Italpreziosi’s Innovative Initiatives

By

On April 10, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

When I walked into Italpreziosi this past Monday, handing my ID off to security after finally getting past their industrial double-metal-door entrance, I didn’t expect to be holding $1.1M gold bar an hour later. To be quite honest, I initially thought this visit would be boring and only reinforce my belief that corporations are driven by pure profit and have no regard for morals. I soon found out that the real pure thing about Italpreziosi (besides the gold) is their commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility.

This week, I was assigned the community aspect of innovation. How does this company’s innovation impact the community? How does the community impact the company’s innovation? These are the questions I sought the answers to going into our interview with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Director, Alice Vanni. My first question was a simple one: “How does the Arezzo community interact with your company?”

Vanni: “We interact with Arezzo by supporting local initiatives. Usually what we do is make sure that we can support our community with requests for funding projects and we give priority to those that are linked to direct impact. For example, we are supporting reconstruction of an area that will be turned into a recreational area for children and the community near it. We try to support initiatives that highlight culture and education and we still would like to support more that highlight biodiversity and climate change.”

I think it’s pretty clear that Italpreziosi places a strong emphasis on local engagement and cares about the community’s well-being. By prioritizing projects that focus on education, culture, and environmental sustainability, they’re supporting immediate needs AND contributing to long-term positive change.

I think how they approach corporate responsibility is quite innovative, as they understand that associating yourself with being generous and giving back will promote a positive brand image. How many other companies do you know that are funding a playground?

What about the mining community? The people that are at the very beginning of the precious metal process? When asked about that community, she had this to say:

Vanni: “We make sure everything in our supply chain is regular and formalized, starting with a project with local NGOs where they support formalized entities to unionize. Every year we invest money on this, and we support Fairmind, which you can see on the website. We even created a mobile app that will make sure information is accessible and easy to understand [for these miners]. Community is everywhere. We have things locally, and we have things globally, because even if you don’t see them [the miners], they’re there.”

To me, this is a special kind of innovation, because it doesn’t directly grow profits. This innovation is only because of the company’s commitment to social responsibility. It’s about creating lasting, positive change in places where companies often overlook the most vulnerable. Rather than viewing their supply chain as a series of transactions, Italpreziosi sees it as a community in need of support and development. This approach is not the normal way of doing things, but I’m so glad someone is trailblazing this important path.

In the words of their co-founder and CEO, Ivani Ciabatti, “I have sparked a small revolution in the mining industry, working towards ethical and traceable gold. Since 2008, Italpreziosi has been one of the first companies in the world to implement total traceability of gold, from extraction to the finished piece of jewelry. This ensures that every step is transparent and meets high environmental and social standards. I believe that ethics is not just a word but a daily action that requires concrete devotion and determination.” There’s a sign on the wall when you first enter that reads “Behind every successful venture there is someone who has made a courageous decision.”

Back in Arezzo, inside their office, I noticed another aspect of the employee community. The ratio of female to male employees was much more balanced than what corporate offices are normally accustomed to. Even in leadership positions, women held their spaces equally if not more than their male counterparts. I would argue that diversity itself is another way Italpreziosi is innovative. Diversity also creates innovation.

Women in leadership roles at Italpreziosi is a win for gender equality, but it also shows that the company values different perspectives and understands the power of inclusivity to drive innovation. During our conversation, they mentioned that when they had an audit done, the auditor remarked that they were far above industry standards for gender equality. Impressing a third-party auditor is a subtle flex, but it absolutely shows their commitment to inclusion.

By the end of the visit, where we got to be gold miners for the day (Ashtynn and I pictured here) and hold literal millions in our hands, I left with a new perception of this company. This is how you innovate with integrity. Italpreziosi isn’t only creating precious metal products. They are creating a legacy built on ethics, community support, and inclusivity. 

By combining innovation with a commitment to social and environmental causes, Italpreziosi is living proof that corporate businesses can do it all! You can be successful while making a meaningful impact on the world. It isn’t only about gold, it’s about setting the gold standard for how companies should operate: with transparency, fairness, and sense of responsibility. As they continue to lead their competitors for traceable sourcing and a more inclusive staff, one thing is clear: Italpreziosi is setting the bar higher. See what I did there?

From Failure to Innovation: E Simple’s Journey to Success

By

On April 7, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Infographic showcasing E Simple’s mission

 Failure is often seen as an endpoint over a means to be successful: Especially in the world of technology. Companies struggle to adapt after prolonged periods of failure. For E Simple, a company that operates in the challenging world of tech, failure has served as their means for innovation. The company has spent years perfecting their business model, while also failing countless times and changing their approach to the world of technology. Francesco Marcantoni, one of the Co-Founders of E Simple mentioned how failure was common for them, noting that “failure of our technology is something that we are used to unfortunately.”

