1. IRC – 2011 I nnovation, R esearch and C ompetition From knowledge to competitive network European funds for building industry 2014/2020| Jan. 30 th, 2014

2. Three actors: Research Business Market The University of Pavia Assimpredil Ance Milano, Lodi, Monza e Brianza AIE Servizi srl

3. The building sector is undergoing an unprecedented radical change involving the structural set-up of the industry and its output. a change so rapid that new interpretation rules are required, as well as a mutual exchange of experiences among actors playing different roles on the same scene. This is why Assimpredil Ance, the Association of Building and Related Companies of Milano, Lodi, Monza e Brianza provinces, thanks also to its service company, decided to develop “Project IRC-2011”, in collaboration with the University of Pavia, which guaranteed a multidisciplinary approach in the fields of architecture, engineering, medicine, biology, human sciences, law and economy. Through a dedicated competencies mapping, it is nowadays possible to identify collaboration fields between the research and the business worlds. The project is intended for the building sector operators, from design to construction, from production of supplies and components to the marketing of the finished products. During the first analysis, a pattern of consolidated historical connections appeared, showing elements which could bridle innovation in old schemes that need to be reshaped. Behind this project Innovation, Research and Competition are the key bricks on which we can design industry competition towards new market horizons

4. objectives, tools, outcomes Create a powerful, oriented and “decoded” network, between building Companies and research world. Find triggering ideas for consolidated processes to generate quality and innovation. Widen competition horizons also in international markets. Promote aggregating models able to facilitate access to European fundings for innovation.

5. objectives, tools, outcomes Use a flexible tool suitable for transferring know-how and competencies and allowing a dialog between research and business worlds. Open a dynamic information booth, able to create added value for the front desk supporting our Companies. Create a powerful, oriented and “decoded” network, between building Companies and research world. Find triggering ideas for consolidated processes to generate quality and innovation. Widen competition horizons also in international markets. Promote aggregating models able to facilitate access to European fundings for innovation.

6. Generate product and process innovation in the building industry in order to increase its competitive talents objectives, tools, outcomes Create a powerful, oriented and “decoded” network, between building Companies and research world. Find triggering ideas for consolidated processes to generate quality and innovation. Widen competition horizons also in international markets. Promote aggregating models able to facilitate access to European fundings for innovation. Use a flexible tool suitable for transferring know-how and competencies and allowing a dialog between research and business worlds. Open a dynamic information booth, able to create added value for the front desk supporting our Companies.

7. Creation of new business initiatives, facilitated by sharing of know-how and competencies between research and business worlds. Transfer and diffusion of innovating processes among operators of the building industry in order to accelerate the modernization of this sector and to create an effective response to changing market requirements, influenced by the new European standards. Penetration and structural consolidation of business models based on a competitive market strategy where quality, process and building product feasibility are rewarded. Possibility of collaboration with other partners on common targets in order to reach a critical mass and have access to international markets – actually very complicated due to small dimensions of our Companies. Strengthen our Companies during this transition phase of the market, accompanying them -thanks to association marketing - through the identification process of a distinctive brand. Spillover effects

8. … five open ‘job sites’ Process innovation (1) "Purchase of products and services" network Sharing of know-how on markets and products, through information exchange aiming to improve purchases and to start a strategic collaboration process for quality and competition. Impementing tool is the Network Contract. (2) Sales marketing Development of common activities related to market knowledge both from a demand evolution and from a demand dimension point of view. Promotion of networks for the research of new sales tools entailing high visible economies of scale, through the creation of a distinctive brand enabling consumers to recognize quality and reliability of products..

9. Spillover effects … five open ‘job sites’ innovazione di prodotto (3) Internationalization Implementing consulting services for Companies in order to develop organization, promotion, communication and business skills for a stronger and more qualified presence in International markets. (4) Penetration in specialized markets Promotion of entrepreneurial and operating capacities bound to specific sectors of the building industry or processes so to strengthen competive penetration skills into new markets. Creation of a network for architectural restoration and structural consolidation linked to Milano nei Cantieri dell’arte. (5) Technological innovation and product sustainability Spread of best innovation practices for architectural quality, research in residential building industry, promotion of Housing Contest projects: high-performance low cost and low time buildings – both from a technological and environment point of view.

10. I finanziamenti europei per il settore delle costruzioni 2014/2020| 30 gennaio 2014