BSIS Impact Assessment: the School is awarded the prestigious recognition for having generated an impact of academic and social excellence

The School of Management of Politecnico di Milano has successfully completed the BSIS (Business School Impact System) assessment process, confirming its important role at an international level in the academic and social arena.

BSIS is a tool promoted by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) − one of the three most important accreditation bodies in the world − which assesses the impact of business schools on their geographical areas and society as a whole. Through this process, the School has seen its commitment to contributing positively to society through academic, research and collaboration activities with local businesses and institutions certified and measured

 

BSIS: the essential meaning and value of the process

The BSIS assessment is a crucial tool for assessing the impact of business schools on the surrounding environment and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the contribution of academic institutions to their socio-economic context.

The impact of business schools is analysed in seven main areasfinancial, including both the school’s direct budget and the indirect financial flow generated in the region; educational, reflecting the influence of programmes on the local management community; business development, including the creation of new businesses and support for existing services; intellectual, through the output of the teaching staff and the contribution to local cultural life; within the regional ecosystem, involving the teaching staff and participants in public life and integration with other institutions; social, relating to CSR policies and sustainable development integrated into teaching and management; and image, assessing the school’s local, national and international reputation and its effect on the impact zone.

 

The evidence which emerged from the report for our institution

The BSIS assessment recognised the School’s strong capabilities in all the areas considered.

Starting from its product portfolio aligned with the country’s areas of excellence, the School has proven to uniquely integrate management, technology and humanities, thus creating an innovative and stimulating learning environment.

The assessment also highlighted the importance of key projects launched by the School to promote social innovation and address global challenges. Prominent among these projects are “Leave Your Mark”, which gives non-profit organisations the opportunity to benefit from the pro bono work of faculty, alumni and students, and the “Innova Europe” and “SoM Prize for SDGs” challenges, which respectively recognise SDG-based start-ups founded by students and alumni from top European business schools, and the work of our alumni to solve contemporary social challenges.

In addition, the School is actively committed to supporting the fight against climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Through initiatives such as the financing of projects in countries such as India, Madagascar and Ecuador, and the financial support received from the Italian Ministry of University and Research for the HumanTech − Humans and Technology project, the School is positioned as a reference point in the field of sustainability and innovation.

 

At the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, societal impact is a pivotal principle of our vision and mission. Besides being fully aware of our role in society, we already had a comprehensive approach to assessing the impact of our research activities; nevertheless, thanks to the BSIS framework, we realised that there were more dimensions to consider in order to enhance our overall effectiveness in our impact zone.

In this perspective, the recommendations that have emerged from the assessment are very valuable to support our School in implementing new measurement methodologies and activities to reach the ambitious goals we have set in our strategic plan. In this respect, the assessment challenges us to utilise impact measurement to support − and emphasise − our commitment and achievements, thus providing even more consistency to our mission.”

Raffaella Cagliano, Academic Director, School of Management del Politecnico di Milano

 

Per maggiori informazioni: https://blog.efmdglobal.org/2024/03/20/polimi-school-of-management-awarded-bsis-label/

Costanza Mariani wins an IPMA Young Researcher Award

 

Her research ‘Empirical Applications of Artificial Intelligence to the Domain of Project Managementproves successful

 

Costanza Mariani, a researcher from the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, won the IPMA Young Researcher Award 2024.

The IPMA Research Awards aim to promote research excellence to improve project management by contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the development of the industry and are an important recognition for project managers who give their best to achieve the results desired by stakeholders, organisations or the society, while dealing with ever-increasing complexity and volatility.

IPMA Research Evaluation Baseline (REB) assesses and recognises research conducted to the highest global standards and promotes theoretical and/or methodological aspects by assessing applications according to the following criteria: research problem, research process, research results and people in the research.

Based on four demonstrative case studies, Researcher Costanza Mariani’s paper ‘Empirical Applications of Artificial Intelligence to the Domain of Project Management‘ analyses the application of artificial intelligence to four project management processes (selection of projects to be included in a portfolio, risk assessment, risk mitigation action selection, stakeholder classification).

The four cases were validated in real project contexts (specifically in Nuclear Decommissioning and IT projects) and the results obtained through the application of AI were compared with those obtained through normal human-based project selection, risk management and stakeholder ranking processes.

