Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Embracing New Knowledge That Matters
Our future strategic direction is shaped by three long-standing pillars:
Global reach. Maintaining and strengthening Bocconi’s global reputation through excellence in research, internationalization of faculty, staff and students, and enhancement of networks of Alumni, employers and academic partners.
Social mobility. Expanding scholarships and financial aid to attract talented students regardless of background, reinforcing Bocconi’s commitment to merit and inclusion.
Diversification of academic fields. Extending interdisciplinarity beyond economics and management to encompass legal, social and political sciences, applied mathematics and data science, computing sciences, and now, cognitive sciences, addressing the challenges posed by new knowledge revolutions and their impact on teaching, research and social engagement.
Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Get an overview of the values, strategic direction and goals shaping our vision for the years ahead
In a global and heightened geopolitical context, Bocconi reaffirms its commitment to independence and academic freedom as core European values and strengthens its European identity as a bridge between the national and global dimensions.
At the same time, Bocconi sees new technological transformations not as predetermined outcomes, but as strategic choices: our Strategic Plan 2026–2030 aims to position Bocconi as a leader in the ethical, human-centered integration of AI, reinforcing the role of education and human intelligence as essential complements to new technologies.
Students are at the heart of our efforts: we place a strong emphasis on the pivotal role of education and human intelligence, driving the constant redesign of curricula. At the same time, we are committed to promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities, by ensuring equitable access to learning and skill development for all stakeholders.
Through these efforts, we aim to generate meaningful societal impact of our research by producing knowledge that supports both immediate needs and the development of valuable lifelong skills.
The Strategic Plan 2026–2030 lays the groundwork for Bocconi through the following major priorities:
- Human Capital
- Research
- Social Mobility
- Technological Infrastructure
- Physical Infrastructure
- Entrepreneurship.
Strategic Pillars and Goals
Educational Offer
Bocconi’s educational strategy rests on three pillars: AI literacy, deep knowledge of its core disciplines, and critical and creative thinking supported by social and emotional intelligence. Students will master AI foundations across our disciplines, integrate ethical and legal perspectives into decision-making, and apply human judgment to ensure technology serves society. In this way, Bocconi prepares future professionals to lead innovation responsibly and help shape a more equitable, sustainable and human-centered digital economy.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Embed AI and cognitive sciences in the Bocconi educational offer
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Update the teaching model in line with AI evolution
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STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Increase effort to attract and select talented students
Research and Human Capital
Bocconi enters the 2026–2030 period harnessing the transformative potential of new technologies and data science in our traditional social science disciplines, while deepening the understanding of human cognition and social interaction. This dual focus defines the University’s integrated vision for research and talent development.
At the heart of this vision lies the creation of a new Department of Cognitive Sciences, a new Research Center in Social Policy Impact Evaluation and two new Research Labs in Collaborative AI and AI in the Social Sciences. Together with strengthening the PhD School, these initiatives will ensure that Bocconi remains at the frontier of knowledge generation.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Strengthen Bocconi’s position as a leading knowledge powerhouse in data-driven social sciences and expand in new fields
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Consolidate Bocconi’s research mission and promote cross-disciplinary collaboration
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STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Enhance Bocconi human capital (faculty and staff) and improve organizational effectiveness
Technological and Physical Infrastructures
Bocconi will invest in infrastructure (technology, data and physical infrastructures), people (skills and roles) and governance (policies and processes) related to AI and technological capabilities, and it will establish strategic partnerships that accelerate adoption and safeguard trust, while protecting institutional autonomy.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Leverage new technologies and data
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Consolidate a top‑class campus aligned with the needs of its communities - sustainable and accessible
Global Stance
Bocconi’s global reputation has long relied on strong student quality and placement outcomes, impactful research and a robust network of academic partnerships, reflected in rising international rankings. The challenge ahead is to preserve this balance while expanding into new fields and adapting to a more complex global context marked by geopolitical tensions, mobility constraints, and intensified competition.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Protect and leverage traditional disciplines in international rankings while developing a broader future
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Expand international presence
Social Engagement and Impact
Historically perceived as "ivory towers," universities have evolved significantly, embracing the Third Mission to strengthen their roles as active societal actors. Bocconi approaches social engagement as an institutional strategy that shapes research agendas and curricula, while fostering community initiatives that involve diverse stakeholders and generate meaningful societal impact.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Expand knowledge dissemination and social inclusion
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Bocconi aims to strengthen Europe’s innovation ecosystem by expanding research-driven entrepreneurship, building on its role in the Tech Europe Foundation. By integrating B4i and TEF, the University will support high-potential startups, expand STEM and innovation-focused PhD and postdoc positions, and create new pathways for students, researchers and Alumni to launch entrepreneurial ventures.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in education and research
Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability
Bocconi reaffirms diversity, inclusion and sustainability as core pillars of its identity. The University aims to remain a center of pluralism, where diverse voices and perspectives converge in a learning and working environment that ensures respect, inclusion and equal opportunity for all. In parallel, the Bocconi City Campus is envisioned as a benchmark for green development, energy efficiency and inclusive design within global higher education.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Enhance diversity and inclusion
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Improve sustainability
Alumni and Fundraising
Alumni are strategic partners in strengthening reputation, recruitment and philanthropy. Global changes — including the “great wealth transfer” and the rising influence of women and younger, impact-focused Donors — are reshaping giving. To capture this potential and generate social impact, universities must broaden engagement and modernize stewardship. For Bocconi, this means aligning philanthropy and engagement to advance inclusion, research excellence and institutional independence.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Pursue a societal impact within and beyond the Bocconi Community through the engagement of all its stakeholders
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Foster a culture of philanthropy across all audiences
SDA Bocconi 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Highlights
Founded in 1971, SDA Bocconi has consistently ranked among the leading European business schools. The School’s structure includes eight Knowledge Areas, with its educational offer spanning custom and open executive programs, online learning, MBA and Executive Master programs, and practice-oriented research, serving both individuals and organizations.
The SDA 2026–2030 Strategic Plan's overarching goal is to position SDA Bocconi permanently among the top six European business schools while clearly expressing the School’s distinct identity.
This vision is articulated through six strategic pillars:
- Human Capital Plan
- Global Stance
- Executive Education and Master Programs
- Learning Without Limits
- Research
- Organizational Design