E Simple started when the digital world was still rapidly evolving into what it is today. In 2007, E Simple started as an online marketplace, where they used 3D models to create a digital space. With an avatar, someone could walk up to a market and buy something from a store that E Simple would have contracted with. In 2007, this idea was revolutionary in the world of the internet. It was Amazon before Amazon fully existed. E Simple recognized they had the technology to create the digital marketplace through online payments and created something that was essentially a “one-stop-shop” for consumer goods.

“[We] had to connect to a bank system to retrieve the credit card payment,  we started to say, OK, we have the technology, we know how to do it, why now,” Marcantoni said. 

With the plan in place they launched their marketplace; five years before Amazon turned from a bookstore to a similar concept. However, even though the idea would catch on in the future, it was too early. The website ultimately failed and E Simple recognized that people weren’t ready for that sort of technology, and that the average consumer wasn’t ready for ecommerce. 

“I mean, at that moment 25 years ago, [people were using] websites like a business card, no one was using a website for work,” Marcantoni said. E Simple underscored how early misconceptions about the internet’s potential led to a failure in capturing widespread adoption. It was clear that even though they could see where technology was heading, the rest of the world couldn’t

This failure showed that even groundbreaking ideas may not catch on immediately. Still, E Simple continued to adapt. E Simple’s approach to innovation is characterized by failure and adaptability. Rather than letting these setbacks get to their vision, they forged ahead and kept driving new technology to the market. They adapted to the market trends and continued  their work. 

One of the ways that they did this was through their knowledge of creating 3D environments in a digital world. A new trend in technology involves augmented reality, or mixing reality and technology together. Essentially, the digital world and the real world are mixed into one. This can be seen through Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3, both which use cameras to project digital environments in the eyes of their user. E Simple has quickly adapted to this technology: They already had experience in 3D environments through their online marketplace, and were able to quickly shift to creating 3D environments through augmented reality. 

One of E Simple’s virtual reality headsets

E Simple is developing a digital experience of Pompeii. Someone can put on the Virtual Reality (VR) goggles and the VR goggles would project artifacts and information about Pompeii into the real world shown on a screen that the user could see. This type of technology is a growing trend in the augmented reality world, and E Simple was quickly able to shift and adapt to it. This seamless transition allowed them to stay competitive in a global market: Bringing new technology to Italy. Their previous innovation, and failure of that innovation, eventually led to success in their market

E Simple stands as a testament to the power of embracing failure. Even though they faced countless struggles since their beginnings in the early 2000s, they are still standing. The company’s journey through failures has culminated into them always looking for ways to innovate. As they look forward to the future, they remain committed to creating a digital experience that everyone can understand. 

The Complex History of Esimple

By

On April 7, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

VR Headset at Esimple

How innovation has set this e-commerce group apart from the rest.

The 21st century is undoubtedly marked by rapid advancements in technology. Every year, it becomes increasingly easy to purchase the things you want online, with the click of a button. There are over thirty million e-commerce websites worldwide today. Very few of these companies have existed for over a decade, and even fewer have existed for more than fifteen years. Esimple, a digital company that calls Arezzo home, has been operating within the context of e-commerce since 2007. 

Who are ESimple?

Poster demonstrating services Esimple can provide.

Esimple focuses on using digital transformation to help other businesses achieve their goals. They fabricate custom solutions for clients through the use of technological consulting, creative design, and technical development. Some of the greatest innovations they have produced use artificial intelligence solutions, extended reality, and spatial computing. Innovation has played a key role in e-simple’s success, from the roots of the company to the daily progress they make. However, just because they make innovation in the digital world look simple, it hasn’t been the simplest journey.

E-commerce is one of the biggest industries of the modern world. While that means there is a lot of room to grow, it also means there are more competitors. This forces companies to think about ways to set themselves apart. The company Esimple has undoubtedly set itself apart by creating immersive applications for AI headsets. A few of these applications include well-known tools such as augmented reality and virtual reality. Beyond this, Esimple has developed mixed reality and corporate metaverses. 

Journalism Professer Ursula Armstrong testing a VR headset.

For our Innovators in Journalism class in Arezzo, my peers and I had the opportunity to visit Esimple and experience some of this technology first-hand. As someone who has used VR headsets in the past, I can confidently say that the experience offered by Esimple’s mixed-reality application is completely unlike anything I have seen before. It truly felt like I was immersed in a space somewhere between the physical world and the digital one. More accurately, it turned the digital world into an almost physical reality. The experience highlighted important questions: How, and why, did it get to this point? 

