Welcome to Piedmont, a region in northwestern Italy with a population of almost 5 million residents. The region’s administrative and economic hub is Turin - a breathtaking city that boasts an incredible architectural heritage. Almost half of the local landscape is mountainous, the region is surrounded by the Alps, borders with France and Switzerland. The regional landscape has had its effect on the local economy. Piedmont, traditionally, has an industrial-based economy which is greatly represented by the biggest Italian factory - Fiat. Biella produces tissues and silks. The town Alba is famous for its confectionary productions - Ferrero's chocolate factories. Half of the local geography is dedicated to plains and hills which are widely used for agriculture. Local farmers produce almost 10% of Italian grapes, olives, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Like the majority of European regions, Piedmont is working hard on introducing innovation to its economy. To support the local GDP which so far is slightly above national and European average, local authorities continue to introduce programmes and policies aimed at supporting SMEs and large companies working with innovative technologies and advanced manufacturing. Leading-edge technologies are already widely used in chemistry, ICT, aerospace, automotive and robotic industries.