We TechPark, digital innovation: networking between brains and the business world – News

by times news cr

BOLZANO. «Open source» and companies, a combination that produces‌ results. A network necessary for the research and ⁢development of new products. Photography ⁣can be taken​ over these ‌two days at ⁢Noi, the Bolzano ​technology park. Crossroads of developers‌ and researchers, managers⁢ and university professors. Free software gives the user four freedoms: that of using it ⁢when and ‌where he wants, the freedom​ of⁣ being able ⁤to study it while having access to the ⁤source code, hence the term “open source”. Then ‍the freedom to modify it, or ⁤adapt it to‍ your⁤ needs. ​And the fourth is to be ⁤able to sell or ⁢distribute‍ it, so ‌it is also important ⁤for companies to use it as ⁢a basic‌ technology for their innovative products which then ⁢end up on ⁣the market. ‌All within the ‍framework of the Sfscon 2004 Conference, the ‌free software festival.

⁤ A thousand people have been crowding Noi Techpark since yesterday and until⁣ this afternoon. «A nice mix,⁤ we have researchers, because here at the Technology Park there is ‌the world of research with unibz, ⁣Eurac, ​Laimburg and Fraunhofer, as well ⁢as start-ups and companies that do research ​and product⁣ development», underlines Patrick​ Ohnewein , director‍ of the‌ Digital unit‌ of Noi Techpark. Experts come to the ⁢conference from​ all over the world (about ⁤a hundred), especially ‍Europe, but ‍also America and Asia. «The users of these initiatives are people who want ‍to understand⁣ the ‌advantages of free software, but also developers‌ and researchers. In addition ⁣to classes in various schools, with children who want to‍ learn about technology,‌ which is now prevalent in the daily ‍lives of each of us”, Ohnewein continues. «We have grown ⁣over the years, this is the⁣ 24th edition. In 2001 we were around 10 people and this year we reach a thousand participants, who in two days⁤ tell their ‌stories ‌and exchange know-how», highlights⁤ the manager of Noi Techpark .

«Our task as a technology park is ⁣to help the territory ​increase investments in innovation. We want‍ to help companies that create⁢ new products and then export them ⁤all over ⁣the world grow, because this brings the investment back to​ the Province. The Sfscon ⁤serves to create a‌ network of ⁣actors who‌ will carry out research and development projects. Because for a company the‌ problem is not that of finding the funds⁣ for projects of this‍ type, but rather⁤ that of⁢ finding‌ the⁣ brains, the⁢ capable⁤ people with whom to collaborate and who carry out research⁤ and ​development. Here there are thousands of potential ⁣collaborators and this is ⁢why there are also companies looking for​ brains. We organize everything. ‌Until now, thanks to​ European funds and the help of companies, we have managed to⁣ cover the costs of this⁤ conference.‌ And ⁣in this way it⁣ is possible to avoid having to pay the entrance ​fee, allowing many young people to participate”, says Ohnewein.

«Today‍ the Noi Techpark​ symbolizes South Tyrol’s​ commitment to digital innovation. Sfscon is the perfect platform to ‍promote a culture of openness​ and collaboration, essential to establish Alto Adige as a technological center of​ reference”, said ⁣provincial councilor Philipp Achammer. Yesterday one ⁣of the‍ highlights​ was the presentation of⁤ the European‌ Sfs Award. ⁢The award went to Bram Moolenaar, ‌the creator ⁢of Vim, the world-renowned open source⁢ text editor. The posthumous ‌prize, awarded by the Free Software Foundation Europe ‌(FSFE) and the Linux⁣ User Group Bozen-Bolzano-Bulsan (Lugbz), highlighted ⁢his tireless commitment⁤ to the global diffusion of free software.

⁤Furthermore, for the contribution given at a local level, Lugbz awarded the Sfs ⁤Award ⁣to Angelika Stuefer and Franca⁤ Riesch De Pasquale of the Vke – Playground and Recreation⁣ Association for the MiniBZ project. Since ​1990,‌ MiniBZ has involved thousands of⁣ boys ‌and girls; is a role-playing game that allows you ​to ‍understand how everyday technologies‌ work, ⁤using recycled PCs, ‌all equipped with open source ⁢software. To continue to support Open Source culture at a local level, Sfscon ⁣has planned ⁤many activities for the population. The⁣ two ⁤days will⁢ end with ⁤the​ award ceremony for the winning teams of the‌ Noi Hackathon ⁢Sfscon Edition.


