Category: Events

The POLIMI School of Management team won the Best Paper Award in the Immersive Technologies category at the AIRSI Conference 2025

Posted on | by Marta Re Ferrè

Michele Di Dalmazi, Marco Mandolfo, Francesco Di Paolo and Lucio Lamberti won the award for their paper on immersive technologies at the AIRSI Conference 2025.

 

The winners of the Best Paper Awards in the different thematic areas were announced during the AIRSI 2025 – The Metaverse Conference, organised by the University of Zaragoza.

AIRSI is an international scientific conference dedicated to the study of immersive technologies, artificial intelligence, and human–computer interaction. The conference aims to promote discussion between academics, professionals, and companies on the changes taking place in digital worlds.

The 2025 edition brought together academics, practitioners, and corporate representatives for interdisciplinary discussions on the impact of emerging technologies on marketing, consumer behaviour, and immersive communication.

During the event, awards were presented for outstanding academic contributions in the field of research. One of these was the Best Paper Award for Full Paper, PhD – Immersive Technologies, which was won by Michele Di Dalmazi, Marco Mandolfo, Francesco Di Paolo and Lucio Lamberti from the POLIMI School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano.

The paper entitled “Exploring Individual Attention in Virtual Environments: A Multi-Method Investigation Involving Eye-Tracking and EEG”, received the Best Paper Award in the Full Paper, PhD – Immersive Technologies category. This study combines neurophysiological (EEG) and behavioural (eye-tracking) data to significantly contribute to our understanding of the cognitive processes underlying immersive experiences.

This award recognises the scientific and practical value of the research, confirming its contribution to the development of innovative interpretative models for analysing immersive digital experiences.

 

For more details on the article: Exploring Individual Attention in Virtual Environments: A multi-method investigation involving eye-tracking and EEG – ScienceDirect

 

QS World University Rankings: Politecnico di Milano ranks 98th

Posted on | by Marta Re Ferrè

It is the first Italian university to enter the global Top 100

 

For the first time, an Italian university enters the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, one of the world’s most prestigious academic ranking: Politecnico di Milano ranks 98th in the 2026 edition, achieving a historic result that marks a national record and at the same time an important recognition of the value of Italian excellence in education and research.

With this achievement, the Politecnico ranks in the top 6 percent of world universities. The shift from 111th to 98th position testifies to the solidity of a steady growth over time: in ten years, the University has climbed as many as 89 positions, 41 of which in the last three years (from 139th in 2023), distinguishing itself as a point of reference for the Italian university system and among international academic excellence.

In Italy, the Politecnico di Milano is confirmed first in overall performance and in the quality of its key indicators.

Among the indicators that contributed most to the achievement of the Top 100 were Employer Reputation and Academic Reputation. The first – which measures the esteem in which graduates are held by international employers – highlights Politecnico’s ability to train highly qualified professionals who are ready to face the challenges of the world of work. The second – which assesses the prestige perceived by the global academic community – confirms the high quality of research and teaching carried out at the University.

Excellent results were also achieved in the Employment Outcomes criteria, which attests to a high employment rate among graduates and a significant impact of their careers in their respective fields. The figure for Citations per Faculty, which measures the average number of scientific citations per faculty member and reflects the relevance of scientific production at the international level, also rose sharply.

These positive results are also supported by a significant increase in scientific productivity, a tangible sign of an active, attractive and innovation-oriented academic community.

 

This is a particularly significant achievement. Italy finally enters the top 100 of the QS World Rankings like the other G7 countries. This is a demonstration of the relevance and prestige not only of Politecnico di Milano, but of the Italian education and research system. A leap forward that started ten years ago. It is an expression of a clear growth strategy; of the passion and dedication of the entire Politecnico di Milano community; of careful planning and management of resources; and of an effective system of interaction with businesses and the territory.

