WestBIC Joins LOTTI Partners in Puglia for Interregional Exchange
WestBIC is an Enterprise Ireland partner providing hands-on startup support, funding readiness and investment preparation for early-stage founders in the west of Ireland.
🗓️ 8–9 April 2025
📍 Brindisi, Taranto & Ostuni, Italy
WestBIC was delighted to join international partners of the LOTTI Project (Local Identity Driving Traditional Industry Transition) for the 5th Interregional Meeting (LIM5), hosted in the beautiful region of Puglia, Italy.
Representatives from across Europe came together in Brindisi for two days of dynamic exchange, knowledge-sharing, and study visits aimed at exploring how local identity can support sustainable economic transformation. As a proud Irish partner in the project, WestBIC contributed to discussions and shared insights from the West of Ireland, where innovation is increasingly shaped by community values and cultural heritage.
Engaging Workshops and Policy Dialogue
Day 1 began at Palazzo Guerrieri, where we were welcomed by regional leaders, including Gianna Elisa Berlingerio, Deputy Mayor Teresa Giuliana, and Vittorio Rina of ASI Brindisi. Their commitment to empowering local industries through regional cooperation set the tone for a constructive gathering.
The morning featured two focused workshops:
- Working Session 1 provided space for each partner to present the current state of their policy change initiatives, including an opportunity to welcome new members to the consortium.
- Working Session 2 spotlighted good practices from across the regions. Partners, including WestBIC, shared five-minute pitches on effective initiatives, with a focus on potential for bilateral exchange visits. We also explored tools to support policy change, including the High Road Map and a Survey on Capacity Needs, facilitating meaningful discussion on capacity building and future actions.
In the afternoon, we visited Palazzo Guerrieri’s Certified Incubator, a standout example of innovation rooted in place. Guided by Salvatore Modeo, founder of The Qube, we saw how local entrepreneurship is being nurtured in a space that honours both tradition and innovation.
Later, a trip to Oasi del Cillarese — a local reservoir and natural reserve — highlighted the intersection of environmental sustainability and local infrastructure, with insights from Giuseppe Solito of ASI Brindisi. The day concluded with a formal networking dinner at La Nassa, a perfect setting to continue conversations sparked throughout the day.
A Crossroads of History and Innovation
On Day 2, WestBIC participated in the LOTTI Steering Committee Meeting, where project partners discussed communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and planning for upcoming milestones.
The delegation then travelled to Castello Aragonese in Taranto, where Silvia Visciano and Elio Sannicandro introduced Taranto Futuro Prossimo — an ambitious urban regeneration initiative blending cultural heritage and sustainable innovation.
In the afternoon, the group visited Valle Fiorita srl in Ostuni. We toured the facilities and met with members of the Innotipico Project, learning about innovative approaches to food production and rural enterprise.
Reflections and Next Steps
LIM5 was an inspiring and enriching experience for the WestBIC team, reaffirming the value of cross-border cooperation in driving community-led innovation. We returned to Ireland with fresh ideas, new connections, and a renewed commitment to promoting local identity as a driver of inclusive growth.
A sincere thank you to our hosts in Puglia for their warm hospitality and expertly organised programme. We look forward to continuing the journey with our LOTTI partners in the months ahead.
