News

At the International Workshop on Membrane Engineering 2026, held in Naples from 14–17 June, Ivan Panza, Innovation Business Analyst & Exploitation Manager at PNO Digital, presented how data-driven innovation intelligence can support organizations in navigating an increasingly complex and competitive innovation landscape.

The workshop brought together leading researchers, technology developers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the latest advances in membrane engineering, including membrane materials, fouling mitigation strategies, desalination technologies, wastewater treatment, membrane distillation, forward osmosis, membrane crystallization, and other emerging industrial applications.

During his presentation, Ivan highlighted how transforming large volumes of scientific, technological, market, and funding data into actionable insights can help organizations anticipate trends, identify strategic opportunities, and strengthen their innovation positioning. Drawing on findings from PNO’s recent Membrane Technology Market Report 2025, he emphasized that the global membrane market is projected to grow from approximately €24 billion in 2023 to nearly €38 billion by 2028, driven by increasing demand for sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, energy transition technologies, and advanced industrial separation processes.

The session also explored how innovation intelligence can help bridge the gap between scientific excellence and market uptake, supporting organizations in identifying emerging technologies, key players, investment trends, and collaboration opportunities across the membrane ecosystem. As highlighted in the report, accelerating R&D activity, growing public and private investments, and evolving regulatory frameworks are reshaping the competitive landscape and creating new opportunities for innovation.

An inspiring opportunity to exchange perspectives with experts shaping the future of membrane technologies and sustainable industrial processes. As the sector continues to evolve, the ability to turn signals into strategy is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage.