Research

Italia Innovation’s research is characterized by its unique dual network of excellence: a collaboration with international academic institutions and a carefully curated group of local stakeholders in Italy.

This structure allows us to bridge the gap between cutting-edge global research and the dynamic realities of Italy’s economy and society. Our expertise lies in field research, where we connect the forefront of international academic inquiry, particularly in the social sciences, with Italy’s living lab—a country rich in history, evolving in the present, and shaping its future.

Our role is to act as a conduit, bringing together the insights of international scholars—students, researchers, and professors—with the nuanced perspectives of Italian business leaders, policymakers, and social influencers. By doing so, we aim to be the go-to resource for local stakeholders seeking a global lens on their value and relevance in the world, and for international researchers looking to deepen their understanding of areas where Italy is at the forefront.

_ case studies

Presented by leading Italian brands and institutions, and crafted in dialogue with our international and interdisciplinary faculty, Italia Innovation case studies provide participants with a unique perspective on local best practices and innovation opportunities.

Here’s a list of past case studies, divided by industrial sector

Fashion, Textile and Apparel

Salvatore Ferragamo
Diesel Jeans
Benetton
Italia Independent
Woolrich
Moncler
Gucci
Marzotto
Calamai
Bonotto
Zegna
Ratti

Design and High-End Manufacturing

Tecnica Group
Selle Royal
Carraro Group
Molteni&C
Riva 1920
Bisazza
Lago
Poltrona Frau
Technogym

Food

Barilla
Rigoni di Asiago
Domori
Pasta Mancini
Biasetto
Davide Longoni Pane
Loison Pasticceri
Brazzale
Acquerello
Levoni

Wine, Spirits and Beverage

Casa Vinicola Zonin

Distillerie Fratelli Branca

Santa Margherita

Distillerie Nardini
Frescobaldi
Ornellaia
Acqua Sant’Anna
illycaffè
Lavazza
Cantine Ferrari Trento
Masari
Caffè Vergnano
Luxardo

Personal Care, Home Care and Services

Davines

De Longhi Group

Autogrill
Vodafone Italia

Arts and Culture

Palazzo Grassi e Punta della Dogana

La Biennale di Venezia

Looms inside Zegna HQ

_ articles

_ articles

During the 2019 special edition of the Italia Innovation Program in California, a thought-provoking dialogue unfolded among industry leaders exploring the evolving future of coffee and bread. Experts like Chad Robertson, Christopher Jordan, Daria Illy, and Davide Longoni shared insights into balancing artisanal craftsmanship with scalable growth, navigating sustainable sourcing, and preserving quality amid global shifts. The discussion emphasized the critical role of education, cultural context, and collaboration in shaping the next chapter for these staples, pointing toward a future driven by both tradition and forward-thinking innovation.

An analysis of Italian democracy from the 2008 financial crisis to the 2020 pandemic explores how these turbulent periods reshaped governance and political stability in the country. The report examines the rise of technocratic governments, increased populism, and challenges to democratic institutions. It provides insights into Italy’s shifting political landscape and the resilience of its democratic framework in the face of global crises. The discussion also highlights the broader implications for European democracies.

Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s Head of Philosophy, reflects on the pressing need for businesses and individuals to confront environmental challenges now rather than deferring action. He emphasizes that what was once considered a future concern has become an immediate responsibility. Stanley advocates for a shift in mindset where values drive decisions that align with sustainability, highlighting the urgency of responding to the climate crisis without delay.

Written during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, this analysis delves into the evolving concept of “Social Manufacturing.” It addresses how the crisis emphasized the need for more localized and socially-driven production models that integrate craftsmanship, technology, and community. The piece explores how businesses can adapt by fostering collaboration between artisans, consumers, and technology, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and social impact, ultimately reshaping the future of manufacturing.

Former Pittsburgh's Mayor Bill Peduto with Professor John Paul Rollert and our co-founder Marco Mari

_ faculty and guest speakers

When it comes to learning, we aim at sitting on the shoulders of the giants. We are grateful to all the academic, business and social leaders that shared their experience with us.

Here’s the list of our past faculty and special guests

Management Scholars

Hermann Simon
Stewart Thornhill (UMich)
Norman Bishara (UMich)
Yoram Wind (Wharton)
David Schonthal (Kellogg)
Robert Strand (UC Berkeley)
Debra Dunn (Stanford)
Roy Green (UTS)
Daniel Van Der Vliet (Cornell)
Marina Puricelli (Bocconi)
Liat Aaronson (Reichman University)
Peter Boatwright (Carnegie Mellon University)

Design Scholars

William Burnett (Stanford d.School)
Mitch Carter Jafery (IDEO)
John Bruce (Parsons School of Design)
Jake Knapp (Google Ventures)
Aldo Cibic
Francesca Molteni
Nick Foster (Google X)
Julian Bleecker (Near Future Lab)
Jonathan Rewers (Parsons School of Design)

Law Scholars

Luca Enriques (Oxford)
Robert J. Jackson Jr. (SEC and NYU)
Lynn Stout (Cornell)
JJ Prescott (UMich)
Richard Squire (Fordham)
Cynthia Shawamreh (UChicago)

Journalists and Authors

Bill Emmott (The Economist)
Alexandra Fattal (The Economist)
Elizabeth Segran (Fast Company)
Federico Fubini (Corriere della Sera)
Annalisa Merelli (Quartz)
Amy Goldstein (Washington Post)
Nora Gallagher

Entrepreneurs

Riccardo Illy
Alessandro Benetton
Renzo Rosso
Anna Zegna
Davide Bollati
Antonio Guarda Nardini
Davide Longoni
Dario Loison
Nicola Levoni
Giovanni Bonotto
Daniele Lago
Matteo Frescobaldi
Matteo Lunelli
Piero Rondolino
Massimo Mancini
Peter Mondavi Jr.
Chad Robertson
Colby Barr
Todd Masonis
Bayard Winthrop
Franco Pepe
Antonio Palmieri

Business Executives and Political Leaders

Ron Johnson (Apple)
Sree Sreenivasan (MET)
Laura Miller (Guggenheim)
Christopher Jordan (Starbucks)
Paolo Baratta (Biennale)
Daria Illy (illycaffè)
Vincent Stanley (Patagonia)
Fabrizio Servente (Woolmark)
Michela Petronio (Barilla)
Matteo Zanardello (Ornellaia)
Ettore Nicoletto (Angelini Wines)
Giacomo Possamai (Mayor of Vicenza)
Bill Peduto (Former Mayor of Pittsburgh)
Romano Prodi (Former Italy’s PM)

Local Development
Marketing

Criollo Society

Business Development
Product Development
Experiential Learning
Corporate Innovation

_ initiatives

Our research practice extends beyond theoretical insights by implementing actionable projects in key areas like editorial work, product development, corporate innovation, local development, and marketing operations. This hands-on approach keeps our ‘field research’ spirit alive, ensuring that our ideas and findings are tested in real-world scenarios. By staying entrepreneurial and connected to the practical side of execution, we bridge the gap between innovation and application, keeping our concepts grounded and aligned with tangible outcomes that resonate in both business and community contexts.

_ talks and events

_ talks and events

Valdagno Città Post Industriale / 11th July 2024

Italy, a View from the Foothills / 3rd July 2024

Where do we go from here? / 15th April 2023

Are we headed towards a regionalized globalization? / 15th June 2020

Imprese globali e comunità locali / 26th June 2019

Il futuro dell'economia tessile / 15th January 2019

Google I/O Hackathon / 21st and 22nd May 2016