(Finance) – Support university investments in research and technology transfer, the creation of new student accommodation and the development of innovative start-ups. These are the main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). The agreement, presented by minister Anna Maria Bernini, from the EIB Vice-President And FEI President Gelsomina Vigliottiand from Director General for EIB Operations Jean-Christophe Laloux, – says the MUR in a note – is part of the most recent developments in European politics. It touches on strategic issues for the Italian and European future, such as support for research and technology transfer, the promotion of innovative start-ups, the construction of new affordable student accommodation, the renovation and modernization of university infrastructures, with specific attention to energy efficiency.
Among the qualifying points are the creation of a joint working group to plan the activity of financial and technical assistance, support for start-ups interested in accessing the resources of the European Innovation Council (EIC), and the reference to the possibility of promoting cooperation between the EIB group and the sector of Higher Artistic, Musical and Dance Institutes (AFAM), to support the Italian cultural and artistic sector. Furthermore, thanks to the agreement signed, the EIB Group will be able to offer the MUR and the universities involved technical assistance tools aimed at facilitating access to the financial products of the European Union bank.
“A structured collaboration begins today, with which the MUR and the EIB Group are committed to research, university education and higher education in art, music and dance – he declared Bernini –. With the EIB vice president and FEI president, Gelsomina Vigliotti, we discussed the start of the collaboration with the MUR established by the Memorandum of Understanding – continued the Minister -. We talked about the joint activity to improve Italy’s opportunities in the European Innovation Council, supporting startups and innovation, and the possibility of transforming Italy’s great capacity in research into business success stories at European level. We will also pay particular attention to university student projects and funding opportunities in university infrastructure and housing.”
“Investing in research and innovation is essential to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Italy and the European Union – he commented Vigliotti –. The agreement between the EIB Group and the MUR goes precisely in this direction, paving the way for new financing opportunities and bringing the best European practices to Italy. In this way we consolidate the EIB’s strong commitment to Italian universities and schools, which we have supported with almost 3 billion euros over the last 10 years”.