(ANSA) - TRIESTE - Fincantieri and the Department of Maritime Studies of the University of Rijeka (Croatia) signed a year-long memorandum of understanding, that aims to establish cooperation to carry out various activities. Among these activities, maritime business, the development of degree and postgraduate programmes, exchange of ideas and know-how.

The University of Rijeka is the first foreign institution to join Fincantieri's advanced training network. In Italy, similar agreements have been signed with the Universities of Trieste, Genoa and Palermo. The first initiatives on the agenda will be a launch day, organized by Fincantieri at the University of Rijeka, in June, and an activity of job posting in universities, regarding internship programmes. In 2014 Fincantieri invested 101 million euros (2.3% of total revenues) in research, innovation and development. The company's research and innovation network is made up of over 50 universities and centres of excellence in Italy and Europe and includes more than 50 qualified suppliers worldwide.(ANSA).