Luiss actively engages in numerous networks and associations with the aim of increasing its research design capacities, improving teaching, and supporting social engagement initiatives in sustainability. Through its intense involvement in these networks and associations, Luiss enriches discussions and lead the way by learning from the best national and international practices.
Here is a list of networks and associations that Luiss is a member of, focusing on sustainability and international cooperation:
• CTN BIG - The “Blue Italian Growth ” National Technology Cluster: | https://clusterbig.it/ | CTN BIG, established in 2018 as a nonprofit association, aims to serve as an inclusive platform for all national actors interested in Blue Growth issues, i.e., the long-term strategy to promote sustainable growth in marine and maritime sectors.
The Association’s objective is to foster a unified entity comprising companies, consortia, research organizations, and more of national significance. CTN BIG’s scientific endeavors are led by a consortium of universities and public research institutions with expertise in marine-relate fields. On the industrial front, the cluster boasts the involvement of prominent national and international players, alongside a substantial presence of SMEs and regional groups. These entities also play a crucial role in liaising with the Regions.
CTN BIG’s financial structure relies on a 50-50 shared financing model, comprising self-funding and externally sourced capital (MIUR contributions). Similar to other existing clusters, CTN BIG operates without dedicated public financing, relying on membership fees to cover both structure/administrative and operational expenses.
• UNAI - United Nations Academic Impact: | https://www.un.org/en/academicimpact | UNAI is an initiative that aligns higher education institutions with the United Nations to support and contribute to the realization of UN goals and mandates, particularly in advancing global priorities such as peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
Since 2010, UNAI has created a vibrant and diverse network comprising students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks, higher education institutions, and educational associations. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 member institutions spanning over 147 countries that collaborate with the United Nations, collectively reaching more than 25 million people through education and research initiatives.
• RUS - Network of Universities for Sustainability: | https://reterus.it/ | Promoted by CRUI, since July 2015, RUS has been the first inititiave to coordinate and share among all Italian universities committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Luiss has been a formal member since its establishment in 2017.
• International Universities Climate Alliance: | https://www.universitiesforclimate.org/ | The Alliance aims to serve as a central hub for universities to share climate research and foster greater collaboration among key research teams. This supports global leaders, policymakers, and industry in planning for and responding to climate change. The University contributes to the mission of the Alliance by emphasizing teaching and research regarding not only climate science but also in related fields such as adaptation and mitigation.
• Sustainability Makers - CSR Manager Network: | https://www.sustainability-makers.it/ | This Italian association brings together professionals dedicated to defining and implementing sustainability strategies and projects in companies and other organizations. It aims to empower and support these professionals by enhancing their skills through training and networking activities, studies and research, conferences, workshops, and webinars.
• PRME - Principles for Responsible Management Education: | https://www.unprme.org/ | PRME was founded in 2007 and is supported by the United Nations with the goal of raising awareness of sustainability issues, with a particular focus on universities and business and management schools, to ensure that future leaders have the skills to integrate economic and sustainability goals.
• European Universities: ENGAGE.EU Consortium: | http://engageuniversity.eu/ | ENGAGE.EU Consortium is an alliance of Europe’s leading business, economics, and social science universities. Its goal to equip Europeans with the skillset and competencies necessary to address major societal challenges. These challenges include digitization and artificial intelligence, climate change, and migration, all of which must be effectively tackled to ensure a sustainable and positive future. ENGAGE.EU aims to encourage active social engagement in shaping the present and future of Europe and beyond.
• European network of independent nonproliferation and disarmament think tanks: | https://www.nonproliferation.eu/thinktanks-2-2/| The EU Nonproliferation and Disarmament Consortium serves as the central hub of a European network of researchers who are keen to share their work with colleagues, European authorities, and key decision-makers in EU member states. SDSN Italy.
• Sustainable Development Solutions Network: | http://www.sdsnitalia.it/| SDSN Italy is the national sustainable development network, co-hosted by Luiss and Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei. Its primary objective is to enhance knowledge and awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various sectors of society through solution-oriented activities aimed at improving the quality of public and private decisions to achieve the Goals.
The global initiative was launched in 2012 by the UN Secretary-General to mobilize scientific and technological expertise in promoting practical problem-solving for sustainable development. This include the design and implementation of the 17 SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement.
• NeXt - New Economy for All: | https://www.nexteconomia.org/ | The project was founded in 2011 to promote and implement a new civil, participatory, and sustainable economy. It operates as a third-level social promotion association, facilitating networks between associations, businesses, public administrations, schools, universities, and citizens working collectively for the common good.