The results showed that the use of AI fosters process efficiency in project management and improves decision-making processes, while also ensuring the possibility of constant monitoring and the implementation of ad hoc corrective actions in progress.

 

For further information: https://awards.ipma.world/news/6487/

The economic consequences of an increasingly polarized job market


A study by Daniele Siena on the economic journal

 

Technology, in particular that which enables the automation of production processes, is radically changing the world of work in Europe and globally. However, this trend not only has a direct effect on society and the labour market but also has a crucial impact on the functioning of the economy and the economic policies of governments and central banks.

A study by Daniele Siena, Professor of Macroeconomics at the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, and Riccardo Zago, published on The Economic Journal, shows how the destruction of routine jobs, such as those of craftsmen, factory workers, farmers, plant/machinery operators and unskilled workers, is changing the structure of the economy in the Eurozone. In particular, the polarisation of the labour market towards manual (generally low-income) and abstract (high-income) jobs is making prices in the economy less sensitive to changes in employment.

This happens because the routine labour and the non-routine labour markets work in a very different way from each other. The routine labour market is very rigid and barely dynamic; mobility of workers is low as they due to their poor qualification level, and collective bargaining coverage is high.  In contrast, the non-routine labour market is more fluid and dynamic. Indeed, non-routine workers change their employer more often, may have more jobs at the same time and show higher mobility. The result is an aggregate labour market in which it is easier to lose one’s job but also to find a new one, as the technology transition increases the share of non-routine workers.

This leads to more stable wages and therefore increases stability in prices, in response to the economic cycle. Indeed, when an economic shock or a change in economic policies occurs, the economy usually reacts in terms of quantity of labour (employment and unemployment) rather than wages.

To sum up, the labour market transition from routine to non-routine jobs makes wages and inflation less sensitive to changes in the economic cycle at the aggregate level.

Understanding this mechanism is of paramount to understand the effect of European economic policies. In particular, the change in the structure of labour may explain the European Central Bank’s difficulty in controlling inflation in the years before the Covid-19 pandemic. The current reversal of the labour market polarisation caused by Covid-19, implemented through the re-industrialisation plans of Next Generation EU, may explain the unexpected inflationary boost of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies implemented to mitigate the effects of Covid-19.

 

Find out more
Daniele Siena, Riccardo Zago
Job Polarisation, Labour Market Fluidity and the Flattening of the Phillips Curve
The Economic Journal, January 2024

Industry5.0 – The Imperative of Sustainability in Manufacturing

Not just an ethical considerations but a value for success. Sustainable production as an opportunity for producers to differentiate themselves in the current market.

 

Manufacturing Group, School of Management

 

Nowadays, the manufacturing industry stands at a critical crossroads where environmental sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a must have. The imperative for sustainable practices in manufacturing goes beyond ethical considerations; it directly impacts financial viability, brand image, and regulatory compliance. As global awareness of environmental issues intensifies, stakeholders across the manufacturing sector are recognizing that sustainable practices are not just optional but essential for long-term success.

The financial case for environmental sustainability was initially perceived as a cost burden, instead, the sustainable practices, are now recognized as drivers of cost savings and operational efficiency. By reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and optimizing resource utilization, manufacturers can significantly lower their operating expenses. Investments in renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction initiatives often lead to substantial long-term cost savings, enhancing profitability and competitiveness.

Moreover, sustainable manufacturing practices, like the adoption of circular economy strategies, mitigate financial risks associated with volatile resource prices and regulatory uncertainty. As the costs of raw materials and energy continue to fluctuate, companies that embrace sustainability are better positioned to weather market fluctuations and maintain stable production costs. Additionally, forward-thinking investors are increasingly factoring environmental performance into their decision-making processes, making sustainability initiatives attractive for capital investment and fostering sustainable growth.

In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand image plays a key role in consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability not only attract environmentally conscious consumers but also enhance brand loyalty and reputation. Adopting sustainable manufacturing practices not only mitigates environmental impact but also shields companies from reputational damage and potential boycotts. By aligning their brand with values of corporate responsibility, manufacturers can differentiate themselves in the market and cultivate a positive brand image for both consumers and stakeholders. Indeed, companies that prioritize sustainability not only reap financial rewards through cost savings and operational efficiency but also enhance brand loyalty, mitigate reputational risks, and stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Governments around the world are enacting increasingly stringent environmental regulations to address climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. From emissions standards to waste management regulations, manufacturers are facing a complex web of environmental mandates that necessitate proactive compliance measures. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in costly fines, legal liabilities, and operational disruptions.

