Milan's Vision for Europe: A University's Blueprint for Progress

MILAN, Italy – December 01, 2025 – At a time when geopolitical tensions and deep-seated divisions mark the global landscape, one of Italy's leading academic institutions is stepping forward with a bold vision. During the inauguration of its 163rd academic year, the Politecnico di Milano didn't just celebrate its legacy; it outlined a strategic mission to serve as a bastion of critical thinking and a driver of progress, positioning itself as a key architect of Europe's future.

In her inaugural address, Rector Donatella Sciuto painted a picture of a world where polarization and disinformation threaten the very fabric of trust. She argued that institutions like hers have a profound duty to act as intermediaries—bodies capable of piecing together the bigger picture and turning change into something meaningful. ‘Today, more than ever, we need free spaces in which to exercise our autonomy, far from autocratic ideologies,’ the Rector stated, reaffirming the university's role as a garrison of critical thinking, dialogue and civic responsibility. This commitment is not merely philosophical; it is the foundation of a multi-pronged strategy aimed at fostering innovation, strengthening international collaboration, and empowering a new generation of socially conscious leaders.

A New Blueprint for European Innovation

Central to the Politecnico's vision is a direct response to one of Europe's most pressing challenges: the innovation gap. A recent competitiveness report by former ECB President Mario Draghi delivered a stark warning, noting that Europe risks falling behind global competitors like the U.S. and China due to stagnant R&D investment and a failure to commercialize groundbreaking research. Politecnico di Milano is tackling this head-on.

A cornerstone of this effort is the Tech Europe Foundation (TEF), a formidable joint venture with Università Bocconi, Fondazione ION, FSI, and the Chamber of Commerce of Milan Monza Brianza Lodi. Having already raised an impressive 120 million euros, TEF is a powerful engine for transforming academic research into market-ready ventures. The foundation has already financed over 50 researchers and launched programs dedicated to scientific entrepreneurship, with ambitious plans to host 1,000 startups annually in a new deep-tech hub. This hub will be located in Milan's Bovisa district, part of a major urban regeneration project, symbolizing the fusion of academic innovation with community development.

To further amplify its influence, the university will establish a permanent seat in Brussels in 2026. This strategic move is designed to strengthen dialogue with European institutions, particularly as the continent prepares for the crucial FP10 Framework Programme for research and innovation. By placing itself at the heart of European policymaking, the Politecnico aims to help shape a more cohesive and competitive scientific landscape. As Rector Sciuto noted, for Europe to compete effectively, it must first heal its internal divisions and decisively tackle global challenges from a position of unity.

Science as a Bridge in a Divided World

Beyond economic competitiveness, the university is championing the concept of 'scientific diplomacy' as a tool for peace and global cooperation. This dual approach involves using science to build international partnerships ('science for diplomacy') and applying scientific evidence to inform policy ('science in diplomacy'). The results are already tangible.

Between 2023 and 2025, the Politecnico spearheaded over 60 international research and cooperation initiatives. This includes a 25% increase in collaborative projects with African nations and the launch of eight new partnerships with UN agencies. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to leveraging expertise not just for technological advancement, but for sustainable development and mutual understanding on a global scale. The renewal of its two UNESCO Chairs for a fourth time further solidifies its standing as a trusted international partner.

This outward-looking perspective is a core component of the university's forthcoming Strategic Plan for 2026-28, which prioritizes a 'global vision' and a strong European identity. ‘The Politecnico di Milano stands at the centre of a new scientific diplomacy, contributing our expertise to peace and international collaboration,’ said Professor Sciuto, highlighting the institution's responsibility to act as a constructive force in a fractured world.

Cultivating Tomorrow's Global Problem-Solvers

At the heart of this ambitious agenda are the people it serves: the students. In 2025, the Politecnico achieved a record enrollment of nearly 9,000 international students, a testament to its growing global appeal. To build on this momentum and further internationalize its campus, the university will launch three new Bachelor of Science degrees taught entirely in English starting in September 2026.

These are not standard engineering programs. The new courses—Engineering Science in Milan, Industrial Engineering in Piacenza, and Process Engineering in Cremona—are designed with a unique multidisciplinary and collaborative focus. They aim to equip students with the cross-disciplinary tools needed to tackle complex, interconnected global problems, from climate change to digital transformation. ‘These degrees are a sign of our responsibility towards the new generations, fitting into the wider framework of international competition and providing the tools that will allow them to navigate a complex world,’ the Rector added.

This focus on developing well-rounded global citizens is also reflected in the university's vibrant ecosystem of student teams. Over 900 students across 20 teams engage in international competitions annually, from the Polimi Sailing Team to the PoliMove autonomous racing team. These projects are more than just extracurricular activities; they are practical workshops in creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global problem-solving, embodying the very principles the university espouses.

Investing in People: A Commitment to Inclusion

Underpinning all these initiatives is a foundational commitment to social equity and the right to education. Politecnico di Milano has reaffirmed this by allocating 9.5 million euros of its own funds to guarantee financial aid for every one of its more than 7,000 eligible students. This ensures that talent and ambition, not financial means, are the keys to accessing a world-class education.

This inclusive ethos extends to some of the world's most vulnerable populations. Through the UNICORE (University Corridors for Refugees) project, a partnership with the UNHCR, the university has provided pathways for refugee students to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. This, along with scholarships for students from war-torn regions, brings a profound human dimension to the institution's global mission.

As Rector Sciuto emphasized, ‘The most authentic sense of our mission lies in the individuals and the journeys they make, that intersect and find new life in our classrooms.’ This sentiment captures the essence of the Politecnico's vision: a future built not just on technology and innovation, but on the power of human connection, shared responsibility, and a relentless pursuit of progress for all. It is a vision where the threads of knowledge and humanity are woven together to create a stronger, more resilient world.