Milan’s SDA Bocconi School of Management recently claimed its spot among the top three in the latest Financial Times global business school rankings. In the first of a new series of interviews with leading schools, Ambition editor Colette Doyle speaks to dean Stefano Caselli about how the finance sector can contribute to sustainable growth, what Italy has to offer the world and his optimism for the future In conversation with… Stefano Caselli
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to be dean of Bocconi “Looking at my career path, I would say that I have always had two great areas of focus, or two great passions, if you prefer. On the one hand, I have worked as a researcher within the banking system – a sector that I am something of an expert on – with the aim of studying the relationship between the financial and corporate systems and how the finance sector can contribute to sustainable growth. Or, to use a term more in keeping with the zeitgeist , how it can ‘generate impact’. “On the other hand, you have university management, comprising programmes, international initiatives and the academic offer as a whole. I think that the management of higher education institutions is one of the fundamental ways in which we can impact our society. In both cases, I have always considered the international dimension an essential component of dialogue and growth. These are my two different ‘souls’ that have allowed me to play a variety of roles both within Bocconi University and within some large, international academic networks.” What have been the highlights of your career so far? “On the academic side of things I gained tenure as a young scholar (in 2002 as an associate and in 2007 as a full professor) and then received the recognition of a permanent, endowed chairship in long-term investment and absolute return at Bocconi University in 2019. From 2012 to 2022 I was vice-rector for international affairs at Bocconi.
“That was an exciting experience and the fact it lasted for 10 years gave me the opportunity to contribute to the development of the university and to the design of numerous double-degree courses. Above all, though, I was delighted to be able to contribute to the growth of a number of international networks. These include CEMS (global alliance in management education) where I held numerous roles, as well as being involved in the launch of CIVICA, the European University of Social Sciences, as part of a major project linked to various European higher education establishments. “Moreover, I have always accepted the challenge of being an independent director of various companies, both private and listed, in the industrial and financial fields, as well as a member of the investment committee for large endowments.” How important are rankings to you and your school? “Rankings are an important issue. Not just for the position that is achieved, which undoubtedly signals the value of a programme or indeed an entire institution, but above all in terms of the drive for improvement. You can discuss endlessly the relevance, or otherwise, of the parameters used and the weight they carry, but participating in these rankings means you’re open to comparison and competition, to reflecting on your weaknesses and to taking action to improve your programmes as well as the organisation as a whole. All of this is extremely useful and valuable.
12 | Ambition | MARCH/APRIL 2024
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