Italy a "technological power", says minister

(AGI) Shanghai, April 21 - Italy is more than art and culture, it is also a "scientific and technological power" and the country's presence as a guest of honour at the International Technology Fair in Shanghai is evidence of that fact, said Italian Education Minister Stefania Giannini. At the opening of the Italian pavilion at the fair, the minister told AGI that a "new Silk Road is under development, and, more in general, an internationalisation process that sees us as protagonists in these areas in the world, a view that we deserve." Mrs Giannini continued: "The fair in Shanghai is one of the best occasions to show that our country, supported by universities, research institutions and companies developing high technology products, brings about innovations together with various institutions - in this case the Ministry of Universities and Research, the Ministry of the Environment, the Foreign Ministry, the Shanghai consulate and the embassy in Beijing. The minister also stressed the importance of human capital, of focusing on young people, of cultural exchange and of experiences which graduate students, innovators and startuppers can share - a "development of relations that intersect, where there is no distinction between universities and the business sector". Relations between Italian and Chinese universities are increasingly close, the minister added, and she hopes they will work together to meet Europe's call for proposals in 2020 on "Smart Cities and Communities", the area on which the Italian companies and research institutions at the fair concentrated. Mrs Giannini also mentioned the 'Human Technopole' project, which aims to transform the part of Milan that has hosted the Expo into a global research centre. After a key meeting she announced: "I have invited the mayor of Shanghai to the opening." (AGI) . .