IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES AND BUSINESSES FOR THE VALORIZATION OF MADE IN ITALY WITH A VIEW TO SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULARITY

The paper aims to highlight the potential for collaboration between universities and businesses in the face of significant challenges for the Italian industry aimed at social and environmental sustainability and circularity. In this context, this collaboration proves to be a strategic tool for sustainable innovation and for the valorization of "Made in Italy", which although synonymous with quality requires a rethinking of production models. In this regard, it is underlined that competitiveness in the global market requires an update of skills and an understanding of consumer needs. This contribution intends to demonstrate how, in this perspective, sustainable innovation and convergence between universities and companies are fundamental elements for production realities. In fact, in comparison with the contemporary production panorama, the urgency of reflecting on the entire analysis of the product's life cycle becomes even clearer. Among the most significant examples of the Italian panorama are the co-financed industrial doctorates, the National and Regional Operational Programs (PON), (POR), and research projects with objectives such as those outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR ) in particular with in Mission 4: - from Research to Business - “Strengthening research and dissemination of innovative models for applied basic research conducted in synergy between universities and businesses.” The contribution aligns with the theme of the call by focusing on University-Industry Cooperation, with particular attention to the internationalization and scalability of the paths and respective results of inter- sectoral and interdisciplinary doctorates, underlining the relevance of these aspects in multiple production contexts. To encourage this interaction, a Design Driven Innovation and Open Design approach is envisaged, explaining how design open to collaboration, in conjunction with companies, can bring innovation. At the base, an Open Innovation approach will be envisaged by companies, which not only takes into account internal resources but also tools and skills coming from universities, startups, and research centers. To create a two-way flow of knowledge and resources, therefore, the interaction between universities and businesses is considered fundamental to transfer research skills with important implications in the industrial and consequently territorial context. The aspects that will be treated in this contribution through the description of some research activities that well represent the main themes described so far, are therefore those of the knowledge and valorization of local and productive traditions and the creation of circular markets, which in turn will generate new sources of income. In conclusion, the collaboration between universities and businesses represents a fundamental driver for the valorization of "Made in Italy" with a view to sustainability and circularity. This synergy creates an environment where innovation thrives, allowing the Italian industry to adapt to global challenges and maintain its reputation for excellence while also helping to create a more sustainable and circular future for the Italian industry.