New report aims to support Italian investment in Victoria

New report aims to support Italian investment in Victoria

The latest report from the Future Europe Series delivered by RMIT Europe and the State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment Office has made recommendations for Italian companies investing in Victoria, Australia.

The report – Building for the future: Italy and Victoria, Australia – brings together insights from industry, government and academic leaders in Italy and Victoria on the challenges and opportunities of the transition to a decarbonised economy in an increasingly digital world. 

The report’s key recommendations include:

  • Turn up the dial on sustainability action: Governments, not just customers and investors, are pushing for sustainability through new policies, requiring transparency and authenticity from businesses.

  • Evolving cross-sector collaboration: The private sector, government and universities must consider new ways of collaborating in the context of this changing landscape to anticipate and respond to challenges related to the transition to net zero, and beyond. 

  • Beyond net zero: Planning should extend beyond net zero to absolute zero, focusing on circularity and regenerative practices for success in innovation.

  • Innovation and global knowledge transfer: Achieving 2050 targets requires using existing and new technologies, with a focus on international collaboration for knowledge sharing.

  • Upskilling the global workforce: There is a need for multidisciplinary upskilling and reskilling to equip workers with both soft and technical skills for emerging decarbonisation solutions.

22 May 2025

Share

A book titled "Building for the future: Italy and Victoria, Australia" lies on a table with a notepad, pencil, and decorative flowers. The report aims at enhancing Italy-Victoria collaboration for a low-carbon future.

Gönül Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said the report is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource for Italian companies interested in investing in Victoria’s dynamic economy and contributing to building its future.

“Victoria has a strong relationship with Italy and the Lombardy region, a partnership rooted in shared values and mutual economic interests and deep people to people links,” Serbest said. 

“Lombardy, a region synonymous with innovation, design and technology with a vibrant business ecosystem, is a natural partner for Victoria in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and sustainability.

“Together with the insights of experts from industry, government and academia and in the context of Italy and Victoria bilateral relations, the Future Europe Series aims to shed light on the skills, innovation and sustainability needs as we transition our businesses and our society towards a sustainable future and decarbonised economy,” she said. 

A group of people stands in front of European, Italian, and Australian flags in a formal setting. The Future Europe Series event in Milan, Italy L-R: Professor Sergio Terzi (Polytecnico de Milano), Gönül Serbest (State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment office), Matteo d’Aloja (Ghella), Hon. Tim Pallas (State of Victoria, Australia), Rachel White (Australian Trade & Investment Commission), Rafaelle Cattaneo (Regional Council of Lombardy), Marta Fernandez (RMIT Europe), Giuseppe Meazza (Rubicon), Nadia Boschi (Lendlease), Anita Zanchetta (Monash University Prato), Cecilia Hewlett (Monash University). Not Pictured: Massimo Tellini (Intesa Sanpaolo).

Professor Marta Fernandez, Executive Director at RMIT Europe, said that skills, innovation and digitalisation are key areas that require transnational cooperation in making the low-carbon transition a reality in the context of Italy and Victoria bilateral relations.

“As RMIT University’s European Innovation Hub, we are committed to supporting the growing economic relationship between Italy and Victoria through partnerships in research and innovation, community engagement, education and talent solutions,” Fernandez said.

“As Italy’s investment in Australia continues to grow, we must bring together industry, government and academia to work together towards the energy transition. 

“Our efforts need to go beyond sustainable practices and look to regenerative futures as a way of renewing and revitalising social, economic and environmental systems,” she said.  

The new report is an outcome of the Future Europe Series, an initiative of RMIT Europe and the State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment office. 

It is the third report in the series, following insights published for French and Spanish companies investing in Victoria.

Read the report

Story: Huong Nguyen

Return to RMIT News
22 May 2025

Share

  • RMIT Europe
Engage

Related News

cultural-e-visit-thumbnail.jpg

New research brings cultural and climatic perspectives into Plus Energy Building design

RMIT researchers have investigated everyday household practices to inform PEB design and enhance the use of energy-saving technologies in the home.

loughborough-uni-and-rmit-partnership-mou.jpg

Loughborough University London and RMIT partner to advance transnational research and postgraduate education

Loughborough University London and RMIT are partnering to boost transnational academic and research collaboration as well as explore new opportunities in postgraduate education.

rmit and common purpose.jpg

Common Purpose, RMIT Europe and EIT Urban Mobility announce new partnership focused on urban regeneration

By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, intensifying pressure on infrastructure, resources and communities.

news-fes-report-in-italy-thumbnail.png

New report aims to support Italian investment in Victoria

The latest report from the Future Europe Series delivered by RMIT Europe and the State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment Office has made recommendations for Italian companies investing in Victoria, Australia.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information