President of the Luiss School of Law, Professor Paola Severino's interview with Paralel.Az

- Would you please give us quick overview about the areas of cooperation between Luiss and ADA University within Italy-Azerbaijan University Initiative?

"The fruitful dialogue between Luiss and ADA University began in 2019 and led to the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between ADA and five Italian Universities concerning the creation of an Italy-Azerbaijan University.

In the Italy – Azerbaijan University network, Luiss is providing expertise and collaboration in the field of Social Sciences, with specific reference to the areas of Global Management, Political Science and “Made in Italy”. The objective is to co-develop with ADA an innovative and interdisciplinary programme that, drawing from the know-how and excellence of Made in Italy, will teach students to create, manage and promote the “Made in Azerbaijan” quality label.

The interaction between faculty, students and staff in Italy and Azerbaijan paves the way for the sharing of best practices and innovative teaching models, such as the Luiss enquiry-based educational model and the Tutoring service that offers support and advice to students.

The academic cooperation between Luiss and ADA will extend from master’s degree to doctoral programmes and research methodologies, in order to create a connection between academia and research in a long-term perspective.

Besides academic programmes, the collaboration extends to faculty training and mobility of academic advisors and administrative officers with the aim to harmonise the vision and teaching methodologies between the two academic institutions. Starting from next week, a delegation of ADA staff will attend a 3-week programme in Luiss focused on the Luiss Tutoring model with both lessons and shadowing activities. In October, a group of five ADA professors will attend workshops in Luiss working together with a team of Luiss experts on Made in Italy."

- Do you have an active academic program together at the moment?

"The academic program that is currently running within the Italy-Azerbaijan University initiative is Global Management and Politics (GMaP) – Made in Azerbaijan. This programme aims at training professionals who can effectively navigate complex global issues within both governmental and non-governmental organisations. It will also allow students to be equipped with a strong foundation in the social sciences and with the rigorous methodology needed to excel in today’s interconnected business landscape and to tackle global challenges with self-confidence. GMaP – Made in Azerbaijan also includes some modules focused on the Made in Italy model with the purpose of integrating the expertise of Italian excellence with the innovative potential of "Made in Azerbaijan”. With the enquiry-based educational model adopted by Luiss, students will take an active role throughout their learning experience; they will be engaged in highly practical project works with companies and institutions and case study discussions. They will also have the chance to interact with top academics and highly reputed professionals mainly from the Luiss Alumni network. The programme was launched in 2023, only one year after the signing ceremony of the bilateral agreements. The first academic year was set in Baku, where Luiss professors held some on campus courses. In the summer 2024 the first cohort of students successfully completed their 3-week summer module on “Made in Italy” and “Euro Italy-Azerbaijan University Mediterranean Trends” in Rome. This learning experience adopted theoretical and operational approaches, combining classes and specialised lectures with company visits and debate sessions, thus creating a strong connection between the academic and operational worlds. Students had the opportunity to deeply analyse some industries and their business models and to listen to various people in different sectors. The course was designed to provide insights into ubsequent management or entrepreneurial training in the Made in Italy industry. Students learnt how to execute the latest marketing and innovation strategies and how to run a successful luxury business in the digital age.

A group of five ADA professors accompanied the students during the visit and worked with a team of Luiss experts on Made in Italy. In autumn 2024 ADA students will come back to Rome to attend the on-campus semester at Luiss University and in summer 2025 these students will be the first graduates within the Italy - Azerbaijan initiative. A graduation ceremony will be organised in Luiss premises."

- Any other areas of cooperation?

"There is an ongoing dialogue towards a further student mobility program within the Law field.

This program would give students the chance to experience different legal systems, work on international projects, and gain skills that are in high demand in the global job market.

Furthermore, in occasion of the important Round Table Italy-Azerbaijan that took place at Confindustria on September 5th, the Vice Rector of Ada University Elkin Nurmammadov and the President of the Luiss School of Law Professor Paola Severino discussed possible further areas of collaboration, including governance rules, organizational models and prevention of maladministration."