Strategic orientation
Being a leading player in science diplomacy
Politecnico di Milano aspires to be a leading player in science diplomacy, both in the sense of science for diplomacy - science as a strategic axis in international cooperation - and science in diplomacy - the University as a driver of informed policies for sustainable development with a global impact.
In the period 2023-25, we consolidated partnership frameworks for international cooperation in research and institutional capacity building. We specifically focused on the African continent. We trained young people to inform “policies” by using the results of scientific research. We actively participated in the main networks and think tanks as a tool to help bridge the gap between science and policymaking.
Focus on
UNITAFRICA
"UNITAFRICA - Empowering the Academic Cooperation between Italy and Africa for fostering the quality and effectiveness of the higher education systems in a mutual learning environment" promotes cooperation between 21 Italian universities and 78 African ones by providing mobility, training and joint research opportunities. Two-way mobility, especially (WP3 - innovative education for students, and WP4 - Advanced skills development), is central to the project, with around 590 mobility options planned for students, professors and non-teaching staff. As part of Politecnico di Milano’s activities, two calls for mobility are currently open to enhance advanced skills among academic staff.
International bodies
The Politecnico currently has 10 active partnerships with International Bodies in the academic fields of the University. These cooperative projects are designed to broaden the impact of lifelong curricular learning, to strengthen institutional capacities, and to promote a multi-stakeholder perspective for international cooperation and responsible research. They also allow the University to participate in decision-making processes regarding global challenges, thus helping to bridge the gap between science and politics.