We're All Startuppers

IN VIASARFATTI25'S DECEMBER EDITORIAL, GIANMARIO VERONA OUTLINES THE UNIVERSITY'S DIRECTION DURING HIS TERM

The second edition of Bocconi #StartupDay was held a few days ago. It was attended by many young people and investors, who shared their stories and experiences, but most importantly, their passion. Diego Piacentini, 2010 Alumus of the Year and currently Government Commissioner for the Italian Digital Agenda, spoke to the startuppers, sharing valuable advice.

As a professor and researcher working in innovation, it was an important day for me as well: because of the topic, which has always been part of my research interests, and because events like this are a concrete example of how much the University acts as a springboard for its students and alumni.

But there is also another reason. As Rector of our University, I am a startupper myself at the beginning of my endeavor. I have carefully chosen my closest collaborators, the Deans and School Deans. Over the next two years, we will work together to perfect a business plan that will allow us to reach the objectives set for us by the Bocconi2020 Strategic Plan, thus developing our concept of what a university is. All this while always focusing on the needs of our major stakeholders (students, our alumni, our partners).

The university we aim for is a place that is increasingly dynamic and international, able to value human capital and consistently innovate teaching. It is an important hub for meticulous research based on data analysis, producing findings that can influence the best practices of institutions and businesses, thus acting as a driver of change. This is why we will continue to invest in including data science courses in programs transversally, in part by leveraging the experience of BIDSA, Bocconi Institute for Data Science and Analytics.

The Bocconi we are all working towards is a school increasingly able to compete with the best research and teaching institutions in the field of social sciences. With one final goal: to educate generations of young people ready to take on the many challenges they will face during their lives.

Will we be successful? Yes, through the combined efforts of students, alumni, staff and faculty, starting from the work we do and the values we share.
 

by Gianmario Verona, Rector of Bocconi University