Skillman.eu has embarked on an ambitious initiative in collaboration with the Municipality of Monsummano Terme. Known as the Skillman Villa, this project aims to transform a historic Tuscan Medici Farmhouse into an International Centre of Excellence, blending vocational education with cutting-edge technological and sustainable advancements.
The Municipality of Monsummano Terme, located just half an hour from Florence, is a town rich in cultural heritage and economic vitality. It proposed this initiative as part of its strategy to integrate innovation into the local economy. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, Skillman and the Municipality aim to formalise their commitment to establishing a hub that bridges Tuscany’s traditional craftsmanship with future-oriented technologies and educational practices. The Skillman Villa is envisioned as a centre that revitalises the craftsmanship sector, supports businesses, attracts learners, and fosters collaboration between industry, education, and local communities. It will serve as a global focal point for vocational excellence, connecting regional traditions with international aspirations.
The project involves a co-design process, marking an important milestone in the Skillman International Forum 2024. This process brings together local authorities, members of the Skillman network, universities, research institutions, and other international organisations. This collaborative effort ensures that the Villa’s objectives reflect shared expertise and a unified vision. Through a pledge system, organisations from Tuscany and across the globe will express their commitment to the initiative by contributing knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas. This collective effort underlines the shared determination to position the Skillman Villa as a model of innovation and sustainability in vocational education.
The Villa is set to become a professional and creative hub, advancing skills development, supporting human-centred innovation, and addressing global challenges through sustainable practices. It is designed to host initiatives spanning advanced craftsmanship, artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental regeneration, and contemporary art, drawing inspiration from Tuscany’s rich heritage while responding to the demands of the future. By fostering these activities, the Skillman Villa aims to strengthen the local economy, enhance employability, and provide a platform for regional and global collaborations.
The commitment to this transformative project will be formally recognised on 12 December 2024, during the second day of the Skillman International Forum in Montecatini Terme. Representatives from the Municipality of Monsummano Terme, Skillman, and various partners will sign the pledge, marking a significant milestone in the creation of the Skillman Villa. This occasion will celebrate the collaboration and shared ambition to establish a centre that not only addresses local needs but also achieves global recognition as a leader in vocational education and innovation.
View the maps of Skillman Villa
