Innovators by nature
We pursue an open, horizontal and system-wide innovation strategy to respond to the constant changes in the world around us, by harnessing people’s knowledge and creativity to generate positive impacts for citizens, the industrial system and the environment. Innovation for us means not only doing new things, but also doing them better.
This commitment is driven by a clear goal: to generate shared value for people, businesses and the environment, contributing to the sustainable development of the areas in which we operate. The purpose “Hera for the Planet, People and Prosperity” guides our decisions and shapes the way we interpret innovation – as a concrete lever for improving quality of life and strengthening the resilience of communities.
Thanks to the opportunities offered by innovation and the most advanced technologies, we are accelerating the energy, ecological and digital transitions, creating shared value to help communities achieve their economic, environmental and social sustainability goals.
Together with research centres, universities and businesses, we design cutting-edge solutions based on Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation and Data Analytics, to develop sustainable and safe networks and infrastructure and to improve the quality and efficiency of our services.
Orazio Iacono, Chief Executive Officer, Hera Group
The three dimensions of innovation
Innovation in projects
We develop new products and services, or improve existing ones by introducing new features or technologies, enhancing their performance and design.
Find out moreProcess innovation
We redesign and optimise operational procedures, the sequence and structure of activities, by introducing digital tools and training programmes to improve efficiency and quality.
Find out moreEcosystem
We foster the growth and development of our activities and of other businesses through an integrated ecosystem of platforms, tools and spaces, both physical and digital.
Find out moreThe main areas of innovation in the Hera Group
Innovation supports the evolution of the Group’s activities with the aim of improving service efficiency and quality, while promoting behaviours and skills capable of effectively responding to today’s challenges
Energy transition
To pursue decarbonisation targets within the Group and support the energy transition of the local business community.
Regeneration of resources
To promote the adoption of circular business models and reduce resource consumption, maximising the recovery of waste and by-products.
Digital transformation
To implement AI-based solutions and digital services, and optimise production processes, data collection and analysis, automation and predictive maintenance.
Our Open Innovation Model
Innovation is widespread throughout the Group: each unit develops and manages its own initiatives, including process reviews, the creation of new services, the adoption of digital tools, and the implementation of more effective operating models.
This is why we have set up the Innovation Management Department, a think tank tasked with analysing key market trends, identifying high-potential areas, evaluating and proposing projects and solutions for individual business units, and supporting developments with ICT tools and technologies.
Innovation in numbers
A combination of actions and results that makes a real difference: through innovation we generate positive impacts and accelerate the energy transition.
€171.3 million
invested in innovation
€300 million
of PNRR funds awarded
10
internal academies
Projects financed under the NRRP
We invest in projects of national and local interest, including through the support of NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funding, to help build a more sustainable future.
NRRP projects