Then and Now

Esimple is always thinking ahead, applying new ideas and innovations daily in the work that they do. This is a value they have held since creating the company. The company initially began in 2001 as a creative agency that aided in marketing, creating websites and magazines, and more. However, this evolved by 2007, when the company swapped the title of creative agency for that of an e-commerce group. It began small: they created a virtual market and an avatar that could be used to buy items from an online marketplace. I had the opportunity to interview one of the company founders, Francesco Marcantoni, and I asked him about this interesting transition. Specifically, why did the company transition from a creative agency to an e-commerce group? 

Francesco: “In that moment, 25 years ago, the websites were like business cards. No one was using a website for work…so the idea is that everything is already there, everyone is using it, but no one is using it professionally… so we created a CMS to make content [professional].” 

Ashtynn: “And what sets Esimple apart from other agencies?”

Francesco: “The biggest difference is that we are in the Italian market. Most of our competitors are outside, especially in the United States… and mostly the competition is on hardware and on the engines, not on the solutions.”

This shift to suit the company’s clientele was an innovative one, but Esimple has yet to stop growing and adapting. Focusing on creating solutions, rather than simply creating, is key to the success of the company. 

Esimple uses their applications for various projects. One of the examples they showed us was a mixed reality application that gave guests tours through a historical site in Arezzo. The tool is realistic and useful, and fits within the context of the tourism industry. Francesco shared his favorite project to date: scanning and digitizing thousands of artifacts at the archeological site of Pompeii. This project also serves the tourism industry, but could also be used for research or educational purposes. It makes the artifacts accessible to a wider range of people. 

Francesco has a unique ‘it’ factor driving his innovation. But what is it? The dedication and drive to continue innovating, on a daily basis, has to stem from somewhere. But from where? 

Francesco: “This is something that I say to my students: be curious… just be curious and try to understand what you can do with these technologies, not just be a passive user.”

Behind the scenes at Esimple.

Esimple does not always have it easy when innovating, but there is one ‘simple’ factor that makes it appear that way: the passion that each person at the company holds for the work that they put in.

The Importance of Community at Esimple

By

On March 31, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Esimple Logo

This past week some of my fellow Identifiers in Italian Innovation visited Esimple, a technology-focused company that specializes in virtual and augmented reality. They sat down with Francesco Marcantoni, one of the founders of Esimple, to learn more about what innovation looks like at Esimple.

Our Interview with Francesco Marcantoni and Esimple associate

At Esimple success in innovation is the product of a collective effort—where collaboration, shared vision, and support play critical roles. Esimple’s journey in the virtual reality industry exemplifies this idea, showcasing how a strong sense of community fosters innovation and resilience.

One of the defining aspects of Esimple’s work in innovation is the collaborative spirit that fuels their projects. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the people who believed in our vision and helped bring it to life.”

This sentiment underscores the essential role of teamwork, where different minds contribute their expertise, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The development of virtual reality technology demands interdisciplinary cooperation. From designers and engineers to business strategists, each person brings a unique perspective that enriches the creative process. 

“Every breakthrough we’ve had started with an idea that was shaped and strengthened by those around us.”

This demonstrates how collective intelligence enhances problem-solving and innovation.

Beyond technical collaboration, the strength of a community lies in the support it offers. Mentorship and peer guidance have been instrumental in Esimple’s progress. 

“It’s not just about working together; it’s about lifting each other up when things get tough.” 

This illustrates the importance of encouragement and knowledge-sharing in an industry that is constantly evolving.

Beyond internal collaboration, Esimple has also built relationships with external partners, working closely with clients, academic institutions, and industry leaders. This cooperative ecosystem fosters not only technical growth but also a deeper understanding of consumer needs and emerging trends. By engaging in open dialogue with their extended network, Esimple are able to ensure that their solutions remain relevant and impactful in the ever-changing landscape. 

“Some of our best ideas have come from discussions outside our immediate team” 

“We thrive because we are part of something bigger—a network of creators, dreamers, and doers who inspire each other.” 

This is important because it highlights the importance of community not only among the company of Esimple but of the entire community of innovators and creative who all have the same goal: creating something that is best for the people. This ideal prospers growth in the entire community of innovators and especially at Esimple.

This sense of belonging extends beyond professional development—it also plays a role in maintaining motivation and resilience. The challenges of virtual reality development, including rapid technological shifts and evolving market demands, can be daunting. However, Esimple has found strength in their support network. Whether it’s through informal brainstorming sessions, industry events, or collaborative problem-solving, the company benefits from a web of connections that keep them adaptable and forward-thinking. 

“Whenever we hit a roadblock, there’s always someone in our network who can help us navigate it” 

Looking ahead, Esimple recognizes that community will continue to be a driving force behind virtual reality expansion.

