Business Management: Economic Diplomacy and Integrated Promotion.From the Olivetti Model to the Digital Challenge
On May 25, 202625 May 2026
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PURPOSE OF THE CALL

The initiative aims to train a new ruling class inspired by the model of Adriano Olivetti and “Humanistic Capitalism.” Through an advanced training path designed to integrate profit, ethics, and digital innovation, the project seeks to strengthen skills in internationalization, social responsibility and economic cooperation between Italy and the Balkan area.

The selection is intended to identify motivated profiles with high leadership potential, capable of acting as promoters of economic diplomacy and disseminating the program’s results in their respective territorial and professional contexts.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The selection is open to young aspiring managers, entrepreneurs, or public officials who meet the following requirements by the application deadline:

  • Age: between 23 and 30 years old;
  • • Educational qualification: a master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Economics, Management Engineering, Political Science, or related fields with an excellent academic record;
  • Languages: excellent knowledge of English (minimum level B2). For foreign candidates, basic knowledge of Italian is considered an advantage;
  • Citizenship: Italian citizenship or citizenship of one of the following countries: Croatia, Serbia, Albania, Slovenia.

Gender requirement: the call provides a 40% reserve quota for female candidates.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM

The project will take place between June and October 2026 and is organized into two phases:

1 – Online training (June-August 2026): all 40 selected candidates will have access to a distance-learning program on ISTAO’s e-learning platform, consisting of 10 sessions of 3 hours each, delivered entirely in English;

Topics:

  • Olivetti Model, Ethics and Sustainability;
  • Capacity building;
  • Internationalization, Made in Italy, Balkan markets;
  • Digital and Innovation;
  • Project work, Intent paper;
  • Case studies;
  • Intercultural Leadership;
  • Financial tools (Sace, Simest);
  • Economic Diplomacy and Integrated promotion;
  • Project work.

2 – Residential phase (September 2026): on the basis of merit and participation in the first phase, a restricted selection of 16 participants (8 Italians and 8 from the Balkan area) will be admitted to the intensive in-person phase. This phase, lasting two weeks, will be held at ISTAO headquarters (Villa Favorita, Ancona) and will include advanced co-design and leadership workshops, as well as guided technical visits to leading companies in the mechatronics and blue economy sectors.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The application must be submitted no later than June 8, 2026 (application form).

Applicants must submit their application together with the following documents:

  • Updated curriculum vitae (Europass format);
  • Copy of a valid identity document;
  • Language certificate or self-certification of language skills;
  • “Intent Paper” (maximum 2 pages), in Italian or English, describing: motivation for participation; interest in the project; any previous experience; a short text on the application of Humanistic Capitalism in the applicant’s own socio-economic context.

Incomplete applications, applications submitted after the deadline, or applications without a signature will be considered inadmissible.

COSTS

Participation is completely free of charge and accommodation costs are fully covered.

SELECTION COMMITTEE AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by ISTAO and representatives of the project partners.

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Curriculum Vitae: 50%;
  • Quality of the “Statement of Intent”: 30%;
  • Language skills and previous experience in economic, entrepreneurial, institutional, or social fields: 20%.

At the end of the evaluation process, a ranking list of eligible candidates will be drawn up. Admission will be granted until all available places are filled.

The outcome of the selection will be communicated to candidates by email and/or published on the official channels of the promoting organization.

In the event of withdrawal or loss of eligibility by a selected candidate, the ranking list may be used to admit the next candidate in line.

PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING

The personal data submitted by candidates will be processed in compliance with the applicable legislation on personal data protection, exclusively for purposes related to the selection procedure and project management.

COMMUNICATIONS

All communications relating to this selection will be published or sent through the contact details indicated in the application form.

Project contacts ISTAO:

Contacts SIRA Non-profit association, Belgrado: