DSEA promotes Public Engagement as an open and continuous exchange between academic knowledge and society. Through public events, educational activities, research dissemination and initiatives developed with external partners, the Department engages with citizens, schools, younger generations, institutions, professional communities and civil-society organisations.

These activities make economic and managerial knowledge more accessible and contribute to informed public discussion on issues such as sustainability, finance, work, welfare, inclusion, technological change and public policy.

DSEA’s approach goes beyond the one-way communication of research findings. It encourages dialogue, participation and co-creation, connecting the expertise of its teaching staff with the experiences and needs of different communities. The Department seeks to develop initiatives that are relevant, inclusive and capable of generating lasting relationships and meaningful social value.

Making research accessible and relevant

Members of DSEA’s teaching staff contribute to public debate by presenting research findings and economic and managerial perspectives through conferences, public lectures, festivals, seminars, videos, interviews and other accessible formats.

The Department combines major events addressing topics of broad public interest with more focused initiatives designed for specific communities. This approach makes it possible to reach both large audiences and groups with particular educational, professional or social needs.

Main areas of focus

• economic development and public policy;
• financial markets and financial literacy;
• sustainability and the circular economy;
• work, inclusion and organisational change;
• welfare and vulnerable groups;
• artificial intelligence and digital transformation;
• climate and energy transition.

Public Engagement in Practice

The Wealth of Nations and the Role of Architecture for an Urban Economy Oriented towards Human Well-being

This public lecture brought together economics, architecture and urban studies to explore how cities can promote economic development and human well-being. Organised with the National Council of Architects and Atelier Cappochin, the event featured Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman and involved approximately 300 participants, including students, alumni and members of professional communities.

Economic Analysis and New Data for Decarbonisation Policies

A research dissemination event focusing on the contribution of economic analysis and new data to the design of decarbonisation policies. The event was attended by Robert O. Mendelsohn, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Professor Emeritus, School of Management at Yale University, United States. The initiative involved students, graduates, members of the teaching staff and external stakeholders.

The Third Report on the Liquidity of the Italian Government Bond Secondary Market

An initiative developed with CRIEP, MTS and the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. It combined an in-person seminar with online participation, reaching approximately 110 people and connecting academic analysis with financial-market and public-policy institutions.

Engaging schools, younger generations and communities

DSEA develops educational activities that introduce economic and managerial knowledge through accessible, interactive and participatory formats. Particular attention is given to schools and younger generations, in line with the Department’s objective of creating replicable initiatives and building long-term relationships with educational and community organisations.

These activities support economic and financial literacy, critical thinking and awareness of the social and environmental implications of individual, organisational and public decisions.

These objectives are translated into a range of educational and outreach initiatives designed for schools, younger generations and local communities. The following examples illustrate how DSEA uses accessible and participatory formats to connect academic knowledge with different audiences.

Science4All

DSEA contributes to the University’s Science4All programme through talks, laboratories and interactive activities for citizens and schools. Topics recorded in the initiative register include inflation, consumer needs and advertising, digital payments, energy efficiency, circular products and the evolution of economic institutions.

Science4All - DSEA Facebook post

• Do I Really Need It? Needs and Advertising
• Finance or fake?

The 2025 register reports three Science4All days for the general public, with approximately 150 participants, and two days dedicated to schools, involving approximately 40 participants.

For an Informed Choice of University Pathway

An initiative aimed at supporting more informed educational choices and reducing barriers affecting access to and progression through university. The event involved students, alumni and institutional stakeholders and recorded approximately 70 participants.

URBANx – Urban Energies in Motion

A series developed in 2026 with the Municipality of Padova, DSEA, the Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies, the MATCHA research project, innovation hubs, student associations and the Alumni Chapter Economia. The meetings — We City, Green Moves and Urban Beats — were designed mainly for people under 35 and explored urban participation, sustainability, innovation and the cultural transformation of cities.

URBANx – Urban Energies in Motion

PNRR Projects for the Wider Public

This commitment also includes initiatives that make major national research projects accessible to non-specialist audiences, showing how academic research can address issues that directly affect society. As part of L’Agorà delle Scienze | Science4All 2025, DSEA presented the challenges, research activities and expected benefits of a project funded by the PNRR – NextGenerationEU. The initiative offered the wider public an accessible introduction to GRINS – Growing Resilient, INclusive and Sustainable, highlighting how research, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration can contribute to more resilient, inclusive and sustainable societies.

PNRR project presentation - resource 1
PNRR project presentation - resource 2

Dialogue, co-creation and social value

Public Engagement is most effective when external stakeholders are not treated solely as recipients of academic knowledge, but contribute to the identification of relevant issues and to the development of activities.

DSEA therefore works with public institutions, associations, schools, companies, foundations and professional organisations to create spaces for dialogue and shared learning. These collaborations address practical and societal challenges and may generate educational resources, greater public awareness, stronger networks and new opportunities for future cooperation.

The Department evaluates these activities by considering not only their scale, but also the diversity of the people involved, the continuity of relationships, the active contribution of partners and the use made of the knowledge and resources produced.

Women and Financial Independence

An initiative developed within the University’s Sustainable Development Festival and involving the Venice branch of the Bank of Italy. Addressed primarily to female students, graduates and alumnae, the event connected financial literacy with gender equality and economic independence and involved approximately 50 participants.

Protecting and Planning: Financial and Tax Choices for the Future

A three-meeting cycle held between October and November 2025 for citizens, students and graduates. The initiative addressed financial, tax and welfare choices connected with later life and the needs of people with disabilities and their families. The three meetings recorded approximately 160 participants overall.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Prevention, Care, Costs and Consequences

An initiative developed with the FNP CISL pensioners’ organisation and addressed to older people and the wider community. It brought together health, economic and social perspectives and involved approximately 50 participants.

Sustainable Eco-innovation: Building the Puzzle of the Future

A project developed with the Amedeo Modigliani Art School and included in the University’s Sustainable Development Festival. It used art and co-creation to engage students and citizens in reflecting on sustainable innovation, common goods and possible futures.