However, regulatory compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it presents an opportunity for manufacturers to stay ahead of the curve and gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, staying abreast of evolving regulations enables manufacturers to anticipate future compliance challenges and adapt their operations accordingly, ensuring long-term viability and resilience in an increasingly regulated environment.

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve in response to global environmental challenges, embracing sustainability is not just a matter of responsibility; it is a strategic imperative for long-term success and resilience, it can position companies as industry leaders and let them gain preferential treatment from regulators, customers, and investors.

A sustainable-driven engine is especially relevant for the Italian manufacturing domain characterized by medium and small realities facing different challenges in pursuing such a transition due to limited financial capital, lack of skills, and lack of adequate infrastructure. Being aware about this challenging context, the Manufacturing Group of the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano aims at boosting the sustainable and circular transition of manufacturing companies by transferring the scientific knowledge generated in both national and international research projects into the industrial domain. To provide a complete support by covering the several aspects characterizing the transition, different but specific assessment methodologies have been developed.

Manufacturing companies can be supported in identifying the circular practices to be established internally to the company and externally by collaborating with external entities based on their strategic goals and current operations. Moreover, they could easily identify the set of data needed to establish such circular practices and chose the proper suppliers evaluating their sustainable oriented performances. Among all, considering the lack of skills perceived, the research group support companies in measuring this perception by mapping the skills and job profiles available internally to the company to identify proper training paths focused on circularity of sustainability dimensions.

 

MAASive: a project to maximise resources in a value network

MAASive project was created with this aim, to enhance the resilience of manufacturing companies in response to the challenges posed by rapidly evolving markets.

 

Nowadays, competition transcends individual companies and extends to their systems of companies – suppliers, buyers, technology and financial partners – referred to as ‘value networks’. Today’s value networks face the imperative of bolstering their resilience to navigate the increasingly volatile economic environment.

Horizon project MAASive (Manufacturing-as-a-Service to Increase Resilience in Value Networks) aims to develop new models to increase the resilience of value networks by leveraging Manufacturing-as-a-Service, a flexible sourcing approach that entails collaboration among value network members by sharing production capacity and harnessing digital technologies to achieve greater efficiency and reliability.

The primary objective is to maximise existing resources within value networks by providing industries with a tool kit that amalgamates established methods and technologies tailored to the MaaS framework, supplemented by new models and technologies developed as part of the project. Through an interconnected network, the tool kit facilitates seamless access for manufacturers to on-demand service providers, enabling swift and efficient use of production services and equipment.

Over 36 months, the project endeavours to build up European manufacturing companies’ resilience against unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of service-oriented approach allows companies to quickly adapt to critical events and resume production even amidst unforeseen circumstances, mitigating interruptions in the supply of essential materials and components.
A large number of European companies under-utilise their production equipment, which hints at the substantial potential for increased production in the EU without the need of additional investment.

Politecnico di Milano will provide the conceptual foundations for the proposed models while contributing to the development of simulation models and supporting the dissemination of the project results.

The researchers from the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering involved are Margherita Pero, Antonio Masi, Franco Chiriacò and Adeline Athina Abou Ali.

The project is led by Aalborg University (Denmark). In addition to Politecnico di Milano, partners include: Hamburg University of Technology (Germany) École Centrale de Nantes (France), Kamstrup AS (Denmark), Arcelik AŞ (Turkey), Artico SA (Romania), Ilpea Plastik Ve Kaucuk Urunleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey), Industrie Ilpea Romania Srl (Romania), Smartopt Bilisim Teknolojileri A.Ş. (Turkey), Txt E-Tech SRL (Italy), Etk Ems Skanderborg AS (Denmark).

Transforming Manufacturing for a Customer-Centric Future


Over the past few years, there has been a significant transformation in the manufacturing industry known as Servitization; it is now a prominent trend for 2024. This shift represents a departure from the conventional focus on producing goods, towards a more service-centric approach.