“Technology evolves, but it’s the people behind it who truly make the difference” 

This reflects a very important approach that Esimple takes where real human connection remains at the heart of technological advancements.

As virtual reality technologies become more integrated into everyday life, the role of community will only grow stronger, in the eyes of Esimple. The future of the industry will be shaped by collaborative efforts between businesses, researchers, and users, ensuring that virtual reality applications remain innovative and accessible. Esimple is committed to being at the forefront of this movement, leveraging their community to drive meaningful progress. 

“The more we engage with others, the better our solutions become” 

Exemplifying their dedication to the necessity for community and collaboration. 

Furthermore, Esimple’s experiences highlight the importance of mentorship in cultivating the next generation. By offering training programs, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and internship opportunities, they contribute to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. Their belief in fostering a learning-oriented community ensures that virtual reality technologies continue to evolve with fresh perspectives and ideas. 

“We want to give back to the industry that has given us so much” 

The innovations of Esimple serve as a testament to the power of community. Their success is built not merely on the groundbreaking technology but on the relationships and collaborations that sustain it. As Esimple moves forward, it is clear that their strongest innovations will continue to emerge from spaces where ideas are shared, talents are nurtured, and people are supported by one another. Through collaboration, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Esimple is paving the way for a more connected and innovative future.

Virtual Reality Headset

Understanding Technological Innovation through: Teletruria

By

On March 31, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Teletruria Logo

On Monday March 10th, we–the Identifiers of Italian Innovators–went to Teletruria Studio, one of the main news outlets in Tuscany, especially in Arezzo. Located in Arezzo it serves to relay the news of today to the people through TV broadcasting, running 24-hours, seven days a week. When we arrived at Teletruria we were greeted with a very warm welcome and then promptly given a tour and quick history of Teletruria by Alex Revelli. After the tour, Alex Revelli and a broadcaster from Teletruria, Maddalena Pieroni, sat down with us for a more ‘formal’ interview. In this interview we discussed the importance of technology within media and more specifically what that looks like at Teletruria.

Teletruria is a great example of how technology is both a disruptor and an enabler in the shifting media landscape. Focusing on journalism, specifically media broadcasting, we are in a time in which the more innovations there is in technology the more innovation there is with journalism. This era where digital transformation dictates the trajectory of industries, media broadcasting has emerged as a prime example of innovation-driven change.  With traditional television facing stiff competition from social media, online platforms, and changes in technology, Teletruria was faced with the necessity for adaptation. 

One of the most significant innovations in modern broadcasting is the integration of traditional television with digital platforms. Teletruria has embraced this trend by expanding its content distribution to YouTube, Instagram, and other social media networks. 

“The mainstream is the television. But it’s indispensable to broadcast the same news or other programs again in the social network, in YouTube, any other kind of, for example Instagram or other social network”

Furthermore, interactive engagement has become a cornerstone of modern broadcasting. By incorporating WhatsApp QR codes into live programs, Teleteria allows viewers to submit questions in real-time, fostering a dynamic and participatory media experience–we experienced this live in hand when we were interviewed on the show, and the audience submitted live questions through WhatsApp. This portion of our time at Teletruria was very special and truly encapsulates the spirit of the people at the company. It was so cool for them to invite us and have us live on Italian television.

“The future of television is this: the possibility to use multiple planes—social media, television, radio, YouTube, everything—but offering the opportunity to enter into my program and ask the question to my guest.”

Here we are live on set at Teletruria

However, these advancements come with challenges. With this emphasis on smartphones and social media, the consumption habits among younger audiences has significantly changed. Traditional TV viewership is declining, necessitating new strategies for media organizations to maintain relevance. Credibility, once easily established through well-known media brands, must now be continually reinforced in an era of widespread misinformation.

“Only 15 years ago, if you went on television, it was perfectly right. Everything the people saw on TV, they believed. Now, the young generation under 30 years old, they don’t use television, they use smartphones. The smartphone changed everything.”

Advancements in technology have significantly reduced the cost of professional broadcasting equipment. Where high-quality video cameras once, may have cost upwards of $100,000, comparable tools are now available for as little as $4,000. This ease in accessibility of technology means that success in media broadcasting is no longer determined solely by equipment but also by the skill and adaptability of journalists and production teams.

“Now it’s possible to have the video camera that we have in the studio cost €2,000. It’s very important to understand that it’s not the equipment; it’s the people. Because if you have the journalist with the capacity, it’s possible to fly. If you have a technical group with the capacity, it’s possible to fly. Without the person, it’s only a technical equipment.”

I love this quote, it shows the value in people, real people who make the difference in places like Teletruria. Honest hardworking places whose people are what make it great.

