Posted on 24 April 2017
In a unique brainstorming session at the EUI, Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, and EUI President Renaud Dehousse recently sat down with a group of academics and administrators from the Institute. The aim of the 20 April meeting was to discuss ways in which the two entities can strengthen their relations and increase mutual awareness of activities.
Mr Nardella gave participants an overview of Florence's activities in the areas of research and innovation, pointing out its strengths in sectors such as fashion, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech industries. His question to the EUI was 'The EUI knows the city, but does the city know you?'
Suggestions on how the EUI could be more present in city activities and initiatives ranged from including relevant research in the resolution of important problems, such as immigration and social integration, to increasing the presence of the EUI's international community in big events. The EUI also expressed its desire to deepen ties with other universities in the area--both Italian and foreign. While many collaborative projects are already in motion, participants agreed that a more structured way to communicate with each other would facilitate cooperation and the sharing of resources across academic institutions.
Participants in the meeting are pictured below.
