THE INNOVATION INCUBATOR: SIX YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Politecnico di Milano is a scientific-technological university which trains engineers, architects and industrial designers. The university has always focused on the quality and innovation of its teaching and research developing a fruitful relationship with business and productive world by means of experimental research and technological transfer.

Today, the drive for internationalization has led the Politecnico di Milano to take part in the European and global network of the major technical universities, while the participation of foreign students in programmes that include its educational offer is ever-increasing. Moreover, Politecnico’s network is increasingly being extend to many countries: from North America to Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe and Australia. Up to now there are several exchange and double-degree programmes beside 2 three-year Bachelor of Science degree programmes, 10 Master of Science degree programmes, 12 Specialization Master’s programmes and 24 Doctoral programmes which are entirely taught in English.

With four out of its seven programmes taught in English language, Lecco campus has a strong role in the internationalization policy of Politecnico di Milano. Since 2005, more than 500 foreign students have chosen Lecco campus for their education enrolling to our Master of Science degrees, not to mention exchange and double-degree students. In this context all the international students are involved in the “Incubator of innovation” program created thanks to the collaboration between University, ICE (Istituto Commercio Estero), Unioncamere and the Chambers of Commerce of Lecco and Como, with the purpose of training high-level students with a strong interest in technology and Italian managerial culture.

The aims of this paper is to describe and highlight the achievement of five year of international exchange, active since the academic year 2005/2006 at the Politecnico di Milano – Polo Territoriale di Lecco. The program is described in terms of innovation, focusing on the strategy linking international students and the local business and productive world: a strong network of local institutions and employers’ associations promotes scholarships and internships for foreign students, thanks to which a constantly increasing number of alumni remains in Italy, working in Italian or international companies. Hence also helping the local productive world create connections and strengthen ties with the rest of the world.