About this tour
Milan stands as a global beacon of design, finance, and innovation. This week-long Study Tour to Italy’s economic and cultural powerhouse will immerse you in the dynamic forces shaping globalization today. From the heart of the fashion and luxury industry to cutting-edge technology and sustainable urban development, Milan exemplifies how a historic European city can reinvent itself as a modern global hub.
Once the industrial engine of Italy, Milan has evolved into a cosmopolitan city at the forefront of digital transformation, international business, and green urban planning. Today, it is home to the Italian Stock Exchange, major multinational headquarters, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Milan’s strategic location and business-friendly environment have attracted global players in finance, design, and technology, contributing to Italy’s re-emergence as a key destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
In addition to its economic significance, Milan offers a unique cultural experience, blending Renaissance art with contemporary architecture, historic cafés with tech incubators, and traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation. The tour will also explore the impact of international events such as the Milan Fashion Week (September 2025), which catalyzed infrastructure upgrades and accelerated Milan’s rise as a smart city and global destination.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the transformation of Milan from an industrial center to a modern global business and innovation hub
- Analyze the role played by the city in leading the green transition attracting European grants such as ERC, etc.
- Explore the intersection of tradition and innovation in key sectors such as fashion, food, design, and sustainability
- Engage with Italian firms and international corporations to understand their global strategies and leadership approaches
- Examine how major events like the Milan Fashion Week serve every year as catalysts for economic and urban development
Possible activities
- Visit major financial institutions such as the Italian Stock Exchange (Borsa Italiana) and meet with representatives from Italy’s sovereign investment bodies
- Workshop and tour innovation at entrepreneurship hubs and /or research centers such as PoliHub (Politecnico di Milano), MIND (Milan Innovation District), and Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC)
- Engage with global fashion and design brands headquartered in Milan to explore their global supply chains and branding strategies
- Attend a guest lecture or seminar at Bocconi University or Politecnico di Milano, two of Europe’s top academic institutions
- Take a guided tour of the Porta Nuova and CityLife districts to examine Milan’s green architecture and smart city planning
- Meet with sustainability-focused companies or visit the Circular Economy Lab to learn about Italy’s green transition
- Explore Milan’s cultural landmarks, such as the Duomo, La Scala, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, to understand the historical depth that underpins its modern identity