The program initially featured presentations by research organizations and technology providers on specific topics: virtual reality and augmented reality; smart living technologies; and innovative and nanostructured materials and treatments. This was followed by over 40 individual business-to-business and business-to-research meetings between the participating organizations: Bardi, Trigano, SEA, Apuana Corporate, New Changer, Sedex, Maggi Technology, Schott, Cromology, Aurora Cucine, Imer, Ihimer, Segis, Formitalia, Panurania, Mario Salvadori, Utilplastic, Spin-pet, Co-robotics, Nuvap, Altab, Nextworks, Consorzio Polo Tecnologico Magona, the Department of Architecture and the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Florence, the Department of Design and of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan, the Institute of Industrial Technologies and Automation at the CNR, the Biorobotics Institute at the Sant'Anna School of Pisa, and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Marche.

Gianluca Mugnaini of the Trigano Group, a leader in the camper sector, commented: "The meeting was very interesting for our company because in one afternoon we were able to learn about and meet with many companies and research centers. The concept of connecting companies through a meeting aimed at direct knowledge brought significant added value to this event because it allows us to explain to ORs and innovation providers who we are and what interests us for our projects. We believe this is the right path for developing new projects, in the common interest of pursuing shared activities to be innovators, not "followers."

Marinella Ferrara of the Polytechnic University of Milan also found the R2B meeting format to be a winning one, as it allowed companies to evaluate the research content and gain an overview of the innovation opportunities that design research can offer to local industries. Therefore, the interaction between the companies was very lively, highlighting the production issues requiring solutions and also responding to the input the research provided in previous presentations. The impression I got from the conversation with the participants was that it's possible to support companies in developing viable innovation paths." Marco Sacco of the CNR also emphasized that "providing both us and the companies with profiles in advance was very helpful for the success of the meeting, so we could organize targeted meetings."

Simona Bargiacchi, R&D Manager at Cromology, agreed with the meeting format: "The day's topic was very broad and technically rich, and there was a risk that it would be distracting and ineffective. Instead, the formula of quick interventions and then one-on-one meetings was very productive. Specifically, Cromology held three introductory meetings, one of which has already resulted in a project proposal to be submitted for the call for proposals on research and development due out in January 2017."