Jan. 28 – Lazio and Florida are joining forces in the name of innovation, thanks to a cooperation agreement signed in Miami between the Rome Research Consortium in (CRR) and Enterprise Florida, in collaboration with the Roman Industrial and Technology Pole. The objective of the agreement is to support each other in the investment and development of new businesses in their territories, especially those with a high rate of technological innovation. The CRR counts among its members the Universities La Sapienza, Tor Vergata, Roma Tre and LUISS, institutions like the CNR, ENEA, Unicredit, Finmeccanica, the Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Unindustria and Technopol. The Center aims to support enterprises in Rome and Lazio in innovation, research and technology transfers. Enterprise Florida is the official agency of the State of Florida for investments and internationalization. The Roman Industrial and Technology Pole plays, through Technopole, a supporting role with small businesses and the redevelopment of the city’s industrial fabric. The partnership was preceded by the opening of an operating desk last fall in Miami by the Consorzio Roma Ricerche. According to Fabio De Furia, Chairman of the CRR, “the agreement represents a revolution because, in addition to continuing to export and internationalize our knowledge, our territory can become a catalyst for business and investment. This offer of expertise and technology in Rome and Lazio can then become an innovative platform infrastructure for the European market in view of the Horizon 2020. Also, consolidating our presence in Florida means having access to the markets of Central and South America, thus increasing our competitiveness.” The partnership will try to attract in Rome and Lazio Florida and Central American companies, offering them an excellence in innovation, research, technology transfers and infrastructures. Another aim is to provide assistance to Italian companies trying to entering the U.S. market through the creation of offices, sales and representatives points, production and logistics centers, research and development laboratories, as well as assistance in the financial, legal, and tax selection of potential industrial partners.