“Deep Blue”: Exploring the Depths of Space and Oceans at the Festival of Management

The second edition of the Festival of Management by SIMA – the Italian Society of Management – solidified the innovative initiative launched in February 2023 to elevate management culture within Italian universities. With over a thousand in-person attendees at Bocconi University, in Milan, the event underscored the need to reestablish human connections after years spent in "non-places" devoid of relational intelligence.

The goal was to create a physical, welcoming, and empathetic gathering – free and open to all – where participants could not only shake hands but also exchange values of trust, inclusivity, friendship, and collegiality. This spirit of community is essential for navigating today’s epochal challenges and regenerating creative and strategic energy.

The presence of high-ranking civil and military authorities, as well as top institutional representatives, honored our initiative and reinforced our commitment to expanding the reach of management culture as a driving force for economic, social, and civil progress. The Festival of Management was conceived with this mission in mind, bringing to life visionary stories of leadership – not just corporate ones – through the voices of those who embody a human-centered approach to decision-making, guided by managerial knowledge and values.

SIMA, representing the Italian academic community in management studies, aligns itself with the university’s noble duty to serve as an inclusive and democratic civic institution. The festival strengthens and innovates the ethical and sustainable culture of management, helping shape new generations of leaders who recognize the importance of community-driven goals.

This commitment ensures the Festival’s credibility, authority, and independence, leveraging the scientific expertise and ethical framework of management scholars. It is a fundamental pillar of SIMA’s broader cultural strategy to enhance the institutional impact of the Italian management research community.

SIMA has strongly reaffirmed these strategic choices, which represent a fundamental cornerstone of the ambitious cultural project aimed at enhancing the impact and institutional service capacity of the entire community of scholars who, across various Italian universities, engage in high-level management studies. At the same time, SIMA has also embraced an emerging approach aimed at facilitating the rotation of Italian university venues hosting the Festival del Management, with the goal of promoting the initiative’s objectives more extensively across the national territory.

This year, the event will take place in Naples on May 8th and 9th, in the historic halls of the Federico II University. However, the Festival will also expand beyond academia, engaging the wider city through a strategic partnership with the Naples Industrial Union, reinforcing the shared vision that earned Naples the title of Italy’s "Capital of Business Culture" in 2025.

The central theme of this edition is "Deep Blue", exploring the interconnected realms of deep space and the ocean depths. At its core, management is about exploring, innovating, reorganizing, regenerating, and developing human capital – facing the unknown with courage, determination, and knowledge. While space exploration and deep-sea research may seem worlds apart, they offer remarkable parallels for management, which is inherently drawn to discovery and thrives on tackling uncertainty through continuous problem-solving.

In this context, blue symbolizes a new frontier for humanity – one that challenges us to push beyond our limits with curiosity, resilience, and determination. It embodies the aspiration for scientific, technological, political, and social breakthroughs that redefine what is possible.

The discussions on Space and Blue Economy will feature experts engaging in open, dynamic, and unconventional conversations, highlighting how technological advancements shape the management of complex organizations. At the same time, these debates will address the critical role of human intelligence – far too precious, creative, empathetic, and inclusive to be relegated to secondary decision-making roles amid today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape.
With this vision in mind, the upcoming edition will feature an array of high-profile, forward-thinking talks on economic and social impact, involving SIMA-affiliated researchers and faculty members, along with significant contributions from the younger generation – SIMA’s NextGen community.

The third edition of the Festival will introduce many exciting innovations. Discussions will tackle pressing issues such as geopolitical and environmental challenges, urban regeneration, and public health management. These conversations will involve dozens of experts, scholars, journalists, professionals, and students, all contributing to a greater awareness of the importance of sustainable managerial practices in fostering economic, social, and civic well-being.

Once again, the Festival will place a strong emphasis on female leadership. A groundbreaking partnership with Invitalia has enabled the creation of university-wide initiatives that promote women’s leadership in business and economic development.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from influential speakers discussing how climate change and political upheaval are disrupting established corporate methodologies, placing unprecedented pressure on both private and public decision-makers. The resulting instability demands continuous experimentation with innovative solutions, often under extraordinary conditions of risk and uncertainty. These transformations, reminiscent of a Darwinian evolutionary shift, will inevitably shape new global balances – hopefully guided by ethical leadership and a commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and peace.

Equally relevant will be discussions on urban planning and intelligent, inclusive city regeneration. Italy’s cities, with their layered histories, architectural marvels, and evolving societal needs, have experienced decades of upheaval that have reshaped entire neighborhoods, sometimes fostering inequality, neglect, or chaotic rebirth. These urban landscapes remain vibrant and full of potential, yet they cry out for help.
The opportunities are vast, as is the complexity of the challenge. Yet, successful case studies offer valuable lessons, and the combination of visionary leadership with technical expertise can inspire new, impactful initiatives. Once again, esteemed experts will take the stage, encouraging participants to step forward and drive meaningful urban transformation.

A defining feature of the Festival is the active involvement of journalists, who play a crucial role in translating managerial insights into compelling narratives. Thanks to the contributions of distinguished professionals from the Italian media landscape, the event will continue to elevate the public discourse on management through effective storytelling and strategic communication. The insights and reflections generated throughout the Festival will be captured and disseminated in Economics & Management and E&M Plus, ensuring a continuous dialogue between editions and fostering broader engagement with the Festival’s themes.

These are just a few of the thought-provoking ideas we will explore at the upcoming Festival of Management. Together with our participants, we aim to contribute actively to the dissemination of high-level management knowledge, driving economic, social, and civic progress for our communities and territories.

Roberto Vona, Professor of Economics and Business Management at the University Federico II of Naples, is creator and SIMA Delegate for the Festival of Management.