Main Beneficiaries
The programme primarily targets students and public policymakers, who collaborate on projects addressing complex “wicked problems” in contemporary society. Throughout the course, eight public administrations act as mentors, guiding interdisciplinary student teams in the development of innovative policy solutions. Beyond the project work itself, the 40 participating students present and pitch their outcomes through creative poster sessions during a public scientific and artistic conference gathering over 120 participants, including representatives from NGOs, public administrations, researchers, and artists. This collaborative format fosters dialogue across sectors and encourages the co-creation of innovative, inclusive, and practice-oriented approaches to public policy challenges.
Social Impact
Students gain hands-on learning opportunities by working directly with policymakers on real societal challenges. They develop practical skills in policy design, systems thinking, collaboration, and public speaking, while also benefiting from exposure to interdisciplinary and real-world policy processes. Public actors involved in the programme benefit from fresh perspectives, creative approaches, and experimentation developed by student teams.
The programme also strengthens professional and cross-sector networks through mentorship, teamwork, and a final public conference gathering more than 120 participants from diverse backgrounds. By engaging with real policy issues and external stakeholders, students build capacities in co-creation, problem-solving, and democratic innovation.
The expected social impact includes increased awareness of complex public challenges, stronger collaboration between academia and public institutions, and the emergence of innovative policy ideas that contribute to more collaborative policymaking.