Donatella Sciuto, Rector of Politecnico di Milano

The QS World University Rankings 2026 analyzed more than 8,400 universities in 106 countries. Of these, 1,501 made the rankings, including 43 Italian ones. Politecnico di Milano’s result represents a turning point for Italian universities and a strong signal of its ability to compete, innovate and grow globally.

 

Key Figures

Overall ranking: 98th out of more than 8,400 universities evaluated. This is the first time an Italian university has entered the QS Top 100 ranking.Position in Italy: 1st place overall.Universities analyzed: 8,467 universities from 106 countries. Of these, 1,501 entered the ranking. There are 43 Italian universities present.Indicators of excellence:

  • Employer Reputation: 90.1/100
  • Academic Reputation: 83.4/100
  • Employment Outcomes: 72.0/100
  • Citations per Faculty: 53.9/100
  • International Faculty: 74.4/100

Ten-year trend: +89 positions gained in ten years. The Politecnico rose from 187th place in 2016 to 98th in 2026.Scientific Productivity: over 27,000 publications and 270,000 citations in 2019-2024 (source: Scopus/QS).

 

See the rankings: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings

Research, impact and collaboration: an international debate on Outcomes-Based Contracts at POLIMI School of Management

Posted on | by Veronica Colombo

How to rethink the design and financing of public services to address complex challenges such as health, education or urban regeneration? At POLIMI School of Management, a workshop dedicated to Outcomes-Based Contracts (OBCs) sought to answer this question.

 

On May 29–30 2025, the POLIMI School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano hosted the Outcomes-Based Contracts Workshop, an international event that brought together over 30 academics and practitioners from all over Europe – and beyond. The workshop was organised by the TIRESIA research centre and focused on the potential of Outcomes-Based Contracts (OBCs) to enhance effectiveness, innovation, and social impact in public policy management. OBCs are a contractual mechanism that ties funding to long-term outcomes, shifting the focus from outputs to actual, measurable results over time.

Partnerships between diverse actors are increasingly being studied as mechanisms for implementing strategies aimed at addressing global grand challenges, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda (SDG 17). In this context, Outcome-Based Contracts (OBCs), including Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) and Pay-for-Success (PFS) initiatives, have emerged as innovative forms of partnerships between public and private sectors with the purpose of tackling these wicked problems. These contracts are designed to drive reforms in public services by coordinating funding, management, and provision of public services. By linking financial resources to performance outcomes, OBCs place the evaluation of both performance and public value generation at the centre of stakeholder negotiations.

The Outcomes-Based Contracts Workshop was a clear sign of growing interest in these themes. Throughout the sessions, theoretical and methodological contributions explored the different perspectives of the actors involved: from the role of private companies in sustainability, to hybrid logics in investment processes, to the analysis of social impact and the most effective contractual mechanisms. Particular attention was paid to the role of public administrations as orchestrators of social innovation ecosystems, highlighting how OBCs can enable new forms of participatory and territorial governance.

Over the two-day workshop, participants shared case studies and empirical research illustrating how OBCs can improve the accountability and efficiency of public services. A wide range of experiences were presented, spanning diverse contexts—from the UK and South Africa to Italy and Ghana. Notable examples included the Education Outcomes Fund, active in several African countries to improve access to and quality of pre-school education, and the Italian pilot project TOUCH, aimed at activating a regional outcome fund to fight youth drop-out.

The event provided an important opportunity to consolidate an international network of research and practice, share emerging experiences, and reflect on new ways of collaboration between the public, private and third sectors to generate social value. The workshop confirmed how urgent – and possible – it is to innovate public policy funding and management mechanisms, focusing on results and impact for people.

