Maria Di Florio

Expert in programming, management and monitoring of EU and international projects with significant experience in all aspects of business development, investment promotion and SME development.

Advisor to International Consortia and National Institutions with professional experience relating to the implementation and technical management of EU funded programmes in support to developing economies, European local-community cooperation programmes (cross-border, interregional) as well as programmes funded by the ERDF and other EU funds.

Professional experience

2016 – Head of the Secretariat for Research and Studies – A.I.O.M.

2014 – Team leader of the IPA 2009 Project entitled “Support to the introduction Quality Management System” in Bosnia Herzegovina.
Internationalisation of local SMEs and support to exportation by obtaining the ISO 9001 certification. Support to the competent local institutions regarding the introduction of quality standards and consultancy in the identification and selection of 100 pilot businesses of the project, supported in the implementation of quality-system management necessary to obtain the ISO certification.
Leader of the International Consortium: D’Appolonia SpA (Rina Group) – Genoa

2013 – Consultancy focused on technical and management support in the implementation of the MED 2007-2013 Community initiative Programme, strategic “FUTUREMED” project.
Support in drafting the technical contributions required in project development with regard to the reduction of externalities and boosting the efficiency of port and back-port infrastructures in the MED area.

Project leader: Friuli Venezia Giulia Region – Trieste

2012 – Consultancy for the implementation of the EU KAZLOD Programme – Kazakhstan Regional Development Project Assistance to the Ministry of Transport and Communication in RK for the identification and development of a strategy to improve the provision of administrative services through the One-Stop-Shop.

Leader of the International Consortium: GDSI Ltd – Galway (Ireland)

2011 – Technical and management support in the implementation of the So.Nor.A Community initiative project.
Coordination activity of the technical team of experts for the accomplishment of the So.Nor.A Project, in accordance with the mandate entrusted by the Trieste Port Authority.

2010 – Manager Com.It.Es. N.S.W.(Australia) – Committee of Italians abroad of New South Wales.

Technical assistance in the implementation of programmes funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Networking and facilitation of operational relations between the Italian Community and the main social and cultural Institutions of New South Wales.

2009 – Consultancy targeted at technical and management support in the implementation of the 2005 TACIS Nuclear Safety Programme “Development of a strategic programme for the socio-economic development of the Chernobyl Region”.
Support in the identification of a strategic plan aiming at the social and economic development of the Chernobyl Region in Ukraine.

Leader of the International Consortium: BMB Mott MacDonald – Arnhem – The Netherlands

2006-2007 – Consultancy targeted at technical and management support in the implementation of the EU/CARDS Programme in Croatia, entitled “Strategic Plan for the Development of existing Free Zones in Croatia”.

Identification and creation of Partnership Groups in 13 Croatian Counties. Consultancy services and information exchange with the main stakeholders for the development of medium-term strategies of 13 Free Zones in Croatia.

Leader of the International Consortium: TDI Group International Consulting – Dublin

2004-2005 – Vice Team Leader of the EU/TACIS “Baltic SMEs Development for the Russian Federation” project.

Support to the Ministry of Economy of the Russian Federation for the internationalisation/exportation of Russian SMEs, aiming at expanding cross-border commercial activities and promoting regional economic integration.

Leader of the International Consortium: IBF International Consulting sa – Brussels

2004 – Consultancy for the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy in the management and implementation of the EU/Phare Programme in Lithuania “Ferilit – Framework for economic restructuring in Ignalina, Visaginas and Zarasai Municipalities.

Development of innovative strategies for reviving the Ignalina Region following the decommissioning of the nuclear power station.

Leader of the International Consortium:Eurecna SpA – Mestre (VE)

2002-2003 – Technical and management support in the implementation of the EU/Obnova Programme in Bosnia & Herzegovina (BIH) entitled “Euper – European Programme for Enterprise Revitalisation in BiH” Direct assistance to Bosnian businesses, as project recipients, in the implementation of restructuring plans.

Leader of the International Consortium: Eurecna SpA – Mestre (VE)

1996-2001 – Geneeral Director Ansaldo Sistemi Industriali/VEI – Mosca Joint Venture

Incorporation and management of the joint enterprise

1988-1995 – Head of Marketing and Development Strategies relating to the prerogatives of the free zones of the Port of Trieste c/o Finporto SpA – Trieste.

1980-1987– Area Manager for the ex U.R.S.S. c/o Coe&Clerici SpA – Genoa