The TOP-IN project aims to develop and integrate advanced optoelectronic technologies for monitoring and managing marine ecosystems. The main objective is to create highly innovative tools that exploit optoelectronic technology to collect and analyse marine environmental data with greater accuracy, efficiency and sustainability than traditional methods.

The technologies developed as part of the TOP-IN project have applications in various marine sectors, including:

• Water quality monitoring: thanks to advanced sensors, it is possible to detect parameters such as turbidity, temperature, oxygen level and the presence of pollutants in real time, with unprecedented precision.
• Marine pollution control: optoelectronic devices can detect chemical or biological contamination quickly and with high precision, helping to protect ecosystems and prevent environmental emergencies.
• Biodiversity surveillance: optical technologies make it possible to monitor the presence and movements of sensitive marine species, providing crucial data for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management.

The implementation of the technologies developed by the TOP-IN project brings a number of concrete benefits:

• Reduced environmental impact: thanks to the use of non-invasive technologies that do not interfere with marine ecosystems during monitoring.
• Improved environmental management: the data collected enable more informed and timely decisions for the management of marine resources, contributing to the sustainability and protection of the marine environment.
• Prevention of environmental disasters: the ability to detect contamination or changes in environmental parameters in real time facilitates rapid action to prevent significant damage to the ecosystem.

The VISAS project is an innovative initiative aimed at the protection, enhancement and promotion of underwater archaeological sites. The main objective is to develop an integrated approach combining advanced scientific research, innovative technologies and tourism promotion strategies to make these unique cultural heritages accessible and usable.

The Italian and international seabed is home to numerous submerged archaeological sites of great historical and cultural value, which are often little known and difficult to preserve due to environmental conditions and the technical challenges associated with their location. The VISAS project aims to overcome these difficulties through a synergy between science, technology and cultural enhancement.

VISAS focuses on various aspects encompassing the conservation and enhancement of underwater sites:

• Underwater Archaeological Research: VISAS involves the in-depth study of underwater archaeological finds and structures using state-of-the-art techniques such as 3D photogrammetry, multibeam sonar and the use of underwater robots to explore and document sites.
• Conservation and Protection: In order to protect these assets from natural degradation and possible anthropogenic damage, innovative technologies and methodologies are developed for the continuous monitoring and preservation of artefacts, including the use of bio-compatible materials and in situ restoration techniques.
• Cultural and Tourist Enhancement: VISAS aims to make underwater archaeological sites accessible to a wider public. This is done through the implementation of guided underwater routes for professional and amateur divers, virtual museums and 3D virtual tours, which also allow those who cannot dive to explore the treasures hidden beneath the surface of the sea.

VISAS generates a significant impact in several respects:

• Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage: Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology, the project allows the state of underwater sites to be constantly monitored, preventing damage and ensuring the preservation of unique cultural assets.
• Cultural Accessibility: VISAS democratises access to underwater archaeological sites, making it possible to explore them through virtual and physical routes. Visitors can discover these treasures through organised underwater tours, virtual museum visits and even smartphone apps offering immersive experiences.
• Sustainable Tourism Development: By promoting underwater archaeological sites as tourist attractions, VISAS contributes to the growth of cultural and sustainable tourism. This project is particularly relevant for coastal communities as it stimulates the local economy through the influx of divers, cultural tourists and researchers.

The PIC – Polo di Innovazione per la Cultura e il Turismo Cassiodoro (Cassiodorus Innovation Pole for Culture and Tourism) project was created with the aim of promoting and supporting the economic, cultural and tourism development of the Calabria Region through the strengthening of territorial and cultural infrastructures. The project is part of the Operational Programme Calabria Region ERDF / ESF 2014 – 2020, and is oriented to support enterprises operating in the fields of culture and tourism.

The CIP is designed to boost the innovation and competitiveness of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are members of the innovation cluster, creating a synergic network that promotes sustainable growth and the valorisation of Calabria’s cultural and territorial resources. Through coordinated action, the project aims to strengthen the region’s cultural heritage, improving its usability and promoting integrated and sustainable tourism.

The CIP project embraces several key areas for the development of Calabria, all interconnected in order to maximise socio-economic impact:

• Innovation Cluster Animation : The PIC promotes territorial animation activities aimed at creating a dynamic environment of exchange and growth for local businesses. Through seminars, workshops and meetings between economic actors, it facilitates the emergence of new project ideas and collaborations.
• Tutoring and AccompanyingEnterprises: One of the central elements of the project is the tutoring and accompanying of SMEs that are part of the innovation cluster. The project provides advice and technical and scientific support to enterprises, offering assistance on key aspects such as digitisation, territorial marketing, promotion of cultural heritage and development of innovative tourism products.
• Enhancement ofTerritorial and Cultural Infrastructures: The CIP aims at the enhancement of Calabria’s cultural and tourist infrastructures through the strengthening of existing resources. This objective is pursued by improving accessibility, promoting sustainable land use and favouring the development of new support infrastructures for the promotion of cultural tourism.

