ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA PER LA RICERCA INDUSTRIALE - AIRI

Their core work

AIRI is Italy's national association for industrial research, acting as a bridge between research institutions and industry on questions of technology governance, risk assessment, and responsible innovation. They specialize in helping industry and policymakers navigate the societal and regulatory dimensions of emerging technologies — particularly nanotechnology. Their practical contribution in EU projects centers on developing governance frameworks, risk assessment methodologies, and engagement tools that help translate scientific advances into responsibly deployed industrial applications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), AIRI focused heavily on the technical side of nanomaterials — risk assessment methodologies, hazard prediction, and even hands-on nano-applications like art conservation (NANORESTART, caLIBRAte). From 2019 onward, their work shifted decisively toward governance frameworks, citizen engagement, ethics, and policy advice (Gov4Nano, SocKETs, TechEthos). The evolution shows a clear move from "understanding nano risks" to "building the governance infrastructure to manage them" — and broadening beyond nanotechnology to emerging technologies in general.

AIRI is moving from nano-specific risk work toward broader technology ethics and governance — expect them to be active in AI governance, digital ethics, and responsible innovation calls.

How they like to work

AIRI consistently participates as a partner, never as coordinator, which reflects their role as a specialized contributor bringing governance and industry-network expertise to larger consortia. With 108 unique partners across 24 countries in just 7 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia (averaging 15+ partners per project). This makes them a well-connected, low-friction partner — experienced in multi-country collaboration and accustomed to fitting into complex consortium structures without needing to lead.

Extensive European network with 108 unique partners across 24 countries built through 7 projects — an unusually high ratio that reflects participation in large, diverse consortia. As Italy's industrial research association, they bring connections to both the Italian research ecosystem and European industry networks.

What sets them apart

AIRI occupies a rare niche: they are an industry association that specializes in the governance and societal dimensions of emerging technologies. Unlike universities that study governance academically, AIRI brings the industrial perspective — understanding what companies actually need to responsibly adopt new technologies. For consortium builders, they offer a credible "industry voice" on ethics, risk governance, and public engagement without being a single company with commercial bias.

Highlights from their portfolio

• Gov4Nano
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 233K), establishing a formal Risk Governance Council and comprehensive governance framework for nanotechnology — their most ambitious governance work.
• TechEthos
  Their highest single grant (EUR 263K) and a strategic pivot beyond nanotechnology into broader technology ethics including AI and climate engineering.
• NANORESTART
  Unusual application of nanomaterials to art conservation — demonstrates AIRI's ability to bridge industrial research with cultural heritage, an unexpected cross-sector strength.