Marcus Timson

Last week, I was privileged to attend and speak at the DIPA event in Modena. Situated near Maranello—the legendary home of Ferrari—this vibrant region is a hub of innovation, culture, hospitality, and world-class cuisine. Although I’ve spent considerable time in Italy attending events like InPrint in Milan, this was my first visit to Emilia-Romagna. Its charm, distinct from the bustling energy of Lombardy, left me wondering why I hadn’t explored it sooner. Sassuolo, the epicentre of the ceramics revolution, has positioned the region as a leader in print tech innovation, and I’m already looking forward to returning!

DIPA: Shaping the Future of Digital Decor Printing

The Digital Printing Association (DIPA) is a driving force of innovation in the decor industry, pushing the boundaries of digital printing for furniture, flooring, textiles, and wall coverings. DIPA serves as a vibrant platform where creativity and technology converge.

What makes DIPA unique is its strong emphasis on collaboration and community. Through events, workshops, and webinars, it connects manufacturers, designers, and tech innovators to explore cutting-edge solutions and stay ahead of industry trends. Sustainability is another key focus, with the association championing eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste and enabling on-demand production.

At the event, the atmosphere was electric, with discussions revolving around how digital printing is transforming the decor industry—offering endless possibilities for customization and efficiency. DIPA is not just about adapting to change; it’s about driving it.

During my talk, entitled "A New Operating System," I shared my belief that Europe, in particular, needs to embrace a new leadership mindset—one that redeems a culture of innovation and fosters bold visions for disruption. The printing industry, among the oldest in the world, with roots tracing back to Gutenberg in 1440, cannot afford to rely solely on incremental approaches to innovation. My visit to NEOS reinforced this notion—they embody the spirit of bold, transformative thinking.

NEOS: Inkjet Innovation in the Heart of Maranello

After the DIPA event, we visited NEOS in Maranello. While the town is synonymous with Ferrari, NEOS proves that innovation here extends beyond supercars.

NEOS is redefining the potential of inkjet technology with platforms aptly named the Fighter and the Bombardier. The Fighter is designed for precision and versatility, tackling intricate printing challenges, while the Bombardier delivers high-speed, high-volume output without compromising quality.

What struck me most about NEOS was their versatility, engineering brilliance, and ambition. Whether it’s textiles, custom decor, or beautifully bound books, their machines handle various applications. Unlike much of the industry, which prioritizes risk aversion and cost-cutting, NEOS takes a bold, modular approach, creating tailor-made solutions for every job.

One standout feature is their willingness to use the right technology for the task—even if it means incorporating print heads from three different manufacturers into a single machine. This level of customization is rare and exemplifies their boundary-pushing ethos.

Of course, true to Italian style, NEOS’s machines are functional and beautifully designed—the embodiment of form meeting function.

Special thanks to Frank de Jonge, Wilfred van Kleefsman, and Vincenzo Palumbo, NEOS’s visionary CEO, for showcasing their incredible work, as well as to the DIPA team, including Robert Bierfreund, René Schavoir, and Gabriele Kirchmeier,, for organizing such an inspiring event.

Reflections

From the forward-thinking ethos of DIPA to NEOS’s groundbreaking innovations, this experience underscored the power of blending tradition with innovation.

In the heart of Italy, I witnessed firsthand how bold vision, collaboration, and a passion for excellence can drive meaningful transformation in the print industry.