The main objectives of the PIC project are related to the creation of an integrated system supporting local enterprises in the valorisation of the area’s cultural and tourist resources, through

• Strengthening the Competitiveness of Enterprises: By offering targeted support, the CIP aims to improve the management and technological skills of the member enterprises of the innovation cluster, fostering their growth in national and international markets.
• Innovation in the Cultural and Tourism Sector: The project promotes the adoption of new technologies and strategies to enhance and promote the cultural heritage of Calabria, through innovative digital solutions and sustainable approaches.
• Promotion of Sustainable Tourism: The CIP promotes the development of tourism offers that enhance the Calabrian territory in a sustainable way, leveraging cultural routes, events and itineraries linked to local history and traditions, while respecting the environment and local communities.

• A key aspect of the project is the introduction of technological tools that enable cultural enterprises and institutions to innovate in the way they promote and manage their heritage:

  • Digital Platforms: The PIC supports the use of digital platforms for the promotion of cultural tourism, facilitating access to information, thematic routes and online bookings for visitors.
  • Creation of Apps andWebsites: Among the main initiatives is the creation of apps and websites enabling tourists to explore Calabria’s cultural heritage through interactive itineraries, virtual tours and real-time information.
  • Technologies for Cultural Heritage Use: The project encourages the use of technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the tourist experience, making cultural heritage accessible in a more interactive and engaging way.

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The PIC – Cassiodoro Innovation Hub for Culture and Tourism has a significant impact both locally and regionally:

• Economic Development and Employment Growth: Through direct support to SMEs, the project favours the economic development of the territory, creating new job opportunities in the culture and tourism sectors.
• Improvement of Regional Competitiveness: Through innovation and the valorisation of territorial resources, the project strengthens the competitiveness of Calabria as a tourist and cultural destination, promoting the local heritage also on international markets.
• Sustainable Growth: The CIP aims to develop responsible and sustainable tourism, which respects the territory and helps to preserve the region’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

The PIC – Polo di Innovazione per la Cultura e il Turismo Cassiodoro (Cassiodorus Innovation Pole for Culture and Tourism) project was created with the aim of promoting and supporting the economic, cultural and tourism development of the Calabria Region through the strengthening of territorial and cultural infrastructures. The project is part of the Operational Programme Calabria Region ERDF / ESF 2014 – 2020, and is oriented to support enterprises operating in the fields of culture and tourism.

The CIP is designed to boost the innovation and competitiveness of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are members of the innovation cluster, creating a synergic network that promotes sustainable growth and the valorisation of Calabria’s cultural and territorial resources. Through coordinated action, the project aims to strengthen the region’s cultural heritage, improving its usability and promoting integrated and sustainable tourism.

The CIP project embraces several key areas for the development of Calabria, all interconnected in order to maximise socio-economic impact:

• Innovation Cluster Animation : The PIC promotes territorial animation activities aimed at creating a dynamic environment of exchange and growth for local businesses. Through seminars, workshops and meetings between economic actors, it facilitates the emergence of new project ideas and collaborations.
• Tutoring and AccompanyingEnterprises: One of the central elements of the project is the tutoring and accompanying of SMEs that are part of the innovation cluster. The project provides advice and technical and scientific support to enterprises, offering assistance on key aspects such as digitisation, territorial marketing, promotion of cultural heritage and development of innovative tourism products.
• Enhancement ofTerritorial and Cultural Infrastructures: The CIP aims at the enhancement of Calabria’s cultural and tourist infrastructures through the strengthening of existing resources. This objective is pursued by improving accessibility, promoting sustainable land use and favouring the development of new support infrastructures for the promotion of cultural tourism.

The main objectives of the PIC project are related to the creation of an integrated system supporting local enterprises in the valorisation of the area’s cultural and tourist resources, through

• Strengthening the Competitiveness of Enterprises: By offering targeted support, the CIP aims to improve the management and technological skills of the member enterprises of the innovation cluster, fostering their growth in national and international markets.
• Innovation in the Cultural and Tourism Sector: The project promotes the adoption of new technologies and strategies to enhance and promote the cultural heritage of Calabria, through innovative digital solutions and sustainable approaches.
• Promotion of Sustainable Tourism: The CIP promotes the development of tourism offers that enhance the Calabrian territory in a sustainable way, leveraging cultural routes, events and itineraries linked to local history and traditions, while respecting the environment and local communities.

• A key aspect of the project is the introduction of technological tools that enable cultural enterprises and institutions to innovate in the way they promote and manage their heritage:

  • Digital Platforms: The PIC supports the use of digital platforms for the promotion of cultural tourism, facilitating access to information, thematic routes and online bookings for visitors.
  • Creation of Apps andWebsites: Among the main initiatives is the creation of apps and websites enabling tourists to explore Calabria’s cultural heritage through interactive itineraries, virtual tours and real-time information.
  • Technologies for Cultural Heritage Use: The project encourages the use of technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the tourist experience, making cultural heritage accessible in a more interactive and engaging way.

The PIC – Cassiodoro Innovation Hub for Culture and Tourism has a significant impact both locally and regionally:

• Economic Development and Employment Growth: Through direct support to SMEs, the project favours the economic development of the territory, creating new job opportunities in the culture and tourism sectors.
• Improvement of Regional Competitiveness: Through innovation and the valorisation of territorial resources, the project strengthens the competitiveness of Calabria as a tourist and cultural destination, promoting the local heritage also on international markets.
• Sustainable Growth: The CIP aims to develop responsible and sustainable tourism, which respects the territory and helps to preserve the region’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.