 

Anna De Carolis, Junior Assistant Professor, Manufacturing Group
Claudia Aurisano, Research fellow, Manufacturing Group
School of Management, Politecnico di Milano

 

Servitization introduces services into the core business model, offering manufacturers a distinct mean to stand out in today’s highly competitive market.

Servitization is the process through which manufacturers transition from selling products to delivering comprehensive solutions that include not only the physical product but also a range of associated services. This strategic evolution is driven by the recognition that customers increasingly value outcomes and experiences over mere ownership of products. By providing a bundle of services alongside their products, manufacturers can better meet customer needs and foster long-term relationships.

For manufacturers, embracing servitization signifies a strategic pivot extending beyond mere product sales to the building of enduring customer relationships. This transition demands a reassessment of business models, internal processes, and a cultural shift within organizations. Manufacturers are evolving into solution providers, committed to meeting the growing needs of their customers across the entire product lifecycle. On the flip side, customers stand to gain from this transformation with enriched value propositions. Instead of engaging in one-off transactions, they gain access to a suite of services that optimize the performance, durability, and efficiency of their purchased products.

From a market perspective, servitization offers significant competitive differentiation. Manufacturers can distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace by offering a distinctive blend of products and services. This approach fosters stronger customer relationships through ongoing support and value provision, leading to heightened loyalty. Moreover, it facilitates the evolution from a transactional model to a subscription-based or pay-per-use model, generating more predictable and recurring revenue streams. Additionally, by maintaining deeper engagement throughout the product lifecycle, manufacturers gain invaluable insights into customer behavior, enabling them to tailor services and products more effectively, thereby fostering enhanced customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, from an environmental standpoint, servitization encourages a focus on product longevity, repairability, and sustainability, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly and socially responsible practices.

Overall, the sale of services linked to products is reshaping the manufacturing market by offering new revenue streams, strengthening customer relationships, driving differentiation, fostering innovation, and promoting a more customer-centric approach to business.

Servitization is critical for the manufacturing industry’s future success because it aligns with the changing expectations of modern consumers. In an era where customer experience and outcomes matter more than ever, manufacturers must evolve to remain competitive. This shift not only ensures the survival of traditional manufacturing firms but also positions them as leaders in an era where service excellence is paramount.

At Politecnico di Milano the Manufacturing Group of the School of Management aims to transfer its scientific knowledge to industrial companies, with services that favor the business’ evolution through the servitization model.

Our consultancy services in Business Development guide companies in creating value by identifying new services to complement their products or by transforming the product itself into a service, adopting a customer-centric business model focused on loyalty.

By leveraging scientific knowledge on service evolution, forward-thinking companies can easily adapt to the ever-growing needs of customers, diversifying their business models through digital technologies that enable them to ride the service economy wave.

Gender lens investing: reshaping financial landscapes

Investment approach aiming at combining economic performance and positive impact for women

 

A report focused on advancing gender equality through impact investing and sustainable finance was released.  ‘Empowering women, building sustainable assets: Strengthening the depth of gender lens investing across asset classes’ was prepared by UN Women, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano (TIRESIA project), Phenix Capital Group and Bocconi University – Axa Research Lab on Gender Equality.

The report explores the Gender Lens Investing (GLI) market through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The GLI approach places gender equality at the centre of investment decisions with the aim of reducing gender inequality through the strategic allocation of economic resources.

The report highlights the lack of consensus on the definition of equality and inclusion in the financial sphere, stressing the urgent need for better financial literacy. Improving financial education is a key step to incorporate gender issues into investment decisions.

Investors are increasingly aware of the importance of quantifying and reporting the impact of their investments, by adopting measurement practices that consider gender and equality issues, thus actively contributing to the success and positive impact of such initiatives.Top-down initiatives, including stricter regulations, are welcomed by the investment community, and foster the acceleration of gender and equality initiatives.

“We have not yet been able to make impact the main focus for financial institutions to generate value.” comments Mario Calderini, director of Tiresia.

The key findings of the report provide a detailed overview of the investment market targeting UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which promotes gender diversity. As of July 2023, invested capital reached the remarkable amount of USD 56 billion, reflecting the growing demand for SDG 5-related impact investment funds. Private equity is confirmed as the most mature impact strategy, as the asset class boasts the largest number of investment funds (41) and significant allocated capital. Investments in real assets – real estate and infrastructure – also saw an increase in initiatives in 2022, despite the limited number of funds.

