Youth, Employment and Project. New Trajectories and Policies in a Context of Economic, Social and Demographic Transition
Workshop | 4 February 2026
Organisers
University of Bergamo, HEYE (Centre for Higher Education and Youth Employability), in collaboration with CESC - Centro sulle dinamiche economiche, sociali e della cooperazione
- Prof.ssa Elisabetta Bani, Università degli studi di Bergamo
- Prof.ssa Federica Origo, Università degli studi di Bergamo
- Prof.ssa Vera Lomazzi, Università degli studi di Bergamo
Description
In the summer of 2022, numerous local media headlines highlighted the growing difficulty faced by companies in finding workers, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, suggesting that the relationship between young people and work might be changing.
The University of Bergamo was involved in the public debate to interpret the phenomenon through both economic and sociological lenses. From this convergence emerged a broader research project, promoted by the Rector and co-coordinated by Professors Federica Origo and Vera Lomazzi, aimed at exploring the relationship between young people and work in the province of Bergamo through direct engagement with local stakeholders.
Launched with a workshop in October 2023, the project developed over two years, with and for the local community. The research addressed key issues such as school-to-work transition and skills mismatch, wages and in-work poverty, the NEET phenomenon, and work-related values across generations. The analyses provided useful insights for local policymakers.
The main findings were discussed in thematic workshops with territorial stakeholders between June 2024 and November 2025. This workshop (in Italian) summarises the work carried out and outlines directions for future strategies and actions.
Presenter
- Dott. Federico Segato, Università degli studi di Bergamo
Discussants
- Prof.ssa Annalisa Dordoni, Università di Milano-Bicocca
- Dott.ssa Eliana Viviano, Ufficio Studi Banca d’Italia e Componente del comitato scientifico di HEYE
The program can be access here:
Higher Education and Economic Ecosystems in the Age of AI: Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Opportunity
Policy Round Table | 28 May 2025
Organisers
University of Bergamo, HEYE (Centre for Higher Education and Youth Employability), in collaboration with Lions Observatory on Artificial Intelligence
Description
In an era marked by the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the role of Higher Education in shaping economies and societies is more critical—and more complex—than ever before.
This policy round table brings together distinguished scholars and international advisors to discuss how universities can foster employability, entrepreneurship, and development opportunities amid profound technological change.
The discussion will explore how Higher Education institutions can adapt their missions, curricula, and partnerships to meet the new challenges and opportunities posed by AI-driven innovation, ensuring they remain engines of growth and societal progress.
Guests
- David Audretsch, Distinguished Professor and Ameritech Chair of Economic Development, Indiana University
- Erik Lehmann, Full Professor of Management and Organization, Augsburg University
- GB Cagninelli, International Advisor
- Stefano Denicolai, Professor of Economics, University of Pavia
Moderator
Michele Meoli, University of Bergamo
The program can be access here:
Bergamo Next level 2025
Workshop | 7-10 May 2025
Organizers
University of Bergamo
Description
Bergamo Next Level (BNL) is the leading Public Engagement initiative of the University of Bergamo. As part of the 2025 BNL edition, HEYE was presented to the public.
Starting from a round table on key policies that can facilitate the university-to-work transition and enhance the value of graduates’ skills in the labour market, the aim and structure of HEYE was illustrated, highlighting
its three main long-term goals:
- To promote the collection and production of high-quality data on Higher Education and the youth labour market;
- To support the policy makers in the design end evaluation of public policies;
- To launch an Observatory on demographic trends and their socio-economic impact on the territory.
After a welcome address by the Rector of the University of Bergamo, Sergio Cavalieri, the event hosted two
invited speakers: Licia Ronzulli, Vice-President of the Senate of the Italian Republic, and Elisa Zambito
Marsala, Head of Education Ecosystem and Global Value Programs at Intesa Sanpaolo.
Federica Origo introduced the discussion, while Michele Meoli moderated the round table composed of:
Francesco Corna (CISL Bergamo), Alberto Giuseppe Maria Dotto (INPS), Giuseppe Guerini, (Fondazione
della Comunità Bergamasca), Stefano Paleari (Università degli Studi di Bergamo) and Filippo Simonetti
(Concreta Srl).
Guests
Invited speakers
- Licia Ronzulli, Vice-President of the Senate of the Italian Republic;
- Elisa Zambito Marsala, Head of Education Ecosystem and Global Value Programs at Intesa Sanpaolo.
Round table:
- Francesco Corna (CISL Bergamo);
- Alberto Giuseppe Maria Dotto (INPS);
- Giuseppe Guerini, (Fondazione della Comunità Bergamasca);
- Stefano Paleari (University of Bergamo);
- Filippo Simonetti (Concreta Srl).
Moderator
- Federica Origo (University of Bergamo) introduced the discussion;
- Michele Meoli (University of Bergamo)moderated the round table.