Public research as a support for technological innovation in the architectural envelope sector

In the field of construction, the sector of architectural envelopes provides the greatest amount of innovation, especially in reference to the performance of curtain wall systems. In this context, almost all research activities are carried out by private companies, in particular for the development of new systems to be introduced on the market. Public research is no less important and can be a fundamental support for achieving useful results also for private individuals. The article aims to underline the fundamental role that the University can play in triggering virtuous dynamics of innovation and experimentation, assuming the role of promoter of public research activities in collaboration with the private sector. The contribution concerns two different examples of public research activities focused on the development of the architectural enclosure sector, with reference to experimentation, verification and certification of performance levels - Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria_BFL - and to the development of innovative curtain wall systems - Università Iuav di Venezia_Simco Tecnocovering. The document therefore intends to present the importance of financing public research activities in the field of architectural envelopes, underlining how these can lead to the development of frontier technologies, used in the private sector.