Driving innovation: Alberto Fratini’s path to the future of sustainable development

19/11/2024

At 22, Alberto Fratini has a drive for change. Currently majoring in Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology at Bocconi University in Milan, Alberto is navigating the digital world with a global mindset. One of the recipients of the Dompé Foundation scholarship, he’s not only the first in his family to study abroad but also determined to use his talents to make a lasting impact on society. Join us as we dive into his experience.

 

How is your degree in Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology relevant today?

In today’s world, everything is going digital. My degree is super relevant right now because it's giving me the skills to understand the economics behind these changes. It's about using technology wisely and managing its risks. My studies push me to think about how tech can make life better for everyone, not just businesses. Plus, with the world being so connected, what happens in places like Silicon Valley impacts everywhere. This program helps me think globally and see the bigger picture.

 

What does the Dompé Foundation scholarship mean to you?

The Dompé Foundation scholarship is a huge step toward achieving my dreams. This support lets me focus fully on my studies and extracurriculars without constantly worrying about the economic aspects of my academic path. What makes it even more special is that it’s allowing me to be the first in my family to study abroad — a major milestone for both me and my family. This scholarship also pushes me to work harder every day because it’s a reminder that others believe in my potential. Knowing there are people and organizations investing in my future motivates me to give my best in everything I do.

 

What’s your motto? 

My motto is that hard work beats talent. I truly believe success comes down to how much effort you put in. Sure, talent helps — that's why I’ll never be a professional footballer—but putting in the work for something that matters to you is what really makes a difference and shapes who you are.

 

Tell us about an internship experience you particularly loved

In April 2024, I started a six-month internship as an Innovation Consultant at The European House Ambrosetti, Italy’s top think tank. My role is a mix of research and consulting, where I analyze the macroeconomic impact of technology and what it means for businesses. Specifically, I focus on how AI is changing the economy—its effects on jobs, people, and competitiveness. I also advise companies and regulators on how to drive sustainable progress, and that’s the part of the job I find most rewarding!

 

Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud

One of my proudest achievements is getting selected for Bocconi’s double degree program with Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics. It’s a super competitive program, and I just started this September. It gives me the chance to earn degrees from two of the top business schools in the world.

 

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to create something that truly makes an impact on society, whether it’s speeding up the green transition, helping people out of poverty, or making everyday life better in a sustainable way. I’m still figuring out the exact path! Surely, I see myself building a business that’s not just about profit, but about making a real difference.

 

Who would you have dinner with if you could have it with any person, living or dead?

If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank and the pioneer of microfinance and microcredit. His game-changing approach to helping the poor through financial inclusion has lifted millions out of poverty. I really connect with his vision of using business to tackle social problems, and his model of social business is a huge inspiration for me. What I admire most is how he empowers people, especially women, by giving them the tools to become self-sufficient through microloans. His journey from an economics professor to winning a Nobel Peace Prize is full of challenges and triumphs that I’d love to hear about!

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Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology