Generating a tangible impact on the local commercial fabric through innovation pathways that combine training, specialist skills, and territorial development. This is the aim of the third edition of the Upskill Piemonte project, promoted by Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT, the impact-oriented entity of Fondazione CRT, in collaboration with Upskill 4.0 (a spin-off of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice), UniCredit, and Ascom Confcommercio Torino e provincia.
The project focused specifically on the enhancement of local commerce, a pillar of the local economy in terms of job creation and social value for the urban fabric, which is currently facing rapid changes in consumer purchasing behavior.
Opportunità unica
partecipa alle aste immobiliari.
Upskill Piemonte offered six innovation paths to businesses within the Urban Commerce District of the City of Turin, drawing on the methods developed by Upskill 4.0 and the specialist skills of Higher Technical Institutes (ITS Academy). The goal was to provide businesses with contemporary tools to improve citizen access to services.
Thanks to the support of the Upskill 4.0 team—experts in digital innovation and in designing regeneration strategies for supply chains and territories—selected businesses and 60 young technicians from the ITS Academy in Piemonte (ITS Sustainable Mobility – Aerospace/Mechatronics and ITS Academy Turismo Piemonte) had the opportunity to co-design new products, processes, services, and innovative business models.
From February to June 2025, students, guided by Upskill 4.0, developed six prototypes in response to the business challenges, focusing on combining digital strategies, strengthening brand identity, and creating new customer experiences.
Cavour 11, an artistic perfumery specializing in niche fragrances, will launch an interactive virtual space on its website, complemented by sensory experiences in-store and collaborations with local creatives.
Gioielleria Palmerio, recently reopened in its historic location in Piazza Paleocapa, has redefined its brand positioning to broaden its target audience and expand services—offering exclusive events and fully customized, co-designed jewelry.
Latteria Bera, a local gourmet institution, will introduce an integrated e-commerce platform offering prêt-à-porter products and personalized subscriptions—allowing customers to discover and enjoy Italian dairy excellence while learning more about producers.
For Libreria Luxemburg, a cultural landmark for readers and intellectuals, a web app interface has been designed to promote in-store book pick-up, encouraging socially and culturally responsible shopping habits. The user experience includes interactive features and a rewards system that gives readers the opportunity to attend events and participate in a reader-led literary prize.
Confetteria Stratta, a symbol of Turin’s confectionery heritage, has developed a new brand experience inspired by successful international models. It has also launched collaborations with artists and designers, along with a renewed purchasing experience in view of opening flagship stores abroad.
Trifule & Bulè, a family-run business specializing in truffles and mushrooms, will benefit from a new social media strategy that positions its owner Raffaele as an industry reference point. This will be supported by local engagement initiatives and a training program aimed at attracting new collaborators and making the business more sustainable.
This third edition of Upskill Piemonte introduced some new elements: the definition of a detailed business plan and practical support for companies to transform the students’ prototypes into implementable solutions, with the contribution of UniCredit and Ascom Torino.
Finanziamo agevolati
Contributi per le imprese
The project allowed students to tackle real-world challenges and acquire technical and professional skills increasingly sought after by businesses. Collaborations will also be activated with ITS to directly involve outstanding students in the implementation of the proposed solutions. The initiative has a twofold goal: to support business innovation and reaffirm the relevance of local commerce in Turin by making neighborhoods more active, attractive, and livable, and to create a bridge between education and small enterprises.
“Since its founding, Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT has supported innovation in local businesses. The Upskill Piemonte project perfectly embodies the synergy between the professional growth of ITS students and the enhancement of the productive and creative assets of Piemonte’s economy. This year, the initiative went beyond prototype design and moved toward actual implementation and use—offering clear benefits to businesses, the local community, and visitors to Turin,” said Cristina Di Bari, President of Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT.
“Upskill Piemonte perfectly represents Upskill 4.0’s mission: to connect advanced technical training with innovation in local businesses, generating real impact in the regions,” stated Stefano Micelli, President of Upskill 4.0. “In this third edition, we worked closely with local shops and businesses, which now more than ever need tools to reinvent themselves, grow, and continue to add value to urban communities. This project shows that innovation is not reserved for large corporations—it can and must involve small neighborhood businesses when they are supported in collaborating with young talents and innovation professionals.”
“At UniCredit, we strongly believe in the value of education and collaboration between schools and businesses as a driver of regional growth. Projects like Upskill Piemonte are a virtuous example of how youth-led innovation can make a concrete contribution to the revitalization of local commerce and the enhancement of local identity. We are proud to support this initiative, which combines sustainability, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision,” said Paola Garibotti, Regional Manager North West, UniCredit.
“The Upskill Piemonte project acknowledges the social value of neighborhood commerce,” emphasized Maria Luisa Coppa, President of Ascom Confcommercio Torino e provincia and President of the Fondazione ITS Academy Turismo Piemonte. “Supporting innovation in small businesses has a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. We thank Fondazione Sviluppo e Crescita CRT and UniCredit for believing in this project with us—an initiative that invests in the region, focusing on the Urban Commerce District of Turin to measure both its economic and social impact. True innovation lies in connecting six excellent businesses with the young talents from ITS. This reciprocal exchange of growth will continue even after the projects come to an end.”
***** l’articolo pubblicato è ritenuto affidabile e di qualità*****
Visita il sito e gli articoli pubblicati cliccando sul seguente link
