PNS and Innovation: Roberta Pinotti's Role in Promoting Civil Underwater Technologies

The National Underwater Dimension Hub (PNS) is an innovative structure, established two years ago with the aim of promoting research, development, and innovation in the underwater sector, relying on collaboration between the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of University and Research, and the Ministry of Enterprises. Recently, a Foundation was also established to support the PNS, with the goal of attracting private investments in a sector that, as highlighted by many, suffers from a lack of state funds.

The government has chosen Roberta Pinotti, former Minister of Defense, to chair this Foundation. Her appointment represents one of the few bipartisan decisions of this legislature and was welcomed, given the long-standing mutual respect between her and the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto. Despite the initial surprise of those who interpreted the appointment as a sign of strengthening the military component, Pinotti immediately clarified that the PNS mainly concerns civil technologies. Her appointment is, in fact, the result of a relationship that dates back to the 2000s, when Pinotti and Crosetto collaborated, despite belonging to opposing political factions, in parliamentary work in the Budget Committee.

The Long Friendship Between Roberta Pinotti and Guido Crosetto

Pinotti and Crosetto have known each other since 2001, when both were deputies. Despite political differences – she from the PD, he from Forza Italia – the two found themselves working together in the Budget Committee and, in particular, in defending certain scientific institutions against a proposal by the Berlusconi government to reorganize research. It was on that occasion that Crosetto publicly supported Pinotti, cementing a bond that would last over time.

When Crosetto became Undersecretary of Defense, he sought the advice of Pinotti, who had gained extensive experience in the sector as President of the Defense Committee in the Chamber. The collaboration between the two has always been characterized by mutual respect, so much so that Crosetto has often declared that he considers Pinotti a possible candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. Despite political differences, both share the belief that the Ministry of Defense is one of the few areas where party differences are less pronounced, as national security and defense are issues that unite more than they divide.

The Bill on Underwater Activity Safety and the Future of the Sector

The Italian government recently approved in the Senate a bill on the safety of underwater activities, proposed by the Minister for Sea Policies, Nello Musumeci. The bill, which now moves to the Chamber for final approval, regulates civil underwater activities at a depth greater than 40 meters, both in Italian waters and in the high seas, excluding military, judicial police, and public security operations.

The provision also foresees the creation of an Agency for the Safety of Underwater Activities, which will be responsible for coordinating international and European cooperation in this field and overseeing the safety of civil operations. The bill responds to the growing anthropization of underwater spaces and the need for adequate regulation for civil activities. Its approval in the Senate represents a significant step for the sector.

The appointment of Roberta Pinotti to lead the Foundation of the National Underwater Dimension Hub and the approval of the bill on the safety of underwater activities are testimonies of the Italian government's commitment to promoting the development of a strategic sector such as the underwater one, with a focus on technological innovation, sustainability, and safety.