: Innovation and safety of living environments in the digital transition era.
Public affiliates: University of Urbino Carlo Bo.
Private affiliates: Meccano, COSMOB.

📚 Spoke 7 – University of Macerata

Main themes: Intelligent solutions and educational programs for antifragility and inclusivity.
Public affiliates: University of L'Aquila, INRCA.
Private affiliates: Meccano, COSMOB.

💊 Spoke 8 – University of Urbino Carlo Bo

Main themes: Innovative therapeutic approaches, new chemical entities, biologics, and drug delivery systems.
Public affiliates: University of Perugia, University of Camerino.
Private affiliates: Meccano, COSMOB.

🧪 Spoke 9 – University of Perugia

Main themes: Nanostructured materials and devices.
Public affiliates: Marche Polytechnic University, University of Camerino, National Research Council (CNR).
Private affiliates: Graphene Company.

🧬 Spoke 10 – University of Perugia

Main themes: Bio-based and biocompatible materials and devices.
Public affiliates: National Research Council (CNR).
Private affiliates: Novamont S.p.A., PTP S.r.l.

The project is organized with a Hub & Spoke governance structure, with the Hub carrying out management and coordination activities, and the Spokes conducting research on a specific topic, in line with the industrial and research vocations of the reference area.

Each Spoke's activities are supported by both public and private affiliated entities.

Total participants: 24

Participating universities: 10

Participating public entities and public research entities: 4

Participating private entities: 10

4 spokes in Abruzzo:

• University of L'Aquila

• Gran Sasso Science Institute

• University of Chieti-Pescara

• University of Teramo

4 spokes in Marche:

• Polytechnic University of Marche

• University of Camerino

• University of Macerata

• University of Urbino

2 spokes in Umbria:

• University of Perugia

Total funding for the Vitality Ecosystem: €115,996,558.73.