This Lectio Magistralis presents the results of two decades of population-level research on Italian family firms, systematically compared with non-family firms. It challenges the view of family businesses as inherently fragile by documenting their superior long-term performance, resilience during economic turmoil, and distinctive governance and leadership models.
The lecture examines strategy, ownership structures, succession processes, and the profiles of next-generation leaders, showing that well-structured generational transitions significantly enhance performance. Ultimately, it argues that family involvement constitutes a unique form of strategic capital that enables firms not only to withstand shocks, but to endure and thrive over time.
Opening Remarks
Francesco Billari Rector, Bocconi University
Cristina Bombassei President, AIDAF
Lectio Inauguralis
The Power of Family: Family Firms, Strategy, and Resilience Over Two Decades of Population-Level Evidence
Carlo Salvato AIDAF-EY Chair in Strategic Management of Family Business in memory of Alberto Falck, Bocconi University
Panel Discussion
Chair
Massimo Meloni EY, Partner, Italy Private Leader - Italy Audit & Assurance Market Leader
Panelists
Lucia Bianchi Maiocchi Sustainability Manager, Vitale Barberis Canonico
Nicola Drago Vice Chairman, De Agostini Group
Daniela Montemerlo Full Professor of Business Administration, University of Insubria; Affiliate Professor of Governance and Family business, SDA Bocconi
Salvatore Tomaselli Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Palermo
Announcement of Dissertation Award in memory of Guido Corbetta, offered by the Corbetta Family
Mariacristina and Chiara Corbetta
Closing Remarks
Andrea Sironi President, Università Bocconi
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration will close on Monday, 27 April at noon.
