Third Mission

Third Mission: Research, Innovation, and Territorial Impact

DIME for Society: Innovation, Knowledge, and Sustainable Development

The Third Mission represents a fundamental strategic direction for DIME, which sees knowledge transfer and engagement with the territory as a natural extension of its educational and scientific mission. Extra-academic activities thus become concrete tools to generate impact, equity, and innovation, fostering shared growth among universities, businesses, institutions, and citizens. In a complex global context, DIME acts as a catalyst for sustainable, socially responsible, and technologically advanced solutions. Its actions align with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the construction of a more resilient and inclusive society. The Third Mission is not an addition, but a core vocation of DIME: transforming knowledge into value for all.

Main Activities

  •  Scientific and cultural dissemination: Participation in events such as the Festival of Science, UniGeSenior, and citizen science initiatives.

  • Training and business: Workshops and seminars with Confindustria, professional associations, and institutions on Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, and smart working.

  • Applied research: Projects like MonCord on the Vespucci ship, international conferences such as SUPEHR’23 and IEEE MetroSea 2025.

  • Education and entrepreneurship: Projects with Fondazione De Mari, IRCCS Gaslini, and managerial training for youth.

  • Technology transfer: Collaborations with DIH Liguria, Cluster Fabbrica Intelligente, observatories, and projects like CROSS-I.

  • Intellectual property: Patents on sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing.

  • Strategic funding: Co-funded projects with Compagnia di San Paolo and industrial partners on cutting-edge technologies.

  • Sustainable development and cooperation: Projects for ecological transition, international cooperation (Lebanon, Mozambique), and a UNESCO Chair on clean energy.

  • Global collaborations: Active relationships with MIT, Harvard, and other international academic institutions.

Recent Case Studies

  • CROSS-I: An industrial and manufacturing cross-innovation project promoted by DIME and Cluster Fabbrica Intelligente. Public and private investments exceeding €230 million.

  • SPACE V: A spin-off for space vertical farming, launched in 2021 and active in the Space Economy. Read more

Active Spin-offs

  • SIM4FUTURE Srl: Solutions for interoperable simulation, intelligent agents, and augmented reality. Web site

  • SPACE V Srl: Vertical farms for space environments and terrestrial applications. Web site

For more information and collaboration proposals, contact the Third Mission representative at DIME or visit the official UniGe project page.

Last update 19 May 2025