START4.0 took part in the “Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of Information and Communications Technologies in the Context of International Security and Advancing Responsible State Behaviour in the Use of ICTs”, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 20 to 24 July 2026.
The Competence Center’s participation, with the involvement of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provided an important opportunity to engage with representatives of Member States, international organisations, institutions, academia and industry.
Discussions focused on the main challenges related to cyberspace security and the evolution of the international governance of information and communications technologies.
Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure at the heart of the discussion
The meetings highlighted the growing importance of protecting critical and strategic infrastructure, strengthening the resilience of networks and essential services, and improving the security of cyber-physical systems.
Energy, transport, logistics, telecommunications and other essential services increasingly depend on interconnected networks, digital platforms and industrial systems. Cybersecurity must therefore be considered not only as a technical requirement, but also as an essential component of innovation strategies, governance models and organisational development.
Key topics discussed during the Global Mechanism included:
- the protection of critical and strategic infrastructure;
- the resilience of networks and essential services;
- the security of cyber-physical systems;
- the development of specialist skills;
- stronger international cooperation.
START4.0’s contribution to digital security
These areas are central to START4.0’s daily activities.
The Competence Center supports companies and public administrations through research and innovation, technology transfer, specialist training, digital maturity and cybersecurity assessments, and the testing and validation of innovative solutions.
START4.0 provides expertise, services and technological infrastructure to help organisations adopt advanced digital technologies securely and sustainably.
Through collaboration with companies, institutions, universities and research centres, the Competence Center contributes to developing solutions that improve competitiveness while reducing the risks associated with digital transformation.
Strengthening dialogue between institutions, research and industry
START 4.0’s participation in the Global Mechanism confirms the importance of strengthening dialogue between institutions, research organisations and industry in order to address cybersecurity challenges through a coordinated approach.
The increasing integration of physical infrastructure, digital systems, communications networks and industrial processes requires broader cooperation based on knowledge sharing, technological capacity building and responsible behaviour in the use of ICTs.
Within this context, Italy’s innovation ecosystem can make a significant contribution to the development of secure, resilient and sustainable digital models.
START4.0 will continue to promote initiatives and partnerships aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of strategic infrastructure, placing its expertise at the service of companies, public administrations and the national economic system.
The objective is to contribute to building an open, reliable and secure cyberspace in which technological innovation, international cooperation and infrastructure protection can advance together.