Introduction

With "Navigating History", the Foundation aims to preserve and enhance the heritage of Italian shipbuilding, which spans over 230 years of tradition.

Through a digitization process of archives, we are creating an online accessible archive, so that this heritage can be accessible to everyone.

Additionally, the project includes the creation of an interactive and multimedia museum to offer the public an immersive experience in the history of Fincantieri, with a special focus on youth and intergenerational dialogue.

In collaboration with the Municipality of Monfalcone, we are setting up an exhibition hall within the Shipbuilding Museum, dedicated to the history of Fincantieri.

With this volume, we want to launch a series edited by Professor Roberto Giulianelli, a professor of Economic History at the Polytechnic University of Marche, ensuring quality and historical accuracy.

This work serves as a preview of the scientific project that will take place from 2025 to 2029, the 70th anniversary of Fincantieri, with the goal of exploring the history of Italian shipbuilding starting from 1861, the year of Italian Unification, and the role Fincantieri plays through the incorporation of all the historic and most relevant shipbuilding activities in the republican era.

The Project

The Foundation looks to the future with the Navigating the Future project, created to promote cultural, technological, and innovative development in the maritime sector. In collaboration with universities, academic institutions, and research entities, the goal is to create new opportunities for younger generations, including in strategic areas such as underwater exploration, considering the Mediterranean's importance to the country.

With the aim of strengthening its commitment to innovation and inclusion, the Fincantieri Foundation recently signed, on February 10, 2025 in Rome at the Higher Defense Studies Center (CASD), the implementation agreement for the establishment of the Doctorate Award in memory of General Claudio Graziano. The agreement, signed by General of the Army Corps Stefano Mannino (President of CASD) and Fausto Recchia (President of the Fincantieri Foundation), also saw the participation of Fincantieri President Biagio Mazzotta and CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero.

Funded for the 2024-2025 academic year, the award is intended for the best thesis of the 37th PhD cycle in interdisciplinary areas such as Strategic Sciences, Legal Studies for Innovation, Leadership and Organizational Development, as well as Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity. The initiative aims to honor General Claudio Graziano, recognized for his dedication, competence, and commitment to serving the Nation, the Armed Forces, and Institutions, as well as for his contribution to the development of European Defense.

The winner's announcement is scheduled for June 17, 2025, during the commemorative event marking the first anniversary of General Graziano's passing.

With a continuous commitment to collaboration between students, researchers, and professionals, the Foundation continues to promote laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology in local universities, fostering an ecosystem that integrates skills and innovation for the advancement of the maritime and Italian industrial sectors.

The Project

The Fincantieri Foundation promotes cultural and social inclusion for foreign workers employed in shipyards.

With the Sailing Together project, through an agreement with the Dante Alighieri Association, we have launched Italian language courses in the shipyards of Monfalcone and Sestri, where migration rates are high.

The presence of foreign labor in the shipyards is significant, and Fincantieri is committed to integration policies.

Applications for the first cycle of courses exceeded expectations and available spots, prompting us to extend the duration of the initiative, which in this first edition involved approximately 180 participants divided into seven classes.

The courses, structured at multiple levels, aim not only to improve understanding of the Italian language to foster social inclusion, but also place a strong emphasis on safety topics within the shipyard, providing essential linguistic tools for daily work.

35 workers completed the training program and received a certificate of participation.

Fincantieri’s commitment will continue with new cycles of courses, strengthening support for foreign workers in their professional growth and community integration.

We are responding to a strong demand for language training that allows workers to better integrate into social and professional life.