even if they are in the future.
AFIL – Lombardy Intelligent Factory Association is an Italian private association, recognised by Lombardy Region as the Regional Technology Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. It is the outcome of a Lombardy Region-led process aiming to set up a network of Clusters interested in carrying out, at national and at international level, an integrated and sustainable system of infrastructures, competences and methodologies supporting research and innovation.
In particular, AFIL and its Associates represent a network of companies, universities, public or private research institutions and entities active in the field of Advanced Manufacturing, that means production processes, materials and technologies able to make Lombardy more competitive, sustainable, resilient and advanced.
The Cluster aims at promoting and facilitating Research and Innovation as regards to best practices and enabling technologies for the manufacturing sector in order to support and develop the Lombardy production system’s leadership and competitiveness.
Mission
The mission of AFIL can be briefly explained with three main activities.
Setting up a stable community by connecting all the different stakeholders and favouring cooperation by promoting Research and Innovation projects and initiatives.
According to the priorities identified by the regional ecosystem, AFIL promotes the networking and the sharing of best practices and competencies in several working groups, called Strategic Communities. The most active ones cover the topics of Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Polymers, De- and Remanufacturing for Circular Economy, Machinery, Secure and Sustainable Food Manufacturing.
Periodical meetings and events also allow to share available opportunities promoting the growth and development of the regional industrial ecosystem.
Being a reference actor for Lombardy Region for the definition of Research and Innovation policies in the manufacturing sector, with reference to Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). AFIL supports the institutions to define the working programme and represents the Region in several partnerships.
Within its Strategic Communities, the Cluster identifies the priorities and creates Roadmaps and strategic documents to be adopted by Lombardy Regions, so that policy makers are aware and can match the real needs of the industrial ecosystem.
Supporting the development of Interregional Research and Innovation networks through the participation to National Intelligent Factory Cluster (CFI) and the connection with different European regions within Vanguard Initiative (being the co-coordinator of the Pilot ESM – Efficient and Sustainable Manufacturing), European Cluster Collaboration Platform, Four Motors for Europe and Smart Specialisation Platform. At international level, AFIL is involved in the World Economic Forum and the World Manufacturing Foundation.
With its presence in several EU-funded projects, AFIL strongly collaborates with Clusters and regional organizations all over Europe, also promoting the internationalization in extra-EU countries, organizing business missions and favouring the sharing of best practices.
Our history
To build shared Projects
A network of companies, universities, public or private research institutions and entities with that aims at promoting and facilitating Research and Innovation projects and initiatives.
News from the Smart Factory
To stay informed on the most important news on Smart Factory topics. To keep up to date with the most important events in advanced manufacturing. To take part in regional, national and international calls and initiatives.