Digital Transformation Trends in Education and the New Era of Autonomous Agents

The Milano Education Industry Forum, empowered by Salesforce , convened on October 10th, 2024, in Milan, Italy, brought together leaders from various academic institutions to delve into the prevailing and emerging trends reshaping the future of higher education.

The forum, rich with insights and strategic discussions, saw participation from distinguished figures including Simone Piunno and Attanasio Ercolano from Università Bocconi , Giuliano Pozza and Michelangelo Balicco from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Antonino Ciacio from 24ORE Business School , among many other Italian Universities and Business schools leaders, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the forum.

Enhanced Discussion on Strategic Trends in Higher Education

1. Increased Competition: The landscape of higher education is becoming increasingly competitive as institutions proliferate and strive for distinction. Simone Piunno, Director of Technology at Università Bocconi, highlighted how they are leveraging digital transformation to enhance their value proposition, offering specialised programs and superior campus experiences to attract and retain students.
2. Rising Student Expectations: Giuliano Pozza, CIO of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, emphasised the necessity for institutions to adapt to the higher expectations of today's tech-savvy students. They demand high-quality education augmented by advanced technology and personalised learning experiences. Under Pozza’s leadership, Università Cattolica is exploring flexible learning options and robust support services to boost student engagement and satisfaction.
3. Alumni Engagement and Lifelong Learning: Attanasio Ercolano, Head of Enterprise Applications at Università Bocconi, shared insights into the evolving relationship between educational institutions and their alumni. The focus is shifting towards fostering a community of lifelong learners through continuous learning opportunities and networking platforms, a strategy that not only enhances the institution's reputation but also strengthens its community ties.
4. Need for Efficiency and New Revenue Sources: Michelangelo Balicco, Director of the Marketing Office at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, discussed how institutions are under pressure to improve operational efficiency and explore new revenue streams. This includes enhancing administrative processes through digital transformation and forming industry partnerships to diversify funding.
5. Management of Research, Rankings, and Accreditation: Antonino Ciacio, responsible for the Technology Team at 24ore Business School, addressed the critical role of aligning research initiatives with strategic objectives to bolster institutional rankings and accreditation standards. His approach focuses on impactful research that not only meets societal challenges but also enhances the institution's academic standing.

Round Table Insights and Discussions

The roundtable provided a platform for an in-depth discussion on how these leaders are navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation in their respective institutions.

• Data Management: Simone Piunno was asked about handling data across different departments in a seamless omnichannel ecosystem. He emphasised the importance of robust data governance frameworks that ensure data integrity and facilitate access across various functions, supporting informed decision-making and enhancing operational transparency.
• Artificial Intelligence: Michelangelo Balicco elaborated on the initiatives at Università Cattolica to integrate AI into their educational practices, particularly in personalising student learning experiences. Meanwhile, Antonino Ciacio shared how 24Ore Business School is aiming to utilise AI across the student lifecycle, especially in teaching and lifelong learning.
• Innovation Culture: Giuliano Pozza and Attanasio Ercolano discussed the mechanisms their institutions have put in place to foster a culture of innovation. They highlighted the governance structures that support the effective management of innovative projects, aligning innovation with strategic objectives while balancing risk and experimentation.
• Alumni Engagement: The importance of maintaining active relationships with alumni was a common theme, with strategies discussed to engage alumni continuously, thereby strengthening institutional ties and fostering a network of ongoing support and collaboration.

The Milano Education Industry Forum stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts and dedication of these educational leaders towards creating institutions that are not only prepared for the future but are also actively shaping the future of education. Through their collective insights and shared experiences, the forum illuminated the pathways for navigating the complexities of digital transformation in higher education, aiming to foster environments that meet the evolving needs of students and society at large.

Written by Julio Villalobos