Interview Between⁢ Time.news Editor ⁤and Patrick Ohnewein, ‍Director of the Digital Unit of Noi Techpark

Editor: ​Good afternoon, ⁣Patrick! Thank you for joining us today. It’s exciting to hear about the ​developments⁢ happening at Noi Techpark, especially with the ​Sfscon 2004 Conference underway. Can ‍you tell us a bit more about the⁤ significance of this event?

Patrick ⁣Ohnewein: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. The Sfscon is​ a crucial gathering for anyone interested ‌in open source technology.⁣ It’s become a melting⁢ pot for researchers, developers, ​and ⁣businesses alike. This year, we’ve welcomed about a thousand participants, which showcases the growing ‌interest and potential of open source in driving innovation.

Editor: That’s impressive growth! You mentioned the ⁤four freedoms that open source software provides.⁤ How do these freedoms translate ‍into practical benefits⁣ for companies?

Patrick Ohnewein: Absolutely! The​ four⁤ freedoms allow companies ​not only to use⁤ open source software as a foundation for their products ⁢but ⁢also to tailor it to their unique ⁢needs. This adaptability is vital for innovation. Companies can build⁤ on existing technologies without ⁢starting‍ from scratch,‍ which⁤ accelerates product development ‍and ultimately brings new offerings to market faster.

Editor: ‌With over a hundred experts attending from around the globe, what do you think they ‌are hoping to gain from the conference?

Patrick Ohnewein: Participants are‍ looking ⁤to understand the advantages of free‌ software and‍ to ⁣forge connections with potential collaborators.⁣ Many are eager to explore best ​practices​ and share success stories. At Sfscon, networking happens organically; ⁢you never know what kind of collaborative⁣ opportunities will arise during ⁢these discussions!

Editor: Fascinating! As a technology park, what role does ⁤Noi Techpark play in promoting innovation in‍ South Tyrol and‌ beyond?

Patrick Ohnewein: ⁤ Our mission is to foster an environment conducive​ to innovation. By organizing events like ​Sfscon, we ⁢not ⁢only bring together a‍ diverse array of talent but also help ⁣companies secure the ‍skilled workforce they need⁢ for R&D. South‍ Tyrol ​is committed​ to becoming a technology hub, ⁤and our ‍park is designed⁢ to facilitate ​that goal ​by increasing investments in innovation.

Editor: ‌ Speaking of talent, you touched upon the challenge many companies face in finding capable individuals. Can you elaborate on‍ how the conference addresses this issue?

Patrick Ohnewein: Certainly! The‌ Sfscon space is ‍teeming with potential collaborators.⁤ Many companies attend⁢ specifically to scout talent, and by providing ⁢a collaborative platform, we help ‍bridge the⁢ gap between ⁤researchers and ⁤industry. Through workshops, presentations, and ⁣casual networking opportunities, we create an environment ⁤where individuals can showcase ⁢their expertise, ultimately benefiting both parties.

Editor: That’s ‌a critical function you’re serving. I understand the conference⁤ is also backed by⁣ European funds. How does that support impact the event and its participants?

Patrick Ohnewein: The support from European funds is invaluable. It allows us ⁣to keep the entrance fee free for participants, especially benefiting young enthusiasts eager to learn. This accessibility means we can welcome a greater variety of voices and perspectives, enriching the dialogue ⁣and overall experience of ⁢the conference. It truly embodies the spirit⁢ of collaboration.

Editor: ‍what do you ​envision for ⁣the future of​ the Sfscon and the ​role‍ of open ⁣source in technological development?

Patrick ‌Ohnewein: I foresee continued growth for Sfscon ⁢and an even stronger ⁢emphasis on collaboration in open ‍source development. As‌ technology evolves, open source will ⁤play a pivotal role in​ driving innovation across⁣ sectors. The culture of openness fosters​ creativity, and I believe it will solidify Alto Adige’s reputation as a⁣ reference ​point for digital innovation in ⁣Europe and beyond.

Editor: Thank ⁣you, Patrick. It sounds like the Sfscon ​and the initiatives at Noi Techpark are paving the way for a bright future in technology and ⁣innovation. We look forward⁣ to hearing more about your progress!

Patrick Ohnewein: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you.

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