Milan Design Week: internationalization of Sardinian boating and new university programs

Milan Design Week hosted the press conference promoted by CIPNES Gallura, UniOlbia, the Università degli Studi di Cagliari, and the Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, focused on the internationalization path of Sardinia’s boating industry and the development of new university programs linked to the blue economy.

The event was moderated by Guido Piga, Head of Digital Communication and Institutional Relations at CIPNES Gallura, who introduced the initiative by presenting key data on the boating sector and private aviation in Sardinia, with particular focus on the north-eastern area of the island. In his speech, he highlighted how Sardinia now represents one of the main Mediterranean hubs for superyachts and private jets, with a significant concentration of vessels over 24 meters and an increasingly central role in international luxury yachting flows. Piga also emphasized the new educational pathways being developed, underlining the connection between sector growth and the development of specialized skills.

During the conference, Livio Fideli, President of CIPNES Gallura, stressed the need to build an integrated system capable of training new professionals while also attracting investment. Fideli highlighted the strong synergy between institutions and local stakeholders, aimed at creating favorable conditions for businesses through financial support tools and targeted training programs.

Aldo Urru, General Director of the Università degli Studi di Cagliari, presented the university’s educational offering, with a focus on courses active and planned in Olbia, outlining an organizational model attentive to both student needs and the production system. In particular, he emphasized the strategic role of the Gallura area, home to an important boating district, and the already active Bachelor’s degree in Naval Engineering, which will be complemented by a new professional program in aeronautics and a Master’s degree in Naval Engineering.

On the topic of education, Daniele Cocco, President of the Engineering and Architecture programs at the University of Cagliari, presented data on student enrollment and the value of the professional degree in Electrical and Aeronautical Industrial Technologies, designed to facilitate direct entry into the workforce and strengthen the link between universities and businesses.

In his speech, Aldo Carta, General Director of CIPNES Gallura and President of UniOlbia, highlighted the value of Milan Design Week as a key international hub, underlining the importance of the institutional presence of the Regione Sardegna and its regional partners. Carta reiterated the intention to build a network capable of developing projects on a regional scale, enhancing the economic and productive potential of boating and the blue economy. Among the identified strategic pillars: research, knowledge, education, and sustainability, with particular attention to marine protection and ecological transition.

During the conference, Guido Piga also referred to a tribute to Grazia Deledda on the centenary of her Nobel Prize, through a collection of quotes dedicated to the sea, highlighting the cultural dimension of the initiative.

Following this, Paolo Bertetti, Chief Innovation Officer at Sanlorenzo, explored technological developments in the sector, focusing on the prospects of alternative fuels and the bio-methanol project developed in collaboration with CIPNES Gallura and the Politecnico di Milano.

Giuseppe Meloni, Vice President of the Regione Sardegna and Regional Councillor for Programming, emphasized the need for a qualitative leap at the regional level, highlighting the importance of a shared strategy capable of integrating resources, skills, and vision. Among the key priorities: attracting companies and talent and creating a regional “laboratory” capable of operating in a coordinated way among all stakeholders involved.

The event also featured the UniCa Sailing Team project, with contributions from Professor Flavio Stocchino and participating students, demonstrating the value of applied education and the direct connection between universities, research, and the production system.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Antonio Loriga, Vice President of CIPNES Gallura, who reaffirmed the strategic value of the initiative and the importance of continuing along a shared path of growth and international positioning of the sector.

Participation in Milan Design Week is part of the three-year plan for the internationalization of Sardinia’s boating industry, confirming the commitment of institutions and partners to position Sardinia as a strategic platform in the Mediterranean for innovation, education, and the sustainable development of the blue economy.

A link to the full recording of the press conference is available below.