A year of Fincantieri Foundation: history, innovation, and social impact

One year after embarking on its new course, Fondazione Fincantieri today presented the projects and activities that mark its relaunch at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea , in Rome. The event, which was attended by representatives from institutions, academia, and civil society, was an important opportunity to discuss the Foundation's role as a driver of development, innovation, and cohesion in communities.

Speakers included the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago , the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto , Professor Paola Severino , President of the National School of Administration and the Luiss School of Law, Professor Antonella Polimeni , Rector of Sapienza University of Rome, and Professor Roberto Giulianelli of the Polytechnic University of Marche, author of the book “History of Italian Shipbuilding in the Contemporary Age. From Unification to the Giolitti Era (1861 -1913)”, which was presented during the event. Fincantieri was represented by CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero , Chairman Biagio Mazzotta ,
also Chairman Emeritus of the Foundation, the Foundation President, Fausto Recchia , and Lorenza Pigozzi , EVP Group Strategic Communication and member of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

The Foundation's work is divided into three complementary pillars that define its threefold role: guardian of memory, promoter of innovation, and agent of social impact.

Memory – Navigating History
Through the digitization of archives and the design of an interactive museum, Fincantieri Foundation promotes the historical heritage of Italian shipbuilding, making memory accessible and transforming it into a tool of knowledge and culture for communities , schools, and the public.

This also includes a series of publications dedicated to the history of Italian shipbuilding.

The first volume, “History of Italian Shipbuilding in the Contemporary Age. From Unification to the Giolitti Era (1861 -1913) ”, edited by Professor Roberto Giulianelli and published by Laterza, will be available in bookstores from January 16, 2026. The book inaugurates a series
of five volumes that recount over two centuries of history in the sector, highlighting the central role of Fincantieri. The historical photos featured in the volume were showcase d in an installation set up for the event.

Innovation – Navigating the Future

With “Navigating the Future,” the Foundation renews its commitment to research, training, and the promotion of a culture of innovation. In memory of General Claudio Graziano, a program has been launched to promote his legacy through training projects and a scholarship
supported by the Fincantieri Foundation in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CASD).

Collaborations with universities such as Sapienza University of Rome and Luiss Guido Carli have given rise to research projects on new materials, occupational medicine, and the regulation of critical underwater infrastructure, including the SUBCAP project. At the
international level, the partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has led to the establishment of a scholarship for young researchers in the fields of maritime security and cyber resilience.

Social impact – Navigating Together

The “Navigating Together” strand focuses on inclusion, dialogue with local communities, and social cohesion. Initiatives already underway include Italian language courses held at the shipyards in Monfalcone, Sestri, Marghera, and Ancona, in collaboration with the Dante
Alighieri Society, to promote linguistic integration, multiculturalism, and equal opportunities.
Alongside these actions, the Foundation is developing new social impact projects aimed at regenerating shared spaces, creating meeting places and building concrete local welfare. The goal is to offer alternatives to youth hardship, enhance the experience of former employees
and strengthen local human capital, rebuilding bonds of trust between industry, families, institutions and communities.

Looking to the future: the Young Advisory Board

The event also saw the presentation of the Young Advisory Board, a new advisory committe for under-40s designed to enhance the contribution of the younger generations in defining the Foundation's cultural, scientific, and social guidelines.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri , said: "Fincantieri

Foundation is the bridge between our industrial history and the future we want to help build. In a context in which industry must increasingly engage with society, the Foundation is a strategic tool for strengthening ties with local communitie s, enhancing our heritage, and promoting a culture of innovation and shared responsibility. Through concrete projects and a long-term vision, we confirm Fincantieri's commitment to being not only an economic driver, but also a cultural and social reference point for the communities in which we operate."