“ITACA – Internationalizing ITAlian ACademia with Africa” – Project Proposal TNE23-00075 – CUP J51I24000250006
TNE ITACA
Internationalizing ITalian ACademia with Africa
The project
The ITACA (Internationalizing ITalian ACdemia with Africa) project creates a permanent platform for academic cooperation between Italian and African universities. Through mobility programs, joint courses, and advanced training, ITACA promotes inclusion, innovation, and knowledge exchange on key topics such as the green economy, agri-food sector, energy, and culture.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1
Academic Staff Exchange
Mobility of academic staff between Italian and African universities to strengthen knowledge exchange in both teaching methods and the creation of new content that broadens the Italian academic offer.
ACTIVITY 2
International Student Mobility
Student mobility of African students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in Italy to promote an inclusive university model, while enabling Italian students to conduct research and write their theses in Africa.
ACTIVITY 3
Dual-Degree Programs
Creation of dual-degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA) to foster intercultural understanding by connecting and integrating Western and African academic contexts.
ACTIVITY 4
Advanced Training and Cooperation
Promotion of advanced training programs to enhance international cooperation and strengthen teaching and research skills of African academic staff through methodological courses led by Italian professors.
These four activities will be implemented across the following key areas for both the Italian and African academic and industrial sectors: green economy, orange economy, agri-food sector, energy, and water.
OBJECTIVES
ITACA aims to promote the internationalization of Italian academia in Africa through a robust and effective plan built on the pillars of international mobility, inter-university cooperation, capacity building and double programs. ITACA has the ultimate objective of strengthening Italian academic knowledge and competences and scaling at international level an inclusive and sustainable model of academia.
Cooperation and University Network
Active participation in the cooperation strategy with African university institutions to enhance the internationalization of Italian universities and transfer/scale Italian best practices and excellence to African universities;
Development of strong connections with learning activities already promoted by partner universities, supporting collaboration between teams and facilitating interactions with partners at national and international levels;
Creation of a network, expanding collaborations already in place among the four university partners and contributing to the international competitiveness of the Italian university system.
Mobility, Training, and Innovation
Promotion of inbound and outbound mobility of students in higher education programs, visiting professors, and researchers;
Consolidation, expansion, and intensification of higher education activities through the organization of courses developed in a coordinated approach by the four university partners;
Establishment of working groups on highly innovative disciplinary areas, cross-cutting scientific methodologies, and open innovation topics.
WHO WE ARE
The ITACA project is promoted by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in collaboration with the University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Università Politecnica delle Marche and the University of Turin.
Thanks to these institutions, ITACA is not only supported by a strong academic network but also seeks to be a tangible and credible initiative fostering exchange, training, and academic cooperation between Italy and Africa.
Born from the joint commitment of Italian and African universities, ITACA aims to build a permanent platform for academic collaboration. Through a consolidated network of partners, the project promotes knowledge exchange, mobility of academic staff and students, and the development of innovative educational programs.
Our goal is to strengthen the ties between Italy and Africa through shared study programs, collaborative research, and professional development opportunities. We strive to contribute to a model of an inclusive and intercultural university, capable of addressing global challenges in sustainability, innovation, and social development.
Winter School
The effects of digitalization on globalization and cross-cultural processes
The aim of this course is to provide students with a solid understanding of how digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital marketing, can be effectively applied in the management of international businesses. The course also aims to develop advanced skills in management and marketing necessary for successful operation in global and intercultural contexts. Particular attention will be given to intercultural and corporate communication, intercultural marketing, and social media marketing strategies, highlighting how these tools influence global dynamics and business internationalization processes.
Visit the course page: Click here
Information on teaching and research activities
Contact: itaca@uniurb.it
Director: Prof.ssa Barbara Francioni: barbara.francioni@uniurb.it
Co-directors
- Prof. Marco Cioppi: marco.cioppi@uniurb.it
- Prof. Massimo Ciambotti
Discover the Winter School courses: Click here
“ITACA – Internationalizing ITAlian ACademia with Africa”
Project Proposal TNE23-00075 – CUP J51I24000250006