Teleteria has also found success by leveraging technology to deepen its connection with local communities. Daily street interviews, or ‘vox populi,’ help capture public opinion on current events, reinforcing the broadcaster’s role as a community touchpoint. 

“It happens every day because every day you have a piece of news. After you have a piece of news, the second thing you do is go among people and ask them what they think about it. Without people’s opinion, it’s useless. You can’t get into a community.”

This technology of going out, among the people, hearing their voice, is what I found to be most interesting. Teletruria’s importance on this voice and emphasis on the people of Arezzo is essential in the heart of the company and what has made it successful. 

Overall, the media landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements and shifting audience behaviors. Teletruria’s evolution emphasises the necessity for adaptability. 

“Now, YouTube videos are producing 50% more views than traditional television. Everything is changing.”

Ultimately, the future of broadcasting lies not in resisting change but in leveraging technology to build more inclusive, accessible, and engaging media experiences. As digital platforms continue to shape content distribution, Teletruria understands that it must embrace this innovation, harness the power of interactivity, and emphasize the voice of people of Arezzo to continue to have success in this ever-changing world of innovation in media. 

Teletruria: Overcoming Risk to Find Innovation

By

On March 29, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Companies operating in the news media business such as Teletruria need innovation as their main driving force. It is important for any company to implement innovative methods through platform unification and media consumption adjustments, as well as interactive media development to address audience and technology changes. Teletruria has been on the forefront of progress in this regard, achieving long-term success by implementing a focus on multiple platform integration and interactivity, while adapting to changes in media consumption patterns.

Main Studio

Forging new ground in news

We were lucky enough to have an interview with Editors and Journalists behind Teletruria and throughout it all, they kept repeating interactivity as one of its fundamental innovations. Emphasizing treating its audience as active participants rather than static consumers through its live broadcast engagement programs. The combination of WhatsApp and QR codes enables viewers to provide questions and comments which add to the ongoing conversation. I thought this was very interesting because it changes the definition of a news broadcast on a fundamental level. This added level of engagement needed to emerge because viewers from younger demographics, especially those under thirty years old have abandoned traditional TV in favor of digital platforms. So through interactive features Teletruria builds better connections with its audience while keeping content fresh and relevant for viewers.

I believe that the multidisciplinary production method only enhances its interactive approach to media content. People used to watch television exclusively before social media platforms and streaming services like YouTube entered the market. This change whether we like it or not, transformed how audiences consume content. In order to bring the news back into relevancy, Teletruria expanded its broadcasting presence from television into social networks together with radio and additional platforms. Using its diversified broadcasting approach, Teletruria successfully connects with its audience across various media outlets in today’s fragmented media space. Through Teletruria’s adaptation and innovation, successfully reaches media consumers through its approach that includes multiple broadcast platforms regardless of their preferred consumption method.

On the streets

On top on innovations in technology, making sure that the news is able to be shown to a wide variety of people. Teletruria uses community engagement as an essential element of its innovative approach. The daily implementation of street interviews represents the company’s commitment to this practice. The daily interviews on Teletruria enable viewers to share their thoughts about current news while providing community-based information. Teletruria allows its audience to express themselves which ensures that the content reflects important topics that matter to viewers. This brings a sense of connectivity and dependability that is second to none in regards to public appeal. This emphasis on local reporting, allows the company to find important stories which other media outlets would ignore. In the interview it was explained how community-based reporting enables journalists to find important news which traditional newsroom methods would fail to detect. Teletruria’s reporters actively work in the field to deliver timely news about local health issues and community events and business developments that interest their audience.

Screenshot

Perseverance through the odds

Teletruria implements innovative methods which now forms the basis of its business model. During the COVID-19 pandemic Teletruria encountered substantial financial difficulties which affected many media organizations through reduced viewer numbers. Teletruria used COVID-19 pandemic challenges as a starting point to develop new advertising methods instead of reacting to them. Teletruria abandoned standard 30-second commercial advertising to integrate stories directly into their television shows. Teletruria offered businesses the opportunity to tell their stories during broadcasts which led to personalized advertising experiences that viewers appreciated. Through this innovative strategy the company managed to remain profitable without extensive government funding which numerous stations continue to use. This creates the climate of today, with Teletruria functioning as the dominant television station across central Italy while maintaining robust financial stability and continuously increasing its viewership. Teletruria demonstrates through its operations that innovation requires more than technological adoption since it involves understanding audiences and developing solutions to new challenges and creative curve-advancing methods.

In Conclusion

In my opinion the news station Teletruria demonstrates through its success that innovation remains essential for maintaining market relevance in today’s fast-evolving media landscape. It is only possible by building strong viewer relations through its emphasis on interactive content and inclusive local reporting approaches. This created a platform where they achieved success through adaptability in the changing media industry by accepting social media platforms and developing alternative advertising models. In modern media, Teletruria demonstrates that technological innovation leads to viewer engagement through the creation of experiences. It is these experiences that remain effective regardless of industry transformation, and that is the most important.

