The workshop focused on real-world applications, societal impact, and sustainability, aiming to provide a networking opportunity for researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from Sweden and Italy to discuss new trends, breakthroughs, and future perspectives in the field of smart sensor technologies.
Multidisciplinary platform for experts
The primary objective of the workshop was to create a multi-sector and multidisciplinary platform of experts from both countries. These experts work on innovative and application-oriented devices, materials, methodologies, processes, systems, and strategies in areas such as health, life sciences, agri-food, sound engineering, and sustainability.
The event brought together around 50 participants and 20 speakers who discussed new trends, challenges, business strategies, and opportunities to drive innovation and build healthier and more sustainable societies. Associate professor Donatella Puglisi, who was part of the organising committee, expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting the workshop's role in presenting cutting-edge concepts, scientific findings, and innovative ideas in a field that is crucial to many technology-based sectors of society.
Important to stayat the forefront of innovation
The collaboration between Swedish and Italian researchers in the field of sensors and actuators is important for tech-driven areas such as medical diagnostics and sound engineering. The Mayor of Linköping, Mikael Sanfridson, and the Head of Economic Development Office, Erik Åqvist, emphasised the importance of European cooperation in staying at the forefront of innovation. Both Sweden and Italy recognise the significance of sensor technologies and sustainability and are committed to innovating for the needs of society and industry, says Donatella Puglisi. This initiative allowed for the comparison of experiences from both the research and industry worlds, as well as from funding agencies that support research in Italy and Sweden on innovative materials, devices, and processes for applications in health, life sciences, agribusiness, and industry.
The workshop provided an opportunity to foster interaction and strengthen existing bilateral cooperations between Italy and Sweden. It also stimulated new collaborations and laid the foundations for partnership programmes and follow-up international initiatives.