The Emilia-Romagna Region with a population of 4,4 mill. inhabitants (7% of Italy), has a GDP of 141 bill Euro (GDP per Capita Index: 127). The industrial system is based on 382.186 small and medium companies.
The research infrastructure is made out of:
· 6 Universities (11 locations): Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Reggio Emilia, Parma, Piacenza
· Over 150,000 students (8,3% of national total amount)
· 23,100 full time researcher/scientists