Full Interview
Site Visit BTS Clips
Oklahoma, studenti visitano Teletruria
Link to the one of news pages where we were featured

Innovating Innovation at Esimple

By

On March 25, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation, Sterling Foster

On a beautiful spring Monday in late March, my Innovators in Journalism class went to the office of the minds behind Esimple, a company that digitally transforms other businesses to stay current in today’s market. This service can include everything from websites, to augmented reality, to virtual reality. We got to talk to Francesco Marcantoni, pictured below on the right, one of the founders of Esimple, and learn all about his innovative business.

The first question we asked, as has now become standard for our interviews, was “What is your definition of innovation?”

Marcantoni: “I think the innovation should be something that gives more, something that gives an advantage. I think it’s only useful when it gives an advantage to those who use it. So a lot of innovation takes time to reach the target because it’s hard to understand early on that the real use of the technology can be an innovative thing.”

I think his definition couldn’t be more perfect to set up for the rest of my questions. It almost foreshadows the main thing I learned from this interview: the fact that innovation can innovate on top of itself.

I pointed this out directly, asking him, “It sounds to me like you guys innovate based on other people’s innovation. How do you navigate relying on other innovation for your innovation?”

Marcantoni acknowledged this reality, explaining, “It’s true, because obviously we couldn’t afford the cost to create innovation talking about hardware or engines because it costs too much money to make it. So you have to use something that is made by someone else and you have to be fast to understand what you can do with this kind of innovation.”

He gave the example of Apple Vision Pro, pictured left, noting that even Apple doesn’t fully know where the product will go in the next few years. He compared it to the launch of the iPhone, where the real innovation wasn’t just making a smartphone but realizing that a touch interface could completely change how people interacted with technology.

This perspective was interesting to me. Innovation isn’t just about inventing something brand new? Turns out, it’s also about recognizing potential and pushing existing technology in unexpected directions. In Esimple’s case, that means adapting tools like Unity, hand-tracking, and augmented reality to fit business needs. I learned that true innovation isn’t just creating it’s also about seeing what exists and asking, “What more can we do with this?”

I then added, “When I look at this technology, all I see is potential and more potential. Obviously, some businesses are skeptical, but which industries are the early adopters? Who is really embracing this?”

Marcantoni explained that while virtual and augmented reality are still emerging in many industries, the automotive industry has been using them for years. “For example, the Vario headset, which was the best before the Apple Vision Pro, was primarily used in the automotive industry for prototyping, to assess comfort, size, and design. Flight simulation is another example. This kind of technology has been used in that field for over 20 years, long before VR became commercially available.”

But when asked, “Who should be using this that isn’t yet?” Marcantoni pointed to an unfortunate, but important, point: many companies already have the necessary 3D models and tools but aren’t using them. “The biggest challenge is creating the digital assets. This technology could work in any industry, but companies that already use 3D modeling, like those designing mechanical equipment, aren’t fully utilizing what they have. They don’t understand its potential.”

As we know in innovation, not understanding the potential of something can be a serious roadblock.

Even when businesses have the resources, he explained, the biggest resistance often comes from leadership. “In Italy, many companies are still run by 70- or 80-year-old men who don’t want to hand over control to younger engineers. They say, ‘I’m the owner, you’re the employee.'”

Businesses can “Trasformiamo la realtà” with the help of Esimple.

This final point stuck with me. A huge part of whether or not innovation is implemented is about the mindset of the person who has the power to innovate. The tools exist, the potential is limitless, but without forward-thinking leadership, the most groundbreaking advancements go untapped. (Don’t think about that point too hard, it’ll make you go down a rabbit hole of all the things that we’re missing out on right now.)

All in all, at Esimple I learned something important: their work proves that sometimes innovation is about seeing beyond what already exists and daring to take the next step with it. And sometimes, that next step is esimple: embracing change. Did you see what I did there?

Teletruria: Technology and innovation in journalism

By

On March 25, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Teletruria has spent its entire history pioneering innovation. This station has continuously evolved, overcoming challenges through a blend of technological adaptation and community engagement. Teletruria’s started to be an accurate, reliable, news source to the people within Arezzo and the surrounding Tuscan area. Throughout our time at Teletruria, we got to see this change while also being on the live show ourselves. 

Teletruria’s studio

“During the last year, we have been working hard on innovation. [Innovation] is indispensable: Not only the innovation of the camera or phone, but now multidisciplinary innovation with different media.”