This groundbreaking report not only reveals important findings, but also highlights the great contribution of Gender Lens Investing to society. By strategically allocating capital to address gender inequality, GLI offers a practical and potentially impactful solution to tackle the chronic underfunding of women’s empowerment and gender equality initiatives.As the world strives to achieve the ambitious goals set by the United Nations 2030 Agenda, this report proves the potential of Gender Lens Investing as a transformative force for positive change, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and fair future.

We have not yet been able to make impact the main focus for financial institutions to generate value.

“One of the most immediate reasons to explain why this has not happened is in the composition of the boards of large financial institutions: who was not sitting there? Women. I strongly believe that the impact revolution will depend on more inclusion, more women and more gender diversity in decision-making bodies.”

HumanTech Day 1

One year after the start of work, the first HumanTech event took place on January 26. HumanTech is the project selected and funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) for the 2023-2027 period as part of the ‘Departments of Excellence’ initiative.

 

One year after the start of the HumanTech-Humans and Technology project, the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering of Politecnico di Milano promoted the ‘HumanTech – Day 1’ event. Professors and researchers shared studies and ongoing research on human-technology interaction to inspire, raise awareness and stimulate new ideas. The aim is to redefine the complex relationship between technology, people and society to enable a sustainable digital transition of industrial systems.

After the welcome speeches of Raffaella Cagliano, Head of the Department, and Federico Caniato, coordinator of the HumanTech project, three  members of the project’s Scientific Board shared and discussed their perspectives on the topic: Prof.Katharina Hölzle, Director of the Institute for Human Factors and Technology Management, IAT – Universität Stuttgart; Prof. Torbjörn H. Netland, Chair of Production and Operations Management, ETH Zürich; and Prof. Viola Schiaffonati, Professor of Logic and Philosophy of Science, Politecnico di Milano.

In the second part, moderated by Prof. Guido Micheli, the new laboratories developed and funded within the project were presented: ‘Cognitive Ergonomics in Cyber Physical Systems Laboratory – CORE Lab’, headed by Prof. Matthias Klumpp; ‘Behavioural Research in Immersive Environment Laboratory – BRIEL Lab’, headed by Prof. Lucio Lamberti; and ‘HumanTech DataHub’, headed by Prof. Carlotta Orsenigo.

The CORE laboratory focuses on the study of cognitive ergonomics and, by means of advanced devices and sensors, conducts experimental studies on human cognitive and physiological reactions in the interaction between people and technology during work activities typical of production and logistics contexts in real or realistically reproduced settings.

The BRIEL laboratory supports research activities on the analysis of behavioural, cognitive and emotional factors in economic behaviour, by conducting experimental research that leverages neuroscience applied in physical, digital and immersive contexts that are highly similar to real work and technology use environments.

The HumanTech Data Hub is a platform where all data in support of the HumanTech research programme can be securely collected and stored, offering a single, simplified tool for data access and processing.

The laboratories are available to researchers of the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering (DIG) and are open to collaborations with companies and institutions.

After the rich poster session with more than 50 research papers, in the afternoon, at MADE Competence Centre Industry 4.0 and PoliHub, participants were able to watch the experiments in the laboratories, get to know the equipment and explore the potential of the laboratories, thanks also to parallel seminars held in the same areas, and conclude with reflections on the proposal of a HumanTech Manifesto.

It was a day full of reflections and stimuli, to involve and promote collaboration between different departmental research groups and imagine, together and synergistically, new development scenarios.

 

Event video and photo:

Sustainability and health aspects in the development of the agri-food sector in Africa

The course of IHEA foundation organised by the Politecnico di Milano was concluded at Addis Ababa

 

The intensive course “Sustainability and health aspects in the development of selected value chains of the agri-food sector in Ethiopia”, promoted by Fondazione IHEA – Italian Higher Education with Africa and organized by the Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with the Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health of the Università di Padova and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture of the Addis Abeba University, was concluded at Addis Ababa.

The course provided PhD students, young researchers and professionals with an integrated training on the role of agri-food section in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on the Ethiopian context, the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, and aspects of food safety and animal health for the development of global value chains.

