On December 9th, following the G7 Industry, Digital and Technology Ministers’ Meeting held in Montréal, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada (ICCC) co-hosted a high-level panel entitled “Artificial Intelligence: New Opportunities for Canada–Italy Collaboration (from Aerospace to Key Enabling Technologies).”
The panel was moderated by Francesco Biondi Morra, Executive Director of the ICCC, and brought together senior institutional and scientific leaders from Canada and Italy:
- Hon. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy
- Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Sector, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- Dr. Gary Slater, Researcher in Residence, Office of the Chief Science Advisor of Canada
The discussion highlighted a central and widely shared conclusion: artificial intelligence is no longer a niche technology, but a foundational tool impacting every sector of the economy. From aerospace and advanced manufacturing to key enabling technologies, companies—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—must integrate AI into their operations to remain competitive and resilient.
Beyond the urgency of adoption, panelists emphasized the importance of responsible collaboration. Working with like-minded countries and partners is essential to ensure that AI development and deployment remain ethical, interoperable, and beneficial for society as a whole.
The panel also showcased concrete examples of collaboration in action. Françoys Labonté of CRIM presented ongoing cooperation with CINECA, while Professor Giovanni Beltrame of Polytechnique Montréal underscored the critical role of cross-border research partnerships in advancing AI innovation.
Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Canada, the Consulate General of Italy in Montréal, and the ICCC, the event reaffirmed a clear message: meaningful progress in artificial intelligence can only be achieved through cooperation across countries, industries, and disciplines.