Teletruria showed that innovation is beyond just equipment and physical upgrades. Instead it focuses on the integration of various different forms of media: From television to social media platforms. This vital integration of technology with their mission of sharing the news lets them reach a variety of people, deepening its commitment to the Tuscan community. 

“The future of television is this: The possibility to use multi-plane media to spread our message, so social media, television, radio, YouTube, everything.”

The editors and journalists of Teletruria believed that the power of journalism lies in easy accessibility for their readers. This belief has fueled an approach to journalism where the local stories on Teletruria are easily accessible around the region, but also globally. Their motivation lies beyond just traditional success, but also allowing for community input and questions while live on air.

“ We now use WhatsApp, with a QR code, and during the live telecast it’s possible to invite questions from the people.” 

This approach emphasises community engagement: They are driven by the community and local stories. This transforms the user experience and the way news is consumed: It provides a new avenue for the audience to feel engaged with what’s going on on both the TV, and in their own community. 

Personally, we saw this while going on the live show. During our time at Teletruria, we were toured around the station and welcomed with open arms. We were taken around to the offices, the various studies, and met many members of the Teletruria production team. While we were taken around, one of the journalists was using a new swivel camera that could capture 360 degrees of footage: Showing their further dedication to combining journalism with state of the art technology.

In their production room, we were able to view their live view as the news was on: How they determine when to switch cameras, the live countdown from commercial back to news, and just the overall management of the program.


Live production room

After our tour, we were taken on live air. For me, this was a little unexpected. I expected to be interviewed by the journalists, and maybe in front of a camera, but not on live TV. Not only was it live TV, but it was right around the time that people would start watching the news, so we would have a larger audience. I didn’t speak any Italian, so we relied on translations for our questions. During this time, we saw the Whatsapp questions come into play.  While live on air, audience members were able to ask questions about our experience in Arezzo and time at the University of Oklahoma: They asked if they could tour our campus, and how they can get involved with what we do. 

OUA on live TV

It was a cool experience, and while I was nervous, I am glad I did it. Watching in real time how Teletruria connects their live audience to the story was super interesting. It felt as if they were actually involved in the story telling that the journalists were trying to create. 

During the hour and a half we were at Teletruria, we saw all the effort it took to maintain a 24 hour news station: There was constant effort and we were quickly ushered around. They took their commitment to the community seriously: Every effort was meant to engage the Tuscan community, whether that was through technology, social media, or interactive displays.

“It’s not the equipment that makes the station, it’s the people.” 

Finding Affinity

By

On March 23, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation

Teleturia’s innovative approach in the community of Arezzo.

TeleturiaHD logo

The foundation of a community consists of a wide range of factors. Each person adds something individualistic that is unique to themselves, yet remains interwoven into the larger group. The idea of connection helps to strengthen these bonds and is a crucial aspect of any community. More and more in the modern world, communities stay connected through the use of digital media. While national and international news outlets are undeniably useful tools, it is more important than ever for a smaller community such as Arezzo to have a sense of affinity for itself.  

Who are Teleturia?

Teleturia TV Studios, a studio local to the city of Arezzo, was one of the first independent news stations in Italy. For fifty years, they have represented the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, largely emphasizing the importance of the Arezzo community. 

They focus on issues of public and social interest, specialize in institutional communication, and focus attention on digital communication. They do this through various forms of journalism, marketing, and production, including 24-hour coverage, live broadcasts, and innovative ways of engaging with the community. This is all done by a core team of approximately 30 individuals. 

It may seem difficult for a team of this size to produce such extensive productions, but their systematic structure of media and the passion they hold truly keep Teleturia as a leading news station for local provinces. Teleturia is also in a unique position, in which each representative of Teleturia is also representative of the larger Arezzo community. Having a diverse group of individuals from across the city helps immensely in producing a well-rounded image for the city. 

Brainstorm wall for various focuses in media.

Innovation – Community in Media

Teleturia uses various innovative methods to include the community in the production, and consumption, of the local news. Since Teleturia is located outside of the city center, it is more difficult to come across stories naturally; rather, reporters actively search for the stories forged from the community. Journalist Maddalena Pieroni gave us more insight into this process: 

“You have to stay outside… for instance, I work with the healthcare system. If I go to the hospital for a press conference, I have to stay very alert because I can get news there.” 

This isn’t the only way Teleturia seeks public opinion. Teleturia frequently goes out into the streets of Arezzo and asks locals their thoughts and opinions on current stories. The way that the community responds to news is arguably the most crucial piece of the story, as it binds the circumstances of each production to the real lives of those in Arezzo. 

“…after you have a piece of news, the second thing you do is to go among people and ask them what they think about it…. It’s fundamental. 

Without the people’s opinion, it’s useless.” 

This strengthens the publications at Teleturia of course, showing viewers that the information is affecting the lives of those around them. In addition to this, it benefits the individual community members. 