Federica Ciccullo, professor at the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Niso Randellini, PhD student, and Sandra Cesari de Maria, project manager at Food Sustainability Lab, collaborated for the Politecnico di Milano.

 

Food Policy. Three new neighborhood hubs against waste in the city, over 615 tons of food recovered in 2023

At Palazzo Marino, on the occasion of the National Day of Prevention against Food Waste, the new actions for the strengthening of collection points and the new involvement of the city’s markets were presented.

 

 

Milan, 5 February 2024 – The Administration’s commitment in the fight continues to waste: on the occasion of the National Day for Prevention against Food Waste, which is celebrated today, the deputy mayor with responsibility for Food Policy and Agriculture Anna Scavuzzo presented the initiatives implemented in synergy with the city’s partners after the victory of the first edition of the Earthshot Prize 2021, a prestigious international award dedicated to the best solutions to protect the environment.
A set of actions that are the result of a year of collective work which involved 36 bodies in the sector and 12 partners including public and private entities, research bodies and companies in workshops, comparisons, needs analyzes and co-planning tables.

The commitment of the Administration and the City of Milan continues – said the deputy mayor with responsibility for Food Policy Anna Scavuzzoto combat waste and food poverty, a dual objective that is achieved with a synergistic action that sees in neighborhood hub a very concrete response: the impetus that the Earthshot Prize gave us allowed us to invest resources and co-plan how to use them together with the many subjects active on the Food Policy tables. Once again a good team effort that consolidates a highly effective food aid device in Milan“.

For the British Consul General in Milan, Catriona Graham, “as highlighted by the awarding of the Earthsot Prize, Milan’s Food Policy continues to prove itself at the cutting edge. We hope this partnership will help the City advance the impact of its work to reduce food waste – a critical challenge shared across our planet.”

With the aim, therefore, of reducing food waste and increasingly innovating the methods of recovering food for the most vulnerable, three new neighborhood hubs against food waste will be created in Milan by 2024: this is the Food Hub Cuccagna (Municipality 4), the Selinunte Hub (Municipality 7) and the widespread Hub (Municipality 2), which are added to those already active in the city (Isola Hub, Municipality 9; Lambrate Hub, Municipality 3; Centro Hub , Municipality 1; Gallaratese Hub, Municipality 8 and finally the Foody Zero Waste Hub, created within the Milan fruit and vegetable market).

The experience of neighborhood hubs – launched in 2019 by the Municipality of Milan together with Fondazione Cariplo, Programma QuBì, Assolombarda and Politecnico di Milano to encourage the recovery and redistribution of food surpluses with a territorial network of third sector entities, which they in turn send the food to people and families in difficulty – continues to grow, thus increasing the collection and storage centers for food from various merchants and large-scale retail outlets from five to eight.

The expansion of the network of neighborhood hubs for the fight against food waste for the benefit of the most vulnerable citizens is an important result for Milan which demonstrates a constant and joint commitment of the Cariplo Foundation, in synergy with the Municipality and all the actors of the city ​​food system. The Food Policy model of Milan, aimed at connecting and enhancing skills, represents a point of reference at an international level as demonstrated by the many awards received in recent years, not least the Earthshot Prize“, explained Carlo Mango, director of the Research area of ​​the Cariplo Foundation.

The Report of the Waste Watcher International Observatory shows how the total value of food wasted in Italy is over 13 billion euros per year. Continuously growing values, which show how important, in terms of social stability, attention to sustainability and care for the weakest families, initiatives such as ‘Zero Waste’ and the neighborhood hubs that Assolombarda, together with the Polytechnic, the Municipality of Milan and the Cariplo Foundation, have been implementing for several years now – said Adriana Pontecorvo, Group Vice President Food by AssolombardaAn even more central social function in recent months. Ours is an initiative that every year is enriched not only by new centers for the recovery and redistribution of food surpluses, but also by a strong push for innovation , with an increasingly precise mapping of surpluses and an ever-increasing number of companies joining this virtuous example of public-private collaboration. The ‘Zero Waste Hub’ brand, created pro bono by the Armando Testa agency, will increasingly enhance the commitment of the donors of surpluses and the many supporters of the project“.