Positive Impact Rating 2025: POLIMI Graduate School of Management is the only European School to receive the highest recognition for its generated impact

Posted on | by Veronica Colombo

The Business School of the POLIMI School of Management of Politecnico di Milano is the only School in Europe to have achieved Level 5 in the Positive Impact Rating 2025, confirming its leadership across all dimensions of impact

 

POLIMI Graduate School of Management, part of the POLIMI School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, has once again been recognised for its social impact and strong commitment to sustainability. As part of the sixth edition of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR), the School was awarded Level 5 – the highest possible rating – distinguishing itself as the only business school in Europe to reach this level. The 2025 report, entitled RETHINKING SOCIETAL IMPACT – A roadmap for business schools to implement positive impact, was presented at the 2025 PIR Global Summit and also discussed during the United Nations PRME Global Forum.

The PIR was created with the aim of assessing the positive impact that business schools generate in society on a global scale, reflecting a growing trend in higher education: to develop conscious leaders who are equipped to face the complex challenges of our time. This year’s edition involved 86 business schools from 28 countries across all five continents, with more than 17,167 students participating – up 13% compared to the previous year. Twenty-six institutions took part for the first time, a clear sign of the growing interest in impact-driven education.

POLIMI Graduate School of Management was the only European School to achieve Level 5, which qualifies it as a Pioneering School in the PIR. With a score between 8.8 and 10, the School demonstrated its leadership across all the dimensions of Impact.

The PIR is based on 20 questions grouped into eight indicators: Governance, Culture, Programmes, Learning Methods, Student Support, Research, Role Models and Public Engagement. These are further organised into four key dimensions: Energising, Educating, Engaging and Empowering. Results place business schools into one of five levels based on their impact, three of which are publiched: Level 3 (Progressing), Level 4 (Transforming) and Level 5 (Pioneering).

A distinctive feature of the PIR is that it is a rating created by students, for students. As the primary stakeholders in business education, students are given a platform to express their views on how their school addresses social and environmental challenges, prepares them to become responsible leaders, and how it could further enhance its positive impact. That is also why the School chose to participate for the second year in a row: to actively listen to younger generations and steer its strategic development in a more conscious and inclusive direction.

“Receiving the highest level in the Positive Impact Rating 2025 and being recognised as a Pioneering School is a source of great pride for us, but above all, of responsibility. This result encourages us to continue our commitment to the structural integration of sustainability and social impact in every dimension of the School: from teaching to research, up to strategic and operational choices“, commented Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management. “The message that comes from students from all over the world is clear: they want an education that prepares them to face the systemic challenges of our time, not to replicate the models from the past. This is a request with which we agree and which we will continue to translate into concrete, interdisciplinary and real-world experiences. Being the only school in Europe in this category encourages us to act as a bridge between global aspirations and local needs, contributing to the transformation of our educational and entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The Positive Impact Rating was developed by a coalition of business school experts and international NGOs such as WWF, Oxfam, and the United Nations Global Compact, and is supported by student organisations such as oikos, AIESEC and Net Impact. It is also backed by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), the Foundation Institute for Business Sustainability and FehrAdvice (Switzerland).

FT Executive Education Rankings 2025: POLIMI Graduate School of Management climbs the Financial Times rankings and strengthens its global standing

Posted on | by Veronica Colombo

Significant progress in Open programmes and solid performance in Custom ones confirm the high quality of executive education offered by the Business School of Politecnico di Milano

 

POLIMI Graduate School of Management, part of the POLIMI School of Management at Politecnico di Milano, has once again stood out on the international executive education stage, thanks to its results in the Financial Times Executive Education Rankings 2025. The School is listed in both of the rankings dedicated to executive education: Open-enrolment and Custom programmes.

In the Open programme ranking, the School made a significant leap forward, moving up 12 places compared to 2024 and securing 57th place out of 85 institutions evaluated globally. This improvement reflects the School’s ability to deliver learning experiences that are increasingly innovative, hands-on, and tailored to the evolving needs of managers and professionals. A particularly strong indicator in this category is Overall Satisfaction, where the School ranks 15th globally, with a score of 9.67 out of 10, a substantial improvement over last year. This result highlights the perceived quality and positive impact of the educational experience offered by the School.

