Bari, 6 February 2026 – The Italian Thermotechnics Association (ATI), a historic and prestigious technical-scientific association promoting the development of industrial culture and technological innovation in the sectors of energy, environment, energy efficiency, mobility and sustainable construction in implementation of a new modern and sustainable development model, has signed a framework agreement with the Polytechnic University of Bari that will make it possible to develop close cooperation in the scientific field, advanced training, and applied research through technology transfer, the enhancement of research results, and technical updating.

The agreement was signed last 4 January at the Rectorate of the Polytechnic University by the Rector, Umberto Fratino, and by the National President of ATI, Riccardo Amirante, who has led the Association since 1 January and is a Poliba professor.

The ATI, moreover, it is stated in the agreement, will make available its well-regarded monthly journal, “La Termotecnica”, as a privileged channel for the publication of outreach and technical-scientific articles relating to research, projects and results developed by the Polytechnic University of Bari; the enhancement of studies and experiments with high potential for technology transfer; the dissemination of best practices, case studies and industrial applications arising from university research; information on new degree programmes and activities of the Polytechnic University of Bari in line with the ATI’s objectives. Access to “La Termotecnica” will be reserved for all students enrolled in degree programmes at the Polytechnic University of Bari.

These activities, including outreach, may contribute to the enhancement of Poliba research, third mission activities and the quality assessment system implemented by ANVUR (National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System); Evaluation and Accreditation (AVA3), with particular reference to quality indicators for research, technology transfer, public engagement and impact on the socio-economic system.

During the presentation and signing of the memorandum of understanding, they said. Riccardo Amirante: “The ATI, with a century of history behind it, today represents, in the national landscape, an authoritative point of reference for technical-scientific culture. The agreement signed strengthens the ATI’s role as a national bridge between research and the productive system and, at the same time, offers universities a concrete opportunity to enhance scientific results, technology transfer and third-mission activities. The collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Bari, in particular, shows how dialogue between the academic world and the technical-industrial community has now become essential to generate sustainable development”.

Umberto Fratino: “The POLIBA-ATI protocol opens up an interesting scenario for collaboration that brings the university world closer to that of businesses. The initiative may enable advanced professional training for those already working in production and, at the same time, allow companies to make use of existing university technologies. The effects of this collaboration may, not least, also foster new experiential and employment opportunities for our young graduates.

The operational procedures for the shared activities shall be governed by implementing agreements. The framework agreement signed has a three-year term and may be renewed by agreement between the parties.

Bari, 4 February 2026 - Following the previous editions: 2018 (Venice–Padua–Piazzola sul Brenta); 2022 (Rome–Tivoli), the Stati Generali will come to southern Italy in 2026, in Puglia and Basilicata, with the aim of reaffirming the importance and strategic value of Italy’s industrial history. This history cannot be attributed solely to the large manufacturing hubs of the North; rather, it is a complex and widespread process that also developed in the South through specific productive experiences, which have fostered a rich, layered heritage that has long been underestimated.

Over four days, from Bari (Polytechnic University of Bari, 5-7 February) to Matera (University of Basilicata, 6 February) and then to Lecce (Museo Archeo Industriale Di Terra D’Otranto, Maglie), scholars, researchers, professionals, public administrators, cultural operators, associations and local communities will discuss the themes of knowledge, protection, enhancement and regeneration of industrial heritage, both tangible and intangible. Factories, infrastructure, production architecture, archives and memories of work will be at the centre of an interdisciplinary reflection that intertwines scientific research, design, cultural policies and territorial development strategies. Particular attention will be devoted to the processes of redevelopment and reuse of disused or underused areas, public and private, considered as a strategic resource for the economic, social and cultural relaunch of territories, as well as to the definition of governance models capable of combining protection, innovation and community participation. In this framework, industrial heritage is confirmed as one of the privileged areas for experimentation with cultural policies oriented towards sustainability and a long-term vision.

The General States represent an important opportunity to build and strengthen networks among universities, research bodies and institutions, and associations, with the aim of enhancing the role of education and teaching practices as fundamental levers for the dissemination of a culture that is aware of industrial heritage and for the transfer of knowledge to the territories.

The congress is organised into ten thematic areas: 1) Machines, patents and historical production cycles of industrial heritage. 2) Cities and landscapes of industry and labour. 3) Territorial and urban infrastructure. 4) Design and construction for industry. 5) History, culture and memory of industry and labour: research, archives, museums and enhancement practices. 6) Digitalisation and AI of industrial heritage: knowledge, design, management and use. 7) Restoration and conservation of industrial heritage. 8) Reuse and urban and environmental regeneration practices. 9) Industrial tourism, cultural routes, user experiences. 10) Image, cinematography, digital media and communication of industry.

The inauguration of the third edition of the General States of Industrial Heritage will take place in Bari, at the Polytechnic University, tomorrow, Thursday, 5 February, at 9:00 a.m., in the “Attilio Alto” main lecture hall, with the plenary session.

The programme is as follows. Institutional greetings. Introduction by Fabio Fatiguso, Vice-Rector for quality, care and management of heritage, Polytechnic University of Bari; Umberto Fratino, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Bari; Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari and of the Metropolitan City of Bari; Carlo Contesi, President of the Order of Engineers of the province of Bari; Cosimo Damiano Mastronardi, President of the Order of Architects of the province of Bari; Leonardo Damiani, Director of the Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building and Chemical Engineering (DICATECh). This will be followed by speeches and presentations on the topics.

The third edition of the General States of Industrial Heritage is organised by AIPAI – Italian Association for Industrial Archaeological Heritage, the Polytechnic University of Bari, the University of Basilicata (UNIBAS) and the National Research Council (CNR – Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences), with the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and with the support of public administrations, cultural institutions, foundations and local organisations.