Luiss (2 hours)

This introductory unit analyzes major global trends and their impact on Mediterranean economies, with particular attention to EU–MENA relations. It explores key economic and political drivers of regional cooperation, emerging challenges, and development opportunities in the Mediterranean context.

• Global Trends – Prof. Raffaele Marchetti
• EU–MENA Relations and MENA Trends – Prof. Luigi Narbone

Ca’ Foscari (3 hours)

This unit addresses current environmental challenges in the Mediterranean such as environmental pollution and the impacts of climate change on water resource management and biodiversity loss. Environmental governance tools and mitigation and adaptation policies will be examined. Prof. Antonio Marcomini

Politecnico di Milano (3 hours)

Focus on design and technological solutions for sustainability and resource efficiency:

• Sustainable Technological Solutions for Buildings in Hot Climates – Prof. Claudio Del Pero & Prof. Harold Huerto
• Managing the Water-Food Nexus in a Changing World – Prof. Beatrice Cantoni
• Greening Cities in Arid Climates – Prof. Maria Chiara Pastore

Milano Bicocca (3 hours)

This unit presents innovative applications for bioremediation of contaminated environments and ecosystem restoration, both terrestrial and marine.

• The power of MICROBES for environmental cleanup: synergy between bioremediation and circular economy – Prof. Andrea Franzetti
• The power of GREEN for environmental cleanup: phytoremediation in action – Prof. Sandra Citterio
• Rewilding the Future: Innovative Paths in Restoration Ecology – Prof. Rodolfo Gentil

University of Bari (3 hours)

Explores how technological innovation is transforming Mediterranean agri-food sectors:

• Crop Resistance to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses – Prof. Domenica Nigro
• Orchard Monitoring for Smart Agriculture – Prof. Pasquale Losciale
• Agriculture and Climate Adaptation/Mitigation – Prof. Marco Pantaleo

University of Milan (4 hours)

Focus on sustainable agriculture technologies, food security, nutrition, and innovation:

• Food Security: Threats and Challenges – Prof. Stefano Corsi
• Agroecology for Innovative Agriculture – Dr. Pietro De Marinis
• Bio-Based Approaches: Biofertilizers and Biostimulants – Prof. Eleonora Rolli
• Plant Biotechnology and Planetary Boundaries – Prof. Carlo Pozzi

University of Parma (4 hours)

A journey through Italian agri-food innovation: processes, policies, production, and traditions:

• Global Food Law – Prof. Valeria Paganizza
• Economics of Sustainable Food Systems – Prof. Mario Veneziani
• Human Nutrition – Prof. Beatrice Biasini
• Food Technologies – Prof. Marcello Alinovi

Università Cattolica (4 hours)

Explores how social innovation can reduce poverty through social entrepreneurship and inclusive, sustainable business strategies:

• Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Poverty Alleviation – Dr. Andrea Sottini
• Inclusive Business Models for Poverty Alleviation – Dr. Giacomo Ciambotti

University of Ferrara (4 hours)

Examines the circular economy as a driver for equitable, sustainable development, including practical cases in waste management, recycling, and industrial regeneration:

• Policies for Circularity and Human Development – Prof. Massimiliano Mazzanti
• Eco-Innovation for the Circular Economy – Prof. Nicolò Barbieri

Federico II (2 hours) 

Covers AI applications in public sector digitalization, including digital twins and international/MENA case studies:

• Digital Public Administration – Prof. Fortunato Musella, Valentina Reda
• Digital Twins – Prof. Luigi Rullo, Prof. Serena Fraiese

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (4 hours)

Focuses on autonomous driving and its technical, ethical, legal, and economic dimensions for future cities. Topics include:

• Basics of autonomous vehicles
• Computer vision and perception
• AI in autonomous driving
• Control theory
• Cooperative and connected vehicles
• Internet of Vehicles/Cities
• Ethical, legal, and economic implications

Prof. Paolo Burgio

University of Bologna (4 hours) – To be confirmed