To further strengthen cooperation between the School of Management of Shandong University and the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano, a study tour to Italy was organized for MBA/EMBA students and alumni. Centered around the theme “The Collision of Ancient Civilization and Modern Intelligent Manufacturing: A Dialogue Between Heritage and Innovation,” the delegation was led by Professor Ding Ronggui, Dean of the School of Management and Director of the MBA/EMBA Education Center at Shandong University. The group visited Milan and Rome for academic courses, corporate visits, and cultural experiences. The program aimed to broaden students’ international perspectives and cultivate business leaders with cross-cultural management capabilities. During the visit, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as launching a DBA program, international talent development, and university–industry collaborative innovation. They also reached further consensus on jointly building business practice platforms and promoting collaboration of industry, university, and research.
Academic Exchange
Politecnico di Milano, a globally top-ranked university of science and technology, ranked 111th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and holds the top position among Italian universities. During the study tour, the university arranged a series of high-quality lectures covering topics such as Italian business culture, intelligent manufacturing, brand development, and regional advantages in Italy. Professor Sergio Terzi, Dean of the School of Management, Politecnico di Milano, attended the welcome session and delivered a keynote lecture on “European Industry 5.0.” Professors Lucio Lamberti and Giorgio Fiammenghi gave insightful lectures on “Italian Business Culture” and “Italian Luxury Brands and Regional Strength in the Food Industry,” respectively. Participants also attended lectures by industry executives, including Professor Lelio Mondella, who discussed “The Reflection of Modern Life in the Italian Film La Dolce Vita,” and Professor Fabrizio Conti, who provided an in-depth analysis of “The Influence of Renaissance Thought on Modern and Contemporary Times.”
Corporate Visits
The corporate visit component offered students valuable opportunities for experiential learning, allowing them to observe production lines and technologies up close. In Modena, known as the “City of Engines” and “Gourmet Paradise,” the group visited the world-renowned automobile manufacturer Lamborghini and a century-old traditional balsamic vinegar company, where the spirit of craftsmanship in high-end manufacturing deeply impressed everyone. At the Berlucchi winery, the students witnessed Italy’s relentless pursuit of quality and customer experience. Visits to FENDI and Tiffany in Rome provided firsthand insights into how the luxury industry operates as a vast and intricate business ecosystem.
Cultural Experience
The cultural experience activities offered students a more tangible understanding of Italian history, culture, and business practices. Strolling through the Bovisa Campus of Politecnico di Milano, they experienced its rich academic atmosphere. Visits to the Duomo di Milano deepened their understanding of Western religious culture, while tours of landmarks such as the Fontana di Trevi, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Colosseum allowed them to appreciate Italian design and aesthetics. These diverse activities not only expanded the students’ global horizons but also enhanced their professional competence through cross-cultural exchange.
The successful completion of this study tour marks another milestone in the partnership between Shandong University and Politecnico di Milano. Both sides will continue to explore broader cooperation in student exchange, talent cultivation, and scientific research collaboration in the future.
