The first stage of Jazz’Inn 2026 concluded with a moment of great pride for Italy & Partners. As part of an event that has long brought together innovators, public administrators, and businesses, the ceremony celebrated the presentation of five prestigious special awards honoring the most “Visionary and Resilient” leaders in Italy.
Representing Italy & Partners on stage to receive the award was our Managing Director, Raffaele Gareri, who participated in this year’s edition in close partnership with Almaviva.
The Award Citation: A Beacon for Open Innovation Procurement
The award recognizes the unwavering commitment demonstrated over the years in reshaping the relationship between the public and private sectors. The official citation read during the ceremony stated:
“For his pioneering vision in Open Innovation Procurement and his ability to bring together public administrations, businesses, and universities. He has transformed the needs of local communities and public procurement models into strategic drivers of collective development.”
This recognition confirms the value of a model in which public procurement is no longer viewed as a mere administrative process, but as a strategic tool for fostering innovation, attracting investment, and connecting academic research with the real needs of local communities.
Highlights from the Ceremony: Raffaele Gareri’s Remarks
During his acceptance speech and in conversations following the award ceremony, Raffaele Gareri reflected on the deeper meaning of this achievement, emphasizing the strategic partnership that defined this year’s participation.
Italy & Partners’ presence at Jazz’Inn alongside a leading player such as Almaviva stems from a shared commitment to transforming ideas and expertise into tangible industrial and economic projects.
Gareri also highlighted that the primary focus of this collaboration is on provincial areas and small municipalities. The objective is clear: to ensure that inland and underserved communities do not simply endure the digital divide, but are instead equipped with the tools needed to embark on sustainable paths of economic and social development.
Technology, he stressed, should be seen only as the starting point. The real challenge lies in applying collaborative approaches and organizational models that enable lasting cooperation between institutions and businesses, ensuring that innovation genuinely serves people and communities.
A Collective Achievement
The award ceremony also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the identity of Italy & Partners as a facilitator of innovation ecosystems.
This recognition is not simply a milestone—it is a powerful incentive to continue along the path we have chosen, demonstrating that when resilience meets strategic vision, even the smallest communities can become key players in the country’s digital transformation.