Bologna – 14 February 2022

Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, has launched a new European manufacturing technology innovation hub in Bologna, Italy. Over the next two years it will recruit 100 experts from across Europe to help clients take advantage of new and emerging technologies.

Opened in January 2022, the new hub will connect cloud-based Business Applications Software (ERP, CRM, Digital Marketing) with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, automation, artificial intelligence and robotics, to support manufacturing companies of all sizes – from shop floor to enterprise level – on their digital transformation journeys.

“Many manufacturers are still dealing with the day-to-day impact of evolving consumer expectations and supply chain disruption,” explained Paolino Montanino, Head of ERP Europe at Avanade, who is leading this initiative. “But they’re also focusing on bigger transformation initiatives to continually evolve the workplace, strengthen operational resilience, and create agile and adaptable organisations. Responsible and sustainable manufacturing is also driving digital investments across the industry.”

To uncover new innovative solutions for the sector, Avanade is recruiting all positions from enterprise architects to technical experts, as well as graduates to go beyond Industry 4.0 digitalisation. The new team will become a centre of excellence for Avanade focused on offering end-to-end solutions for the manufacturing industry. The team will also accelerate the sharing of knowledge of latest trends and innovative solutions for the manufacturing sector within Avanade. Further it will be responsible for developing intensive training programmes for the whole European business.

The team will be located in existing Avanade offices in Bologna and will recruit mainly from Europe, but will also consider applicants worldwide. For this reason, the spoken language in the team will be English.

Networked thinking and acting
Montanino explains why Bologna was chosen for the location of this new hub: "While we appreciate and enjoy the advantages of mobile working, for some projects, a local presence is helpful, especially in the start-up phase. We want our clients to benefit from the interdisciplinary knowledge of our manufacturing hub experts, particularly in an early phase, when new forces are significantly shaping projects. Having a team all based in one location will speed up and improve knowledge sharing and process efficiencies. The university city of Bologna is an ideal place for this, both in terms of the cultural opportunities for the employees and the economic and geographical conditions."

Bologna, with its excellent national and international transport connections by air, rail and car, is located in the Italian "Motor Valley"; home to well-known Italian automobile and motorbike brands and consequently, Avanade will also offer solutions for the automotive industry.

Relocation support is provided
To ensure the smooth arrival for future employees, Avanade will provide financial support and help with work and residence permits. Ultimately, this is an exciting opportunity to build something new, as Montanino affirms: "Anyone who joins the team now will be part of it from the very beginning and can help shape the vision and mission and fill it with life. We offer the opportunity to experience a start-up work culture but with the backing of a large global company – in a very young and attractive city."

Interested parties can apply directly online at Avanade: https://aka.avanade.com/Bolognahub