Transformative Sustainability
Overview
Joint Degree with Politecnico di Milano
In an era marked by growing geopolitical uncertainty and increasing resistance to sustainability commitments, the imperative to lead environmental and social transformation remains a structural necessity - one that must be addressed with urgency, innovation and interdisciplinary expertise.
Bocconi University and Politecnico di Milano have joined forces to offer a pioneering, interdisciplinary joint degree program: the MSc in Transformative Sustainability.
This program responds to the pressing need faced by governments, institutions and businesses across jurisdictions - from Europe to the Americas, from Africa to Asia, and beyond. The aim is to tackle the complex, multidimensional challenges posed by climate change, social equity and responsible innovation. Addressing it requires a new generation of professionals equipped with both strategic vision and technical expertise, capable of navigating the intersection of innovation, policy and business.
Drawing on the complementary strengths of two leading institutions, this unique program integrates:
- Technical disciplines such as environmental technologies, energy systems, mobility and circularity
- Social sciences including management, economics, data science and law
The MSc in Transformative Sustainability is designed to prepare students to:
- Lead the transition of companies toward sustainable business models through innovation in products, processes, and systems
- Understand and apply ESG criteria in governance, management and investment decisions, evaluating impact
- Leverage technology to generate value for both business and society
What sets this program apart is its holistic approach: it combines the “why” of sustainability (strategic vision), the “what” (scientific and technological tools), and the “how” (innovation and design methodologies). Students are trained to manage the full innovation pathway - from strategic planning to implementation.
Graduates will be uniquely positioned to:
- Identify and interpret the transformations required by sustainability across core business functions
- Design and lead systemic innovation processes at the organizational level, bridging strategy and technology
- Collaborate across sectors and with diverse stakeholders to address complex environmental and social challenges
- Balance environmental imperatives with social and economic considerations in the transition process
At a time when sustainability is not only a moral duty and strategic necessity, but also increasingly subject to scrutiny and challenges, this program provides the tools, mindset, and network to navigate such complexity. It also empowers our graduates to drive meaningful, balanced impact through an innovative and inclusive approach that cements sustainability as a lasting strategy.
Miriam Allena
Transformative sustainability is one of the defining challenges of our time. Across the globe, businesses are being called upon to rethink their models in light of urgent environmental and social obligations. From international climate agreements to national regulatory frameworks, the momentum for sustainability is growing - despite a complex and often fragmented geopolitical landscape. Yet this momentum is unfolding in a moment of heightened tension: sustainability is increasingly subject to political backlash, economic skepticism, and regulatory uncertainty. In this contested space, fostering holistic and integrity-driven sustainability requires commitment and innovation, along with resilience, clarity of purpose, and the ability to navigate competing interests with balance and foresight.
The joint Bocconi-Politecnico di Milano MSc in Transformative Sustainability is designed to meet this global demand. It offers an integrated, interdisciplinary approach that reflects the evolving needs of the market, where sustainability is a core strategic priority and no longer a niche concern.
Our goal is to train a new generation of sustainability leaders and professionals who can combine strategic thinking with strong technical expertise. The MSc in Transformative Sustainability prepares two main professional profiles: Sustainability Innovation Strategist, capable of leading the transformation of companies and institutions by integrating sustainability into operations, governance, and innovation processes, with the goal of creating long-term value; and Sustainability-Focused Analyst or Consultant, equipped to understand enabling technologies and environmental and social systems, as well as to apply emerging economic and management tools to design and evaluate sustainability and impact strategies - particularly in consulting, investment and policy contexts.
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Why Choose a Bocconi Graduate Program?
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Bocconi is about more than just classes
Your years on campus are about more than just the classes you attend: Bocconi and Milan also promote activities focused on culture, sports, art and sharing ideas. They help make your Bocconi experience an exciting time that is key to personal and professional growth.
A Sustainable Campus
Our campus is a safe, multicultural and lively place, located in downtown Milan. Both its historic buildings and new spaces are integrated into the urban fabric to create an active environment, reverberating with university life. The campus includes a recreational sports center, a large park and a new student residence hall.
A European and cosmopolitan city
Milan is an open, international and multicultural city, a European metropolis full of events and public services with an unparalleled nightlife. It is a renowned symbol of fashion and design, as well as an important financial, economic and business hub.
Once a Bocconian, always a Bocconian!
You become a member of the Bocconi community when you start your program, joining other students, faculty, staff, Alumnae and Alumni. But Bocconi is not only a real community where you spend your days on campus, but also – and increasingly more so – a community you can get to know through our online social networks.
Applying to Bocconi
Applying to university entails a number of steps: at Bocconi we try to smooth the way for international applicants by providing step-by-step instructions for the admissions process.
We support applicants looking for information on admission procedures, fees and funding opportunities with a variety of different initiatives and events.