As for Custom programmes, which are developed in close partnership with companies to meet specific needs, the School has reinforced its international presence, ranking 67th out of 95 business schools worldwide. This placement is especially significant given the growing number of institutions included in this year’s ranking.
Among the most notable performance indicators in the Custom category are:

  • Follow-up, which measures the support provided to participants even after the programme ends, with the School ranking 37th;
  • Future Use, which reflects how likely companies are to renew their collaboration for future programmes, where the School ranks 39th globally.

Additional improvements were recorded in the perception of the value of the educational experience (Value for Money) and the faculty diversity, showing the School’s continued investment in creating a high-quality, global, and inclusive learning environment.

“The results of the FT 2025 ranking confirms the quality and relevance of our executive training offer, both for individual professionals and for companies“, commented Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management. “We are particularly proud of the jump in the Open ranking, the result of constant work on the front of educational innovation and personalisation of courses. At the same time, the consolidation in the Custom area demonstrates our ability to design tailor-made, high-impact solutions, in an increasingly competitive context.”

With a steady and growing presence in major international rankings, POLIMI Graduate School of Management continues to stand out in the field of executive education – thanks to an offering that combines innovation, international outlook and real impact for individuals and organisations.

Discover the second issue of SOMe, the POLIMI School of Management’s eMagazine

Posted on | by Veronica Colombo

The second issue of SOMe, the POLIMI School of Management’s eMagazine, is now available with a new issue full of insights, in-depth articles and projects that showcase our School’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and social impact.

 

Entrepreneurship, business models and innovation

In this edition, we explore how data-driven strategies are transforming maintenance services and how business model design can shape consumers’ perception of value. We also examine how innovation contests help cultivate entrepreneurship inside organizations.

Other highlights include a focus on digital agriculture through the European Farmtopia project, an analysis of workplace safety in the digital age with the PrePaRa project and the latest findings from the Open Innovation Lookout and Minibond Observatories.

We also share updates on the upcoming EurOMA 2025 conference and the new POLIMI School of Management Impact Report – BSIS Assessment, which highlights our School’s tangible impact on society, local community and businesses.

 

To read previous issues of SOMe, click here.

To receive it directly in your inbox, subscribe here.

European Union Week 2025 is coming: an event to explore the EU’s role and future

Posted on | by Veronica Colombo

The European Union Week 2025 will take place from May 12 to 19, an initiative designed to promote dialogue, innovation and international cooperation within the framework of the European Union

 

Now in its fifth edition, the European Union Week has become a prominent event in the international academic landscape. With the goal of celebrating the European Union, the event will offer a series of in-person and online activities aimed at students, alumni, public and professionals interested in exploring the EU’s role, significance and evolution in a time of profound change.

 

Growth and collaboration for the Europe of the future

Launched in 2021 by TUM School of Management (Germany) and HEC Paris (France), the European Union Week has seen continuous expansion in terms of participating institutions. After the inclusion of Kozminski University (Poland) and other academic organizations, the initiative is now supported by a strong network of academic international partners. Among the participating institutions are Bucharest University of Economic Studies (Romania), Estonian Business School (Estonia), Vlerick Business School (Belgium) and, new this year, ESADE, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona (Spain) e Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary). This intercultural network reflects the shared commitment to promoting European cooperation through discussions on current issues.

For this year’s edition, our business school renews its commitment to the organization of the European Union Week, actively contributing to fostering a shared reflection on the role and value of the European Union.

Many events to explore the opportunities and future of the European Union

European Union Week 2025 offers a diverse and engaging program, featuring seminars, events and themed talks by outstanding professionals and speakers who share a passion for innovation, sustainability and the future of the European Union. Experts from various fields will share their insights and perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities facing the EU. This initiative is a valuable opportunity to network and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the European project.

All events, which are free of charge, will be organized by the partner institutions and will be accessible both in person and online.

