Carlo Pignatari is Research & Development Manager at Associazione Big Data in Bologna, where he orchestrates research and innovation initiatives at the intersection of High Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data analytics. Working in close partnership with CINECA, regional universities, and Italy’s premier research institutions, he drives strategic projects centered on the Leonardo Supercomputer at DAMA – Tecnopolo Manifattura.
With over two decades of expertise in technology transfer and AI-driven innovation ecosystems, Carlo bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and industrial application. His track record includes successfully managing multiple Horizon 2020 projects, developing AI implementation strategies for SMEs, and establishing innovation platforms that accelerate the commercialization of advanced technologies.
As former Cluster Manager of the Emilia-Romagna Mechatronics and Motor Vehicle Clust-ER (2018-2020), he coordinated a network of 90+ members—including research laboratories, universities, and enterprises—in shaping regional smart specialization strategies and fostering collaborative AI and Big Data research initiatives. He has served as a capacity building expert in Turkey for the INNOFOOD project, creating strategic research and innovation agendas focused on technology transfer and AI applications in the food industry, and as a standardization expert in Georgia under EuropeAid programs.
Carlo’s expertise encompasses AI implementation in industrial innovation processes, Big Data analytics for competitive intelligence, strategic research agenda development, and collaborative project management between academia, research centers, and industry. His work emphasizes practical applications of artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies to enhance industrial competitiveness and drive digital transformation.