• GRLI - Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative: | https://grli.org/ | GRLI is a global organization that promotes the Sustainable Development Goals in business schools. Luiss Business School has been a member for many years. The initiative defines “responsible global leadership as the ethical and values-based leadership exercised globally to advance social progress and sustainable development. It recognizes the interconnectedness of the world as a fundamental principle.”
• Roma Mobilità: | https://romamobilita.it/it| Roma Servizi per la Mobilità has various responsibilities, including supporting mobility planning by designing transport networks, infrastructures, and services for mobility, as well as providing decision-making tools related to mobility. It oversees the developing of planning tools for mobility and the environment, such as the General Urban Traffic Plan and Strategic Sustainable Mobility Plan.
Roma Mobilità also conducts mobility planning activities, including developing scenarios and updating demographic and socio-economic databases. Serving as an intermediary and information source for citizens, stakeholders, and technicians regarding transportation issues, it provides them with access to the information from its studies.
• Consiglio del Cibo di Roma Capitale: | https://consigliodelcibodiromacapitale.it | Consiglio del Cibo di Roma Capitale serves as an inclusive participatory platform where civil society, institutional actors, and sector associations convene to discuss and define a Food Plan. This plan will outline the agri-food policy of the city of Rome for the coming years, guided by the principles of agro-ecological transition. It is structured as a city council and has the authority to promote social initiatives in the realm of Local Food Policies in Rome, formulate proposals, convene public assemblies, and lobby for the adoption of specific Charters of Rights.
• INAET - International Network on African Energy Transition: | https://www.worldenergynext.com/articolo/2024-02-5/international-network-african-energy-transition-25018923| The International Network on African Energy Transition is an international network of experts with the aim of supporting the sustainable development of the African continent. It respects the priorities and approaches of all parties involved and engages leading African and European international institutions, universities, and think tanks.
• Link 2007 – Cooperazione in Rete: | https://link2007.org/ | Link 2007 – Cooperazione in Rete is a network that brings together 15 of the most important and historical Italian Non-Governmental Organizations. It serves to network the heritage of organizations that, for decades, have been working with society and institutions against poverty for a fairer and more equitable world. The network was established to share values, knowledge, experience, and know-how, aiming to strengthen the action of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. It seeks to enhance the unique strengthens of each organization while preserving their core missions and values.
• CISP – The International Committee for the Development of Peoples: |https://www.developmentofpeoples.org/|The International Committee for the Development of Peoples (CISP) is a civil society organization that has been active in international cooperation and the fight against social exclusion since 1983, operating in every region of the world. Today, CISP is operational in more than 30 countries with interventions to promote fundamental rights and social inclusion, combat inequality and social injustice, create economic and social opportunities, and provide protection and social security for marginalized and excluded people seeking self-determination.
• AICS - Italian Agency for Development Cooperation: | https://www.aics.gov.it/ | The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation began operations in January 2016 with the ambition of aligning Italy with its main European and international partners in development efforts. The Agency follows a model employed in all major European countries and is designed to respond to the need for more professional and innovative cooperation, with the necessary degree of flexibility in a constantly changing scenario. Its task is to carry out technical-operational activities related to the phases of preliminary investigation, formulation, financing, management, and control of international cooperation initiatives.
• CUCS - University Coordination for Development Cooperation: | https://retecucs.it/ |CUCS (University Coordination for Development Cooperation) is the network of Italian Universities for Development Cooperation. It is promoted by CRUI (Conference of Italian University Rectors) to bring together the reflections and actions of the university world related to sustainable development cooperation.
• APEnet - The Italian Network of Universities and Research Institutions for Public Engagement: | https://www.apenetwork.it/ |The main purpose of APEnet is to disseminate, promote, and enhance the culture and experiences of Public Engagement. The Network is active since 2018 and has transformed into an Association to consolidate and make visible the role that Universities and Research Institutions play in shaping proposals and projects. These initiatives refer to a concept of Public Engagement as a set of values and institutional actions directed at generating social, cultural, and economic growth. Luiss is an observer institution in the APEnet network and participates in open community initiatives.
• The Association of States General of Women HUB: | https://www.statigeneralidelledonne.com/ |The Association of States General of Women is a permanent coordination created in 2014. It serves as a forum that has become a trusted interlocutor for institutions operating across various areas such as labor, economic, financial, women’s rights, culture, education, training, peacebuilding and dialogue, quality of life, and development policies.