At the Officina Creativa hub, the beating heart of local craftsmanship has come together with technological innovation to bring an ambitious vision to life: the creation of a widespread Smart-Hub across the Province of Matera.
The focus group fits perfectly within the framework of the Smart-Hubs project (Interreg Greece-Italy), whose main objective is to promote access to employment and develop the skills of young NEETs, by supporting the ‘smart transition’ of socio-cultural tourist destinations through cross-fertilisation between the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI).
Mapping needs for a ‘smart’ transition
Wednesday 6 May was devoted to mapping the digital needs of local artisans and makers. This was not merely a technical survey, but a fundamental step towards the objectives of Smart-Hubs: to understand what machinery and equipment are required for digital manufacturing and how these technologies can enhance manual work, making it attractive to younger generations and competitive on the international market.
The discussion touched on crucial issues such as how to access the tools and, above all, the models of governance required to manage a ‘distributed fablab’, drawing inspiration from European best practices to create a resilient and connected network.
The driving forces behind change: a fusion of skills
The success of the Smart-Hubs project lies in its ability to bring different worlds together. The meeting was attended by key figures who perfectly embody the concept of a “cross-fertilisation hub”:
- Paula Meier, a nomadic maker and international fablab expert, visiting courtesy of Craftwork4All, brought a global perspective on collaborative management models.
- Vitina Vinelli, a weaver, and Luca Colacicco, a woodworker, embody the spirit of the Lucanian tradition as it takes on the challenge of the future: integrating digital technologies to enhance the quality and narrative of handcrafted products.
- Silvano Cerza (Matera Tech) and the team at Syskrack Lab in Grassano (the first fablab in Basilicata to sign the Fab Charter) have made their technical and community expertise available, which are fundamental pillars for developing the local infrastructure.
- Materahub, the strategic promoter of the initiative, facilitated collective and horizontal discussion, steering the vision towards a hub model that is not merely physical, but a network of interconnected skills.
Smart Hubs: Skills, Employment and the Local Area
The ultimate aim of this initiative, in line with Smart-Hubs’ mission, is to create new job opportunities, particularly for young NEETs. By developing digital and creative skills (so-called smart capabilities), the project aims to transform tourist destinations into productive ecosystems where technological innovation serves to preserve and revitalise cultural identity.
A “distributed Smart Hub” in the province of Matera will therefore not merely be a place where one can find 3D printers or CNC milling machines, but a fully-fledged social and educational infrastructure capable of supporting the region’s economic transition, making local craftsmanship a driving force for tourism and sustainable development.
The journey towards digital manufacturing has only just begun, but the foundations for a ‘smarter’ and more connected Basilicata have been laid.
