Third Mission | Overview

The Third Mission is one of the objectives of the University and represents an activity synergistic with Scientific Research and Education. The DIEM (Department of Industrial Engineering) is particularly dynamic and active in this area, promoting numerous initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge and culture, as well as transferring research results to support open and sustainable innovation.

There are two main areas of intervention. The first focuses on enhancing research and promoting technology and knowledge transfer, achieved through the development of collaborations with the business system, the promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives in the form of spin-offs, and the protection of intellectual property through patents.

Numerous spin-offs have emerged from DIEM, including Natural Intelligent Technologies, A.I. TECH, IPERA, AI4Health, and A.I. READY, all of which have successfully transitioned out of the incubator. Moreover, DIEM researchers are co-owners of nearly thirty patents, including 18 U.S. patents, 5 European patents, 3 international patents, and 2 Italian patents. DIEM is also highly active in establishing research agreements with companies throughout the national territory; the total value of research contracts signed by DIEM in the last decade amounts to approximately 3.5 million euros.

The second axis of the Third Mission aims to increase DIEM's social impact through the dissemination and sharing of culture, achieved via continuing education activities and public engagement initiatives.

Regarding social impact initiatives, in addition to numerous activities carried out in recent years, it is worth mentioning that DIEM is one of the founders of the Salerno hub of the national network of the Academy of the Lincei: "The Lincei for a new teaching approach in schools," and actively participates in its initiatives.