The Abruzzo Aerospace District
Becomes a Reality: Companies, Universities, and Research Centers
United for Innovation

10 July 2025

After just a few months of preparation, the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) has been officially established and is now fully operational. With the addition of dozens of new members and the appointment of its governance structure, the District is ready to foster synergies among companies, research centers, and universities, aiming to become a true engine of innovation, technological growth, and competitiveness for the entire region.

Initially promoted by three major industrial players in the sector - Leonardo, Telespazio, and Thales Alenia Space Italia - in collaboration with the Abruzzo Region and the Department for Economic Development, the DAAB today represents a structured and dynamic network comprising 5 large companies, 45 SMEs, and 8 research bodies including universities and specialized centers.

Over 2,500 professionals are already involved, demonstrating the strength of a concrete and strategic public-private alliance. This initiative represents a virtuous model of regional development, with the goal of making Abruzzo a national hub for aerospace innovation and technology.

“The DAAB was created to strengthen the regional aerospace supply chain and to systematize the region’s excellence. It is also an open platform to develop new skills, train highly specialized professionals, and attract investment in a key sector for the future. Innovation, collaboration, and industrial vision will be our pillars.”

Giuseppe Mitola, DAAB President.

DAAB will leverage the nationally and internationally recognized expertise of its partners in fields ranging from foundational technologies to products and services for hybrid communications, Earth and Space observation, navigation, and space missions.

 

The first operational meeting for the establishment of the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) was held on June 30 in L’Aquila. The President of the Regional Council, Marco Marsilio, and the Regional Minister for Economic Development, Tiziana Magnacca, took part in the event. Representing the founding members of the DAAB were Giuseppe Mitola from Leonardo, Fabio Occhioni from Thales Alenia Space Italia, and Roberto Carattoli from Telespazio.

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