Technological innovation of product and process is, and has been, long pursued by Fincantieri as a way of guaranteeing the company’s standard: excellence. This is witnessed by the level of investment the company sustains for this purpose - € 43.7 million in 2006. 

Fincantieri actively participates in European projects such as SAFEDOR (new approaches to design), MC/WAP (fuel cells), INTERSHIP (competitivity of the whole production process) and national projects such as ECOMOS (optimizing exhaust fumes), SIS-PRECODE (improved protection of marine structures). Furthermore, in the field of ship construction, the company draws on new, innovative technologies to reduce the amount of energy used (both for propulsion and consumption and for noise reduction) and to reduce environmental impact thanks to studies into new materials. Great attention is also directed towards the issues of active and passive safety and anti pollution. 

These initiatives have not only been developed for merchant and passenger vessels but also for the new world of mega yachts. Similar initiatives are in progress also for the naval sector which is growing increasingly aware of these new methodologies, within the perspective of dual technologies.
In the construction process, the focus has been on the hull with the introduction of cutting edge technologies which give high levels of energy efficiency and performance as well as enhanced operating conditions, reduced environmental impact and improved safety for operators. With regard to fitting out, modular systems have been introduced with benefits of improved efficiency and enhanced performance. Management of the production process has also seen the introduction of simulation tools with a view to optimizing resources.
Suppliers and subcontractors also make a valuable contribution to Fincantieri’s technological leadership and to this regard programmes of growth and innovation have been drawn up. 

Within this framework technological districts play an important role and have been set up, or are being constituted, in a number of the regions (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Campania, Liguria and Sicilia) where Fincantieri has sites. The districts in which the company participates are privileged sites, networked structures, which facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to SMEs and the diffusion of a culture of innovation. Innovation, research and training are the three driving forces of the districts which bring together industry, scientific centres (universities, centres for research and excellence – including Cetena) and financial sponsors, with the support of the regional authorities.
Proof of all this is the company’s leadership in world shipbuilding.