On the first day of Florida's trade and business development mission to Italy, Governor Ron DeSantis announced new partnerships aimed at benefiting Florida. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has partnered with Sapienza University of Rome to enhance research collaboration as Florida continues its growth in the aerospace sector.
Space Florida extended an invitation to Italian aerospace companies to establish operations at the Space Life Sciences Lab in Florida. This move is intended to leverage the state's commercially driven spaceport system, skilled workforce, and robust commerce ecosystem. Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, highlighted the potential for innovative research opportunities through the newly designated Florida University Space Research Consortium. He emphasized that this could position Florida as a central player in shaping the future of global aerospace.
“Florida’s commitment to innovation and growth continues to attract global partners,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am pleased that today has resulted in new partnerships for Florida in higher education and aerospace.”
During their visit to Rome, delegates met with Italian chambers of commerce and agreed on hosting a reciprocal trade mission involving Italian business leaders visiting Florida. This initiative will be organized by Unioncamere and Lazio Innova.
The mission aims to create substantial economic growth opportunities for Florida, given Italy's status as one of its top twenty international trade partners, contributing $4.4 billion annually in bilateral trade.
“Governor Ron DeSantis is leading this mission to build long-term wins, developing our workforce and economy,” said J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce for Florida. “On the first day we have seen major success, with organizations committing to reciprocal visits to Florida and the announcement that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Sapienza Universita di Roma have agreed to formalize a partnership for shared research.”
Rob Long also noted: “The growing collaboration between Florida and Italy’s aerospace industries is a testament to the vision that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez gave for Florida’s position in the aerospace economy.” He added that expanding partnerships across Italy's aerospace clusters can benefit both economies while advancing mutual goals.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis engaged with Fincantieri shipbuilders regarding potential investments in port infrastructure within Miami and Jacksonville.