The most complex challenges in technology and engineering are rarely solved by technology alone. From artificial intelligence and digitalization to energy transition and sustainability, organizations face increasingly interconnected issues that require more than technical capabilities: they also call for a broad range of perspectives to shape effective solutions.
The most innovative companies recognize that breakthrough ideas do not emerge from a single team, discipline, or geography. They take shape when people connect knowledge and experience across industries, cultures, and communities.
“Innovation has evolved from a competitive advantage into a strategic capability—one strengthened by collaboration, diversity of thought, and the ability to connect expertise across ecosystems.”
Marta Ponis, Innovation Strategy Vice President at RINA
Opening Innovation to New Perspectives
Open innovation is built on the idea that valuable knowledge exists both inside and outside organizations. By connecting with startups, universities, research centers, corporations, accelerators, and entrepreneurial communities, companies can access new perspectives, accelerate learning, and develop stronger solutions. More importantly, they can create inclusive ecosystems where diverse talents have opportunities to contribute and thrive.
At RINA, this approach is supported through a global network of Open Innovation Hubs that connect expertise, talent, startups, research capabilities, and industrial assets. The hubs facilitate collaboration across regions, enabling ideas, technologies, and best practices to circulate across geographies and industries.
Why Startups and Innovators Matter
Startups and innovative companies play a particularly important role in inclusive innovation ecosystems. They bring agility, fresh perspectives, and the willingness to challenge established assumptions. Their entrepreneurial mindset helps organizations explore emerging technologies, test new ideas, and accelerate change.
"For a knowledge company like RINA, open innovation is a natural extension of who we are. When you combine deep technical expertise with the entrepreneurial mindset of startups and diverse talent, you create conditions for solutions that neither could build alone."
Maddalena Garrone, Head of Innovation Collection & Funnel Management at RINA
Within this context, in October 2025, RINA launched its first Call 4 Startups to connect its industrial expertise with emerging ventures and turn innovative concepts into scalable, market-ready solutions through collaborative partnerships.
RINA is also expanding its role in the wider innovation ecosystem by participating as a partner in initiatives promoted by other organizations, and building structured relationships with accelerators, venture funds, and innovation hubs.
The goal is to make open innovation a continuous, multi-channel engine for growth, not a standalone project.
From Global Reach to Local Impact
A global innovation network becomes stronger when knowledge flows across regions and cultures. While geographies face different challenges, many share common ambitions around sustainability, digitalization, resilience, and growth. Connecting these experiences helps organizations transfer ideas faster and develop solutions that reflect a wider range of perspectives.
"Innovation ecosystems thrive when they connect different experiences, cultures and forms of expertise. These connections create value for businesses while opening new pathways for communities and future innovators."
Stela Ferrari Fumian, Head of Rio de Janeiro Open Innovation Hub at RINA
Building the Future of Innovation
Diversity is not simply a social objective. In technology and engineering, it is a business imperative. Organizations that create environments where different perspectives are welcomed, heard, and empowered are better positioned to solve complex challenges and create sustainable growth.
Open innovation ecosystems also play a critical role in developing future talent. By connecting employees with startups, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovation communities, they create opportunities to build new skills, expand professional networks, and develop leadership capabilities. For women in STEM, these ecosystems can be particularly powerful pathways to visibility, influence, and growth.
By connecting startups, researchers, corporations, and diverse talent across borders, innovation becomes more than a methodology. It becomes a catalyst for sustainable growth, meaningful inclusion, and stronger representation of women in technology and engineering leadership. Ultimately, innovation succeeds when more people have a seat at the table.