The anti-waste alliance is also expanding thanks to a greater involvement of municipal markets in which the aim is to collect around 200 kg of surplus fresh produce per day in 20 city markets, a work that adds to that carried out within the Foody Zero Waste Hub. Eco delle Città APS, Associazione Banco Alimentare della Lombardia ‘Danilo Fossati’ ODV, Magma srl ​​Social enterprise, Recup APS, Comunità nuova non-profit organisation, Fondazione Arché and Caritas Ambrosiana.

Contributing to the reduction of food waste remains among Sogemi’s primary objectives. We are therefore proud to support the initiatives of the Food Policy of Milan, this year with the recovery of over 401 tons of food for the meals of approximately 10,600 people. A result obtained thanks to the precious collaboration and commitment of producers and wholesalers and of the bodies that carry out the collection. The Milan Agri-Food Market represents a strategic node for the Milanese food system and for the entire supply chain, it is therefore essential to continue to support projects and actions of solidarity and food sustainability“, added Cesare Ferrero, President of Sogemi, Milan Agri-Food Market.

Finally, the entire management of the neighborhood hubs will be improved through the digitalisation of the supply chain which will allow for better mapping of surpluses and available resources and shared and integrated logistics capable of optimizing the storage, collection and distribution system, and of finally also reduce the environmental impact.

 

The numbers

Over 615 tons of food recovered in 2023 alone, of which 574 tons from the five Neighborhood Hubs currently active in Milan, to which are added 41 tons from uncovered markets. Hundreds of thousands of surpluses that were redistributed among approximately 27,000 vulnerable people, equivalent to approximately 1,230,000 meals.

Over the last year, the Neighborhood Hub network has made it possible to increase the quantity of redistributed surpluses, guaranteeing fresh and dry food to an ever-increasing number of people in need in the city of Milan. As a scientific partner of the initiative, in this new year we will work to strengthen and innovate the system, integrating new partners, resources and services, and monitoring their impacts“, declared Raffaella Cagliano, Director of the Department of Management Engineering of the School of Management of the Polytechnic of Milan.

Our work in the area focuses on three types of poverty: energy, education and food, in support of a Just Transition. Pursuing this aim, we wanted to respond promptly and actively to the co-planning process promoted by the Municipality of Milan for the relaunch of Neighborhood hub – commented Angela Melodia, Head of Development and Innovation and Social and Cultural Redevelopment Projects of the Snam ETS Foundation -. We are convinced that it is essential to proceed with social interventions and inclusive initiatives towards the final beneficiaries, the vulnerable people, placing our resources and our skills at the service of the network actors and the partners involved, with whom we wish to create a system with a view to continuous innovation, with the common objective of generating an increasingly positive social impact“.

The subjects involved in the new neighborhood hubs
The three neighborhood hubs that will be active by 2024 follow a now consolidated model of public-private partnership which involves numerous actors. In particular:
– the Cuccagna Food Hub has as its project leader the Cuccagna Social Enterprise Shipyard Consortium Association, to which are added Emergency Ong onlus, Recup Social Promotion Association, Economy and Sustainability Association, Community Association Il Gabbiano ODV and Acra Foundation;
– Diffuse Hub will see the collaboration of Comin Coop Solidarity Society, Milano Positiva Aps, T12 Lab Association, Parish of Santa Maria Assunta in Turro, Terza Settimana Odv, Mutuo Soccorso Milano Aps;
– Hub Selinunte, a future logistics hub for food distribution, will finally be managed by Coopi international cooperation onlus.

The partners of the Neighborhood Hubs
Supporting bodies: QuBi Program, Fondazione Milan, Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Milano and Fondazione Snam.
Managing bodies: Banco Alimentare della Lombardia, Terre des Homme Italia, Ibva Solidando.
Foody Zero Waste Hub: Sogemi, Cariplo Foundation, University of Milan, Lombardy Food Bank, Recup, Southern Milan Red Cross, Eco dalle Città, Caritas Ambrosiana, Italian Red Cross Milan Committee
Technical sponsors: Avis Milan, SoDe social delivery , Armando Testa.
The brands involved: Lidl, Esselunga, Carrefour, Coop Lombardia, Il Gigante, Natura Sì, Iper La grande i, Unes, Getir, Pam, Erbert, Conad, Glovo, with 37 total sales points.