Catalonia and Rimini strengthen innovation ties with new strategic partnership

Catalonia Trade & Investment, through its office in Milan, and Tecnopolo di Rimini have signed a Letter of Intent to boost collaboration between the Catalan and Rimini innovation ecosystems, marking a new step toward enhanced transregional collaboration.

The agreement aims to support the development of the Tecnopolo di Rimini as a key technological hub while fostering closer connections with Catalonia’s dynamic innovation landscape. By joining forces, both parties seek to promote joint projects and facilitate the exchange of knowledge among companies, startups, and research centers.

The collaboration will focus on driving joint projects and facilitating knowledge exchange among companies, startups, and research centers. Priority areas include circular economy, renewable energy, and the blue economy, with the shared goal of enhancing industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainable growth.

Planned initiatives include networking among innovation stakeholders, open-innovation programs, participation in European and international projects, and training and best-practice exchanges. The collaboration will also feature workshops and targeted B2B meetings to encourage concrete business opportunities.

This agreement reinforces the commitment of both ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment in Milan and Tecnopolo di Rimini to deepen cooperation between innovation ecosystems, supporting internationalization, industrial competitiveness, and long-term economic development. It also builds on previous joint initiatives, including collaborations around Ecomondo 2024, while paving the way for future actions at upcoming editions such as Ecomondo 2026.

Strong economic ties between Catalonia and Italy

This collaboration takes place within a strong and growing economic relationship between Catalonia and Italy. In 2025, Catalan exports to Italy reached €9.034 billion, up 0.8% year-on-year, making Italy the third-largest destination for Catalan exports. Imports from Italy rose by 7.3% to €10.042 billion, also ranking Italy as the third-largest country of origin for Catalonia’s imports.

Business ties are equally significant in terms of corporate presence. A total of 3,356 regular Catalan exporting companies operate in the Italian market. In addition, 557 subsidiaries of 382 Catalan companies are established in Italy, while 781 subsidiaries of 654 Italian companies are based in Catalonia, highlighting the depth of bilateral business integration.