Third Mission

The Department of Engineering is actively engaged in the university’s Third Mission: transforming research into real-world impact. Through the transfer of scientific, technological, and cultural knowledge, we aim to build strong, lasting connections between the university and society.

By sharing the results of our research and fostering collaboration with institutions, businesses, and communities, we strive to support sustainable development and contribute to the social and economic growth of our region. Our multidisciplinary expertise is a key resource for creating innovation and driving progress—locally and beyond.

Technology Transfer

A core mission of the Department of Engineering is the promotion and development of technology and knowledge transfer activities at the local level—serving its natural reference territory—as well as within national and European contexts. To this end, the Department fosters and participates in systematic initiatives that bridge the gap between research and the productive sector, in collaboration with other university units and external institutional, professional, and industrial stakeholders.

The Department also plays a significant role as an intermediary in the transfer of knowledge, analytical methods, and innovative technologies developed by the international scientific community—tools that are increasingly referenced in technical regulations across various sectors. This strategic function is fulfilled both through direct interventions and the establishment of structured relationships with businesses, professional bodies, and public administrations.

The Department supports technology and knowledge transfer through several key instruments:

• Spin-Off – The Department of Engineering actively supports the creation of spin-off companies originating from its research activities. This support is provided through coordination with university-wide initiatives, business incubators, science and technology parks, and external institutional partners.

• Patents and Intellectual Property Protection – Leveraging dedicated support structures within the University, the Department offers assistance in the patenting process and the protection of intellectual property rights for research outputs that possess potential economic value and/or image rights.

• High-Tech Laboratories and Services – The Department is committed to enhancing its offering of high-level technical and scientific services to third parties. These services aim to position the Department as a reference point in sensitive and strategic sectors for local development, such as structural and territorial safety, natural hazard prevention, environmental and energy quality, conservation of cultural and architectural heritage, ICT, transportation systems, and industrial technologies.

• Lifelong Learning – The Department promotes and supports initiatives focused on knowledge transfer to the productive sector, as well as continuous and recurring education, and the dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge. To this end, it sponsors First and Second Level Master’s Programs, Advanced Technical Training Courses, and collaborative initiatives with professional orders and national scientific and technological associations (e.g., AEIT, AICA).