How do we innovate? The role of the Innovation Center

In many business contexts, innovation is the result of a systematic yet creative process that integrates contributions from various professionals and specialized skills. It can manifest in various forms: from the development of new products and services to the optimization and efficiency of existing processes, and even the creation of innovative business models. Collaboration among professionals from different disciplines—engineers, designers, marketing experts, and researchers—serves as an essential driver for innovation, as each individual brings a unique perspective that enriches and completes the creative process. 

Supporting this synergy are fundamental elements such as the definition of clear objectives, access to advanced technologies and analytical methodologies, the adoption of agile development models, and a strong orientation towards experimentation and exploration. 

These components, combined with a constant exchange of knowledge with the external ecosystem, the creation of partnerships, and the exploration of innovative applications in unconventional areas, shape and define the paradigm of open innovation. Here, innovation is not just a goal but an ongoing process of learning and adaptation. 

The collection and analysis of market data and customer feedback are essential for guiding strategic decisions and ensuring the relevance and sustainability of proposed solutions. In this sense, innovation becomes an accelerator of corporate growth and a fundamental tool to defend and create new competitive advantages, enabling effective responses to the challenges of a constantly evolving market. 

At Fedrigoni, innovation is a foundational value of the company culture, representing an essential tool for continuous improvement. For Fedrigoni, true innovation is that which demonstrates its value over time, capable of changing standards and generating a lasting impact. Our expertise in developing sustainable and innovative materials is both a current success and a promise for the future. This is why, alongside the Verona headquarters, the Fedrigoni Innovation Center stands as the epicenter of contemporary innovation. 

The Innovation Center: The Epicenter of Fedrigoni’s Innovation 

“The Innovation Center represents the beating heart of our innovation. Here, we co-develop projects with a broad and diverse ecosystem for self-adhesive materials and cellulose-based applications,” states Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni. 

The center spans 3,000 square meters and comprises four complementary areas: Research, Development, and Innovation; the FedLab Idea Incubator; the Customer Academy; and a space for incubating start-ups. This center represents an environment of open innovation, where the synergy between Fedrigoni, universities, clients, and suppliers leads to the creation of innovative solutions for high-quality paper and sustainable self-adhesive materials. 

From September 2023 to now, and until November 2024, the Innovation Center has welcomed over 1,000 participants to its activities, including around 400 Fedrigoni employees from all over the globe and more than 600 external guests, clients, suppliers, and institutions. Fifteen events have been organized, including training courses and client meetings, alongside over 100 guided tours. 

Areas of the Innovation Center 

In the Research, Development & Innovation laboratories, innovative materials and raw materials are being experimented with, including recycled fibers and alternatives to cellulose. Advanced machinery is available for testing and prototyping eco-sustainable treatments, including the HP Indigo 7K Digital Press, for which Fedrigoni is the competence center for Italy in partnership with HP Indigo. 

An entirely automated sample warehouse collects over 3,000 types of special papers, a unique resource on a global scale. 

The FedLab is the nerve center where ideas and materials transform into products. This space is open for collaboration with Italian and international universities, including universities in Milan, Naples, and Pisa, Université de Lorraine in Nancy, and research centers like the International Paper Engineering School Inp-Pagora and the Pulp and Paper Research & Technical Centre (CTP) in Grenoble. Businesses and start-ups also collaborate in dedicated co-working spaces. 

The Customer Academy, on the other hand, was established to meet the need for skills and share knowledge. This training center is open to the entire Fedrigoni community—employees, clients, partners, and university students—with the goal of becoming a reference point for sustainable growth in the special paper and self-adhesive materials sector. 

A key aspect of the Innovation Center is its role as a hub for PhD students, where open innovation materializes through academic collaboration. We currently manage ten active PhD programs, working closely with universities to develop research projects and assess new talent. PhD students contribute directly to business projects, bringing fresh ideas and innovative perspectives. This synergy strengthens the link between the academic and industrial worlds, creating career opportunities and enhancing the quality of our offerings. 

The Role of the Innovation Center in Verona 

Micaela Di Trana, Group Innovation and Sustainability Director, emphasizes: “One of the main challenges of innovation is the ability to anticipate macro-market trends, activating a continuous monitoring process of scouting solutions even in adjacent sectors, filtering and combining this information to develop creative solutions. It is crucial to balance rigor and discipline in processes with speed, agility, and structure, prioritizing resource allocation according to a portfolio logic and ensuring execution effectiveness.” 

The Innovation Center represents a space for skill creation and talent development, where specific projects and innovative applications are realized with the aim of transforming the industry and reducing its ecological footprint. Di Trana adds: “Our Innovation Center is designed to be customer-centric, allowing clients to actively participate in the development of new prototypes and solutions. This center represents an important step in our innovation strategy.” 

The Fedrigoni Innovation Center serves as the vibrant heart of corporate innovation, fostering the development of new products and sustainable solutions through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.