Strategy and Impact
DSEA’s Third Mission strategy translates the Department’s commitment to society into priorities, actions and measurable outcomes. It is organised around two complementary directions: strengthening partnerships and engagement with organisations, and increasing the Department’s visibility and contribution to public debate.
Strategic planning is supported by dedicated governance, professional services, performance indicators and periodic review. This approach allows DSEA to assess progress, learn from experience and adjust its activities in response to emerging societal, professional and institutional needs.
The Department considers impact as a process that develops over time: from activities and outputs to stronger relationships, new knowledge and skills, changes in organisational or professional practices, and wider economic, social and environmental value.
A structured and learning-oriented approach
Over the previous strategic cycle, DSEA progressively moved from a model largely based on individual initiatives towards a more structured and institutionally supported approach to Third Mission.
Dedicated governance responsibilities, professional support, monitoring processes and stronger coordination in terms of communication, fundraising and quality assurance processes have increased the Department’s capacity to develop continuous relationships with external stakeholders.
The experience gained also showed that the quality, continuity and depth of engagement are as important as the number of activities. Partnerships generate greater value when they connect research, education and societal dialogue and when external stakeholders contribute not only as recipients, but also as partners in the identification of challenges and the development of shared initiatives.
Third Mission results at a glance — 2022-2025
The results of the 2022–2025 cycle show a significant expansion of DSEA’s Third Mission activities and a progressive strengthening of its organisational, relational and communication capacity.
Monitoring results show that most of the specific objectives of the relevant Strategic Plan have been met or exceeded. The growth in agreements and teaching staff involvement was accompanied by the progressive consolidation of the dedicated Third Mission service and its related organisational processes. The data indicates a strong dissemination capability, but also a shift in user engagement from institutional websites to social media channels. For this reason, the new Plan distinguishes more clearly between simple viewing, content interaction, and web page access.
Strategic priorities and commitments for 2028
Building on the progress achieved, DSEA’s 2026–2028 strategy aims to consolidate external relationships, broaden participation and strengthen the capacity to monitor and communicate societal impact.
Particular attention will be devoted to selected and long-term partnerships, the involvement of the teaching staff, initiatives for citizens and younger generations, professional and executive education, alumni relations and the effective use of institutional and digital communication channels.
Quantitative indicators will be complemented by qualitative evidence, including stakeholder feedback, the continuity of collaborations, the use of research-based outputs and the changes generated in knowledge, skills, decisions and practices.
Stronger Research and Public Engagement Collaborations with companies, public institutions, professional communities and other organisations.
Broader Teaching Staff Involvement through regular participation in Third Mission activities.
More Public Events organised for citizens and external communities.
Wider Public Participation in initiatives designed for the broader public.
More Initiatives for Younger Generations using accessible and replicable formats.
Stronger Executive and Postgraduate Learning supporting professionals through targeted programmes and micro-credentials.
A More Active Alumni Community through networking, professional development and community-building activities.
Stronger Digital Engagement through increased interaction on social media and greater access to the website.
Useful links
