“Con MUSA things happen and ideas become innovation. The project is the answer to the challenge that Milan will face in the transition towards economic, environmental and social sustainability “: thus Giovanna Iannantuoni, rector of the University of Milan Bicoccapresented the birth of MUSA (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action), the innovation ecosystem, funded with 110 million by the Ministry of University and Research under the Pnrr.
MUSA was born in Milan. Here are the rectors of the 4 universities involved: Gianmario Verona (Bocconi), Elio Franzini (Statale), Giovanna Iannantuoni (Milan-Bicocca), Ferruccio Resta (Milan Polytechnic).
An integrated, multidisciplinary project, which focuses on collaboration between four Milanese universities (Bicocca, Politecnico, Bocconi and Statale), the support of the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Milan and the Cariplo Foundation. The partnership with important companies in the area is important, there are already about thirty who have joined. The funds will finance applied research, training and technology transfer of knowledge.
And since growth, as the rector recalled, depends on technological innovation but also on human capital, here MUSA will involve 840 researchers, 41% of whom are women, and among them about a hundred young people. Times are tight, three years, and substantial funds but, as explained by Giovanni Fosti, president of the Cariplo Foundation, it is hoped “to build foundations for new subsequent investments, because the desire to create will continue, in dialogue with the city”. Keeping in mind that innovation must be inclusive, “keep everyone in it, and not create winners and losers”.
But what is it in concrete terms?
MUSA is born in Milan: how it works
The general theme is the transition towards sustainability, and will be modulated in 6 Spoke (the areas of intervention), each of which will refer to one or more universities. We will collaborate with universities and research institutions in the South. It is true that MUSA, the ecosystem of innovation, was born in Milan, but its results will – hopefully – be replicable in other cities.
The first Spokecoordinated by Milano Bicocca, promotes the ecological and digital transition. We will deal with renewable energy, promotion of carbon neutral districts, environmental monitoring, sustainable mobility. The second one (State of Milan), is directed towards biomedical researchBig Data and telemedicine, and will favor the birth of technological start-ups. The third Spoke (Politecnico di Milano) is dedicated to Big Techhow technologies can contribute to increasing sustainability in industries, also scouting for female entrepreneurship. Fourth (Bocconi) focuses on finance and sustainable economy: «An extraordinary challenge», the rector Gianmario Verona defines it. «Digital helps to collect data on this subject which is not yet codified in textbooks. We will also create a behavioral finance laboratory ».
Quinto Spoke, still Polytechnic, is about innovation in the world of fashion and luxury: «We will focus on regeneration technologies, looking for new solutions for reuse», says Rector Ferruccio Resta. Sixth and last, coordinated by Bicocca, the one that aims to seek solutions to combat inequalities and inclusionagainst educational poverty, the reduction of the gender gap and to promote a more participatory society.
“An ambitious and far-sighted initiative, an investment in the future of young people, businesses and the country,” said the mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala.
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