Research in Motion

The Bocconi campus and the surrounding pedestrian area will become an urban pathway that intertwines physical activity and scientific dissemination, presenting sports as an economic, social and cultural powerhouse through data and research, physical installations, augmented reality, and the voices of athletes and key figures from the sports world.
 

sPark of Change is the name of the exhibition and an integral part of Research in Motion, through which Bocconi brings research beyond academic spaces, transforming it into an accessible, participatory and dynamic experience. The project is designed to engage visitors of all ages, promoting healthy and inclusive lifestyles.
 

It is a scientific outreach project that offers Bocconi data, research and analyses not just on sports as a social infrastructure, but also on the policies of major events and on the legacy that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can leave to host nations.
In this context, Milano Cortina 2026 becomes a practical case study, to be observed as it unfolds, in order to understand how the role of sports in contemporary society is evolving.
 

sPark of Change unfolds as an experiential urban itinerary along the pedestrian walkway of Via Gobbi. The exhibition is structured around six thematic pathways, identified by six colors and six action verbs, guiding visitors in exploring sports as a driver of transformation:

• Investing – dedicated to the sports economy and the flows of investment that support major events, infrastructure and production chains, highlighting the economic value generated by sports within local areas.
• Cheering – explores the role of communities, audiences and collective passions, analyzing fandom as a social, cultural and economic phenomenon.
• Winning – tells the story of performance, talent and career paths in sports, highlighting the factors that contribute to individual and collective success, both on and off the field.
• Building – addresses sports and urban infrastructure, with a focus on design, sustainability and the material legacy of major events.
• Growing – places the educational and formative value of sports at the center, examining the role of positive role models and the impact on younger generations.
• Impacting – reflects on the long-term effects of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, from social and environmental legacy to public policy, and the transformation of behaviors and lifestyles.

The initiative also includes a program of events, guided tours and in-depth activities that will last throughout the Games — engaging students, local residents, and communities beyond the University.
The calendar, available from February, will also include initiatives dedicated to wellbeing, physical activity, and the culture of movement, developed in collaboration with the Wellness Foundation to deepen the connection between sports, health and quality of life.