The Department is actively involved in nationally recognized doctoral programs, reflecting its commitment to fostering advanced research and academic excellence in key areas:
National Ph.D. Program in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion The PhD program is designed to scientifically explore the themes of diversity, inequalities, and inclusion in various forms, recognizing their multiple aspects. For diversity to reach its potential, macro elements like regulatory frameworks and international, national, and regional economic policies, as well as micro elements like work practices in both private and public sectors, must provide the necessary conditions.
These conditions should ensure equal opportunities while promoting inclusion, allowing individuals to contribute to the improvement of the broader community. In designing the program, stakeholders from both the production sector and academia were consulted. The research topics and training activities co-designed for the program take into account not only scientific advancements but also the promotion of economic development and the production system in relevant fields, as defined by the curriculum’s tripartite structure.
The Faculty has planned a training and research pathway for PhD candidates aligned with the program's educational goals and the overall strategic planning of the involved universities. The proposed activities for the PhD candidates are consistent with the educational objectives and professional profiles expected upon completion, clearly distinguishing them from undergraduate and master's-level teaching. Specifically, the activities balance highly specialized topics with general themes to address educational gaps and ensure the necessary methodological preparation.
National Ph.D. Program in Digital Transformation The Digital Transformation PhD program is designed to promote research on processes that hinder or facilitate the adoption of enabling technologies across various contexts and services, with the goal of promoting the common good, digital security, health, quality of life, and well-being among individuals, groups, and organizations.
The program aims to develop high-level research and training pathways to create future researchers—Digital Scientists—who will develop, validate, and scientifically measure the application and adoption of ICT infrastructures in business and public administration, aligned with the European Digital Compass to achieve real digital transition by 2030. The proposed PhD program aligns with all four objectives, particularly contributing to the development of a "qualified digital workforce and highly skilled digital professionals." Future researchers will serve as a bridge between academia and industry, actively participating in scientific development in line with investments and reforms outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aiming to position Italy at the forefront of digital transition in Europe by 2026. Digital Scientists will be able to drive change with a scientific evaluation of its processes and effects.
The program's goal is to provide key new competencies to successfully influence and lead change, allowing PhD candidates to access cutting-edge research in fields like Data Science, IoT, renewable energy, AI, biomedical engineering, blockchain, digital management, law, geoeconomics, intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital humanities. The PhD aims to train future researchers who can collaborate actively with the business world, seizing the opportunities offered by new technologies that will enable new cognitive, economic, and social paradigms through systematic study and high-level scientific profiles.