Have a look at the events organized by our school:

  • 13 May | 3.30 – 5.00 PM (CEST)
    Speaker: Maurizio Molinari, Head of European Parliament Liaison Office in Milan
    “The EU in a digital world: where to next?”
    Event in English; in person or online
    Click here to register.

 

  • 14 May | 6.00 – 7.00 PM (CEST)
    Speaker: Matteo Villa, Senior Research Fellow at ISPI and co-heads the ISPI Data Lab
    “Could the European Union aspire for Global Market Leadership in the current turbulent times?”
    Event in English; online
    Click here to register.

 

  • 19 May | 11.30 AM – 1.00 PM (CEST)
    Speaker: Michela Nardo, Deputy Head of unit at the Joint Research Centre in the Unit of Economic and Financial resilience
    “Is globalisation coming to an end? The EU amid current geopolitical challenges”
    Event in English; in person or online
    Click here to register.

 

To view the complete program and register for the events organized by European partners, visit the TUM Business School website.

POLIMI School of Management’s New Impact Report: data that tells the story of change

Posted on | by Marta Re Ferrè

The POLIMI School of Management presents the new Impact Report developed as part of the BSIS evaluation. An in-depth analysis of the School’s impact on society, the region and companies. Concrete data and measurable results to reinforce a daily commitment to the future.

 

Following the recent launch of the Impact Committee, the POLIMI School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano is pleased to announce the publication of the summary document “POLIMI School of Management Impact Report – BSIS Assessment”.

With the aim of informing stakeholders of the progress made and celebrating the results achieved over the past year, following the completion of the BSIS (Business School Impact System) assessment process, the School presents some key elements of activities that promote a positive impact on society.

The BSIS assessment is a tool promoted by the EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) – one of the three main accreditation bodies in the world – which analyses the impact of business schools on their geographical areas and on society as a whole. Through this process, the School has had its commitment to making a positive contribution to society certified and measured through academic, research and collaborative activities with local businesses and institutions.

This short document summarises the results of the evaluation by highlighting the School’s contribution to the ecosystem in which it operates, demonstrating the value of the work that takes place within the institution on a daily basis, and specifically examining its impact according to seven spheres of influence.

Below is an overview of the key findings of the report, with data up to 2022:

Financial Impact:

  • Total Financial Impact: €105 million in direct and indirect costs.
  • Revenue Growth: 92% increase from 2015 to 2022.
  • Main Income Sources: Research funds (36%), postgraduate tuition fees (26%), Executive Education (16%).
  • Digitalisation Investment: Improved efficiency and staff skills.

Educational Impact:

  • Alumni: 13,700 working locally, also contributing to industrial development.
  • Graduates: 1,923 in the past year, 595 entering the regional job market.
  • International Students: 80% in the International MBA, 32% staying in the region.
  • Company Partnerships: 203 companies involved in part-time programmes.

Business Development Impact:

  • Internships and Projects: Equivalent to over 700 full-time jobs, €10.5 million impact.
  • Entrepreneurship: Supported by PoliHub, 219 new jobs, 17 start-ups in 2022.
  • Notable Ventures: Fybra, improving air quality and energy efficiency.

Intellectual Impact:

  • Research Output: 370+ articles, 90+ books, 81+ research projects.
  • Events: 1,300 participants at conferences, 10,700 at 120 dissemination events.
  • Research Impact Assessment: Framework for assessing research impact.

Regional Ecosystem Impact:

  • Collaborations: With local academic institutions, public authorities and businesses.
  • Local Professionals: 443 professionals sharing expertise.
  • Community Integration: Significant contributions to the regional ecosystem.

Societal Impact:

  • Sustainability Initiatives: 59% of MSc and other masters students receive sustainability instruction.
  • Public Events: 85 events open to public, 5,500 participants.
  • Environmental Projects: “Zero Sprechi” and “Ambassador in Green Technologies.”

