Action Day Evolution: the new format puts businesses at the heart of innovation

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100 attendees overall, 90 workshop participants, 66 companies represented, and 80% of the businesses with fewer than 50 employees: these are some of the key figures from Action Day Evolution 2026, which brought together a cross-sector audience at the Padiglione Conza in Lugano on 10 September 2026, predominantly made up of micro and small enterprises.

A new, more hands-on and participatory format

The 2026 edition of Action Day Evolution, promoted by Fondazione Agire with the support of the Economic Affairs Division, AITI and the Regional Development Agencies, marked a significant change in format compared with previous years.

Alongside opportunities for discussion and in-depth exploration, participants took an active role in a hands-on workshop based on the LEGO® Serious Play® method. Working directly on their own business realities, they identified skills, resources, processes and opportunities already present within their companies and assessed their potential for further development.

The audience reflected the diversity of Ticino’s business landscape, with a strong presence of micro and small enterprises and companies from a wide range of sectors.

ICT/Tech, accounting for 29% of the companies represented, was the most prominent sector, followed by business services (15%) and manufacturing and production (12%).

Experiences, skills and new perspectives

During the day, Michele Budri and Carlo Spellucci guided participants through the concept of the so-called Third Way of Innovation.

Also taking the stage to share first-hand business experiences were Matteo Nembri, CEO of Nembri Silk, Christian Burkhalter, Global Head of HR / Digital HR Transformation at Casale and President of AgileLAB Ticino, and Giorgia Pati, Innovation Manager at AITI and Head of the AITI4Innovation service.

“Innovation does not necessarily mean starting from scratch or chasing the latest technology. Very often, companies already have skills, knowledge and resources that can become the starting point for new opportunities.” Stefano Colombo, President of Fondazione Agire

Innovating by building on what already exists

Action Day Evolution aims to help companies look within their own organisations from a new perspective, bringing to light resources and skills that can be transformed into concrete development opportunities.

This approach reflects Fondazione Agire’s mission: to support local businesses throughout their innovation journeys and foster new connections between companies, skills and ideas.

Following the success of the new format, Action Day will return for its fifth edition: 14 September 2027, Lugano.

Save the date and follow us to discover the programme for the next edition.