ASTER runs and coordinates the activities of the Regional Network for Industrial Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer in the Emilia-Romagna region (north-east of Italy).
ASTER is a consortium involving the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government, the Universities of the region, important national Research Centres such as CNR, ENEA, INAF et INFM, the regional Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the regional Entrepreneurial Associations.
This High-Tech Network counts 57 structures : 27 Industrial Research Laboratories, 24 Innovation Centres and 6 Innovation Parks.
The seven key sectors are : Advanced Mechanics (HI-MECH District) ; Environment, Sustainable Development and Energy ; Agro-Food ; Building and Construction ; Life Sciences and Health ; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) ; Organisational Innovation.