“Because this is a small community, it is important. People at night, at 8:30, look forward to see themselves on TV… it’s in Arezzo and in the Province that people want to see themselves.” 

The unique tactics implemented here foster a deep community bond, but they don’t stop at interviewing community members. Outside of actually collecting information for producing the media, Teleturia allows consumers to actively participate as the stories get told. For example, they occasionally have live audience news broadcasts. Another interesting feature is the on-site staged kitchen, where Teleturia invites chefs from across Tuscany to present their skills on screen. This provides an intimate connection with the community, not only representing individuals, but also representing the food culture that Tuscany is so well known for. 

Stage kitchen on site at Teleturia.

My peers and I personally experienced the unique way Teleturia includes the community of Arezzo. They invited us to participate in a live news broadcast, in which we got to speak a bit about our experience with study abroad. As international students, we are a demographic that doesn’t necessarily have a ton of representation in the community of Arezzo. Teleturia went out of their way to to give us a space to share our story. In addition to this, the live broadcast allowed viewers to send real time messages and questions to us. This made it clear that our story was being heard and appreciated by other members of the community. The fact that this is a system Teleturia offers such live shows frequently is an outstanding show of solidarity and connection through the use of media. 

Behind the scenes image of Teleturia’s live studio, Studio 16.

Community is foundational in the production done at Teleturia TV Studios. The people of Arezzo add a unique life to the stories being told, both as the subjects and the viewers. In addition to this, the community of journalists, marketing experts, and professionals working behind the scenes are undeniably influential, carefully using their skills to construct an image for the city of Arezzo. Teleturia is a news station founded on interpersonal relationships, constantly innovating new ways to deepen the roots of community in their media. 

Touring Teletruria and Turning Risk Into Innovation

By

On March 13, 2025

In Arezzo Innovation, Sterling Foster

https://youtube.com/shorts/M8YCIBYOBAE?feature=share

On Monday, March 10th, my Innovators in Journalism classmates and I once again loaded into a van and drove to the Teletruria Studio, one of Arezzo’s main news networks. When we got there, we were greeted by Maddalena Pieroni, a charming journalist with gorgeous hair that made us feel instantly comfortable. We introduced ourselves and explained our majors to her, and then her boss, Alex Revelli, came down and kicked off the grand tour of the studio.

In the video above, you’ll get to experience the tour with me as he guides us through Teletruria’s impressive space, which was absolutely amazing to experience first-hand. We explored the journalists’ offices, the editing rooms, a photography studio, and intricately designed sets, where each space revealed a different part of the news production process. It really takes a village! I think the most surprising stop was the fully stocked kitchen set, equipped with every appliance a guest chef might need for a live cooking segment. After wrapping up the tour, we had the chance to squeeze in a quick interview before our big moment: stepping in front of the cameras ourselves. That’s right, we were about to be on the news. Live.

But let me back up for a moment—before our Italian newscast debut, we sat down for an interview with Alex and Maddalena. We asked them all sorts of questions on innovation, with my area of focus on the risks taken in order to innovate. Going around in a circle to ask questions, I was last in our group to ask my question. When my turn came, I asked, “In the span of your 51 years on air, what has been your biggest risk taken?”

He didn’t hesitate: “The money.” He went on to explain that, over the course of the 50 years Teletruria has been around, everything has changed. The advertising landscape is new, and audiences are consuming content in more ways than in the past.“The advertising is not on the same level. It depends on the people that are working in the advertising office.” Their team had a huge impact on this aspect, but before they could innovate, they needed a problem to fix: “Two years ago, during COVID, the government cut our funding and we lost €300,000. That was big money for us.” To combat this, the Teletruria team crafted a new strategy centered around ramping up their advertising and making up the lost revenue that way. He mentioned that the quality of the commercials have improved and they are now on a sustainable business path. “Now, we’re not just a leader in Tuscany. We’ve become the top television station in central Italy in terms of advertising revenue. Previously, we relied solely on government funding,” Alex told us.

The lesson here is that sometimes you must take a financial risk when it comes to innovating. In Teletruria’s case, when their traditional revenue stream was seriously disrupted by external factors like COVID and the subsequent government cuts, the network confronted the problem head-on. They chose to address the problem, even though it was a financial risk for them, and they rethought their business model. And now they are the top earners in central Italy. It quite literally pays to innovate.

We wrapped up the interview after that, and then the moment we’d all been anticipating arrived. It was time to transition from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera to make our Italian daytime television debut. We saw the monitor count us down, and then suddenly we were live and on air. Instantly, I was worried about how my hair looked on camera. But hey, sometimes you’ve just got to take risks.



Page 2 of 4

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén