Introduction

On the occasion of Europe Day, May 9, 2025, the Department for Cohesion Policies and South lanched a national communication campaign dedicated to STEP, the European initiative promoting the development of strategic technologies in the digital, cleantech, energy, and biotechnology sectors. STEP, established by Regulation (EU) 2024/795, represents a key tool for strengthening Europe's industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy, acting as a bridge between the current EU budget and future European instruments.  

In Italy, the initiative is promoted by the Department for Cohesion Policies and South, in line with the objectives of the 2021–2027 cohesion policy, through the coordinated use of European and national resources.  

By the means of the message "With Europe, and thanks to cohesion policies, we give innovation the boost to compete," the campaign aims to:  

Clear and accessible communication is developed in synergy with the implementing Programmes, also to support the communication of calls for proposals, which are in any case communicated and promoted primarily by the Programs themselves.  

Available Content and Tools  

The STEP campaign is designed as an integrated and multi-subject campaign, with a harmonized visual identity that can be adapted to the participating Programmes. The media mix includes:  

This section will be progressively updated with:  

Official STEP Italia communication channels  

To follow the campaign and stay updated on STEP news, the Department actively uses and manages the following social media channels, opened and dedicated to the initiative (also listed in the header of the Department website):  

Through these channels, the Department promotes opportunities funded by cohesion, fostering the growth of Italian businesses and collaboration with universities, research centers, and technological innovation hubs.