Image Impact:

  • Reputation: Triple crown accreditation, strong national and international reputation.
  • Dissemination Events: 400 events, 50,000 attendees, 11,500 press citations.
  • Social Media: Strong presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

More details: POLIMI School of Management Impact Report BSIS Assessment.

The “hybrid” condition of organizations as a key tool for sustainable business development

Posted on | by Marta Re Ferrè

Companies are no longer focused exclusively on profits: a study by the Politecnico di Milano and the University of Bologna analyses hybrid organisations, companies that integrate sustainability and economic logics. Focus on B Corporations, with two key approaches: internal social mission or market strategy. A model for the future of sustainable business.

 

In today’s economic landscape of growing environmental and social crises, companies can no longer limit themselves to maximising profits. There is a growing awareness that business success should be measured not only in financial terms, but also in terms of the social and environmental impact generated. This is the context for hybrid organisations, or those companies that integrate both social and economic logic into the way they do business.

But what does it really mean to be a hybrid organisation? The study carried out by Leonardo Boni, Assistant Professor at the POLIMI School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano and afferent of the TIRESIA research centre, together with Riccardo Fini and Laura Toschi of the University of Bologna, analyses the nature and measures the various facets of the hybrid condition within a sample of Italian companies that have B Corp certification, a standard obtained by for-profit companies that have a high level of social and environmental performance.

The study proposes a scale for measuring hybridisation that has three main levels:

  • The emergence of the hybrid condition – Why does a company decide to pursue social objectives alongside economic ones? Motivations can be strategic (improving reputation, attracting new customers sensitive to sustainability) or deeper, linked to the ethical vision of the company and the influence of external stakeholders.
  • Integrating the social dimension – It is not enough to declare a commitment to sustainability, it must be translated into concrete actions. Hybrid companies must be able to develop specific skills to better manage the dual economic and social objectives, adopt internal processes to align governance and business strategy, and create incentive mechanisms for employees.
  • Developing an impact thesis – Hybrid companies should not only mitigate the negative impacts of their activities, but also aim to create a lasting positive impact. This approach requires the development of a clear impact thesis: what social and environmental goals do you want to achieve? How will they be measured?

From the analysis of 101 Italian B Corporations, the study identified and validated a measurement scale with four factors: (i) strategic interpretation of social impact; (ii) individual and entrepreneurial dynamism; (iii) diffusion of organisational capabilities; and (iv) influence of external actors.

From this scale, the study identified two macro-types of hybrid companies:

  • Internally identity-oriented B Corporations – companies that are born with a strong social mission and integrate it into every aspect of their strategy. For them, profit is a means to amplify positive impact.
  • Market-driven B Corp – companies that adopt the B Corp model to differentiate themselves, attract investment and respond to external pressures (customers, suppliers, institutions).

This study contributes to the understanding of how and to what extent a company embraces a hybrid state, supporting the path of innovation and adaptation of practices and processes fundamental to the generation of positive social impact. From this paper, it is suggested that the divide between for-profit and non-profit is overcome, but that the two souls can coexist in organisational models that can be measured and implemented.

A new look for SOMe, the POLIMI School of Management’s e-magazine

Posted on | by Marta Re Ferrè

A new layout and lots of valuable content for the new issue of SOMe, the e-magazine of the POLIMI School of Management.

The latest edition offers an in-depth look at the research, innovation and strategic initiatives that characterise our School.

 

Between research, purpose and digital transition

In this issue, we explore the School’s latest scientific publications, with a focus on disclosure in R&D, workplace safety in manufacturing SMEs and the strategic value of data in the insurtech sector.

We feature the findings of the Purpose in Action Observatory, innovative projects on hydrogen and maritime sustainability, and initiatives to support young NEETs.

We close with an in-depth look at the digital transition, thanks to the insights from our HumanTech Day event and the latest news on Milan’s food policy, in which we are actively involved.

 

To read previous issues of SOMe, click here.

To receive it directly in your inbox, subscribe here.