Master Program
FIRST-LEVEL MASTER’S DEGREE
Governance of Technological & Social Changes for Development and Innovation (GT-SDI)
| Program Director | Professor Roberto Revetria |
| Department | DISPI – Department of Political and International Sciences |
| University | University of Genoa |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Credits | 60 ECTS (CFU) |
| Language | English |
| Format | Hybrid (on-campus + online + residential module) |
| Tuition Fee | €3,500 + applicable taxes |
| Scholarships | Available |
Program Overview
The Master is proposed by the School of Social Sciences, on the recommendation of the Department of Political and International Sciences (DISPI) of the University of Genoa. An agreement is in place with IMT-DUBAI. No agreements with private or public entities have been indicated at this stage.
Professional Figure to Be Trained
| Job Title | Expert in Governance of Technological and Social Innovation |
The professional trained by the Master is an innovator able to integrate technological, economic, and social skills to lead processes of governance and change. They are capable of:
- designing, developing, and managing innovative startups;
- attracting investments;
- building interdisciplinary teams;
- operating in highly dynamic international contexts, with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical responsibility.
Main Areas of Activity and Associated Competences
| # | Area of Activity | Associated Competences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Design and Development of Innovative Entrepreneurial Initiatives | Market analysis and evaluation of complex scenariosConstruction of financial and forecasting models within feasibility studiesApplication of process and product innovation methodologiesDevelopment and validation of value propositions consistent with the target audience |
| 2 | Governance of Technological and Social Change Processes | Interpretation and application of sustainability and ethical principles in innovation processesManagement of organizational and intercultural complexityAbility to select, coordinate, and motivate interdisciplinary teamsUse of project management tools and governance frameworks |
| 3 | Strategic Communication and Stakeholder and Investor Relations | Mastery of negotiation techniques and conflict managementAbility to communicate value quickly, clearly, and effectively (elevator pitch, investor presentations)Building and maintaining meaningful professional relationships in national and international contextsAdaptive leadership and intercultural communication skills |
| 4 | Technological Innovation and Operational Management of Startups | Application of quantitative models and tools for risk and opportunity analysis (statistical modeling, digital twins, AI)Definition of go-to-market strategies and competitive positioningDesign of lean and scalable supply chains for the production and distribution of products and servicesAbility to integrate emerging technologies into production processes and business model |
Target Group of the Training Action
The Master is open to Bachelor’s degree graduates from a wide range of disciplines, particularly: Engineering and Architecture; Social Sciences; Mathematics, Physics, and Natural Sciences (STEM); and Biology.
The program is designed for young professionals and graduates who aim to:
- develop skills to create and grow innovative startups with strong technological and social impact;
- acquire tools to address the challenges of governing technological and social change;
- gain international exposure in dynamic economic and cultural contexts (USA, Middle East, etc.);
- experience innovative learning pathways where theory, practice, and community life merge into a unique journey of personal and professional growth.
The Master is particularly suited for graduates motivated to pursue a career in entrepreneurship or innovation governance, either by launching their own venture or by joining companies, international organizations, or public institutions committed to sustainable and technological development.
Learning Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
| # | Objective | Expected Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Development of Entrepreneurial and Innovation Governance Skills | Students will be able to design, plan, and develop entrepreneurial initiatives with substantial technological and social impact, applying market analysis tools, forecasting models, and governance frameworks for managing complex processes. |
| 2 | Ability to Operate in International and Multicultural Contexts | Graduates will be capable of engaging with global entrepreneurial ecosystems, adapting innovation and growth strategies to dynamic and multicultural markets, and leveraging international training experiences at leading universities and innovation hubs. |
| 3 | Development of Transversal Competences and Soft Skills in Leadership and Communication | Participants will be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and investors, lead interdisciplinary teams, and manage conflicts, while demonstrating adaptive leadership oriented towards sustainability, ethics, and the social value of innovation. |
Summary of Training Activities
The program consists of a total of 360 hours corresponding to 60 CFU (university credits). These are distributed as follows:
| Activity Type | Hours | CFU |
|---|---|---|
| Face-to-face lectures | 36 | 28 |
| Synchronous distance learning | 32 | – |
| Asynchronous distance learning | 100 | – |
| Internships / Placements | 96 | 16 |
| Other activities (workshops, business games, seminars) | 48 | 8 |
| Project work | 48 | 8 |
| Total | 360 | 60 |
Competitive Positioning of the Proposed Master
The proposed Master distinguishes itself from the benchmark through several unique elements.
| Differentiating Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Integrated Governance | The program bridges the gap between venture-oriented and policy-oriented programs, offering a holistic vision (technological + social + ethical + sustainability) that is rare in the current landscape. |
| Experiential Teaching “At Sea” | A community of practice that merges classroom learning, mentoring, and communal living. No structural equivalent exists among the mapped competitors. |
| Intensive Mentorship | Two-thirds of sessions plus over 500 hours of one-to-one guidance and deep dives of 48–72 hours: the breadth of tutoring is above the average of the programs analyzed. |
| Targeted Internationality | Aimed at high-growth markets (UAE, KSA), with company visits, challenges, and pitches to over 100 investors in Genoa; combines local ecosystem with global capital exposure, including a more in-depth period in New York. |
| STEM-Compatible Orientation | Engineering, medicine/biology, social sciences, MFN combined with technical modules (SPC, DOE/Taguchi, Digital Twins, AI, supply chain); integrates venture building with technical design and quality tools not always found in entrepreneurship masters. |
In summary, the competitive advantage lies in its hybrid positioning between venture creation and tech governance, with a residential at-sea methodology and hyper-personalized mentoring – creating a distinctive and difficult-to-replicate value proposition.
Potential Areas for Collaboration and Benchmarking
- Enterprise Labs and challenge-based learning (Imperial, HEC-X) for hackathon and venture studio formats.
- Policy and digital regulation (UCL, Sciences Po) for modules on AI governance, data policy, and ESG standards.
Amounts Payable by Participants
The University Contribution amounts to €350.00, as determined annually by resolution. Two revenue stamps (for enrollment and diploma) total €32.00. The participation fee and overall amount are to be determined.
Location
Primary location: Genoa, Italy.
Genoa represents a strategic hub combining:
- maritime and industrial heritage
- research and technological development
- growing entrepreneurial ecosystem
- international connectivity