AI and Companies: skills for understanding, deciding, innovating
Understanding and leveraging the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence-AI in all its applications has become essential for companies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic and technologically advanced market. AI is a strategic tool capable of driving radical transformation of business processes.
Politecnico is positioning itself as an authoritative and attentive leader in AI education. PoliTO responds to the need for change with a strong investment in designing training programs tailored to company needs, and in the hardware and software that allow participants to test cutting edge AI solutions. The training offered is grounded in a deep understanding of the technology rather than simply following current trends. It recognizes that each company faces unique challenges and interacts with AI tools according to its organizational characteristics and application domains. The primary goal is to support companies, not just provide generic “catalog” training.
“The contemporary technological challenge is not won simply by adopting new tools, but by the ability to understand them, govern them, and leverage them for the benefit of the business system.” With these words, Dario Viberti, professor at Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering-DIATI, outlines the mission of the School of Master’s and Continuing Education that he leads.
The School collaborates with companies to identify the potential of AI, promoting its integrated use in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, and agritech. “In a rapidly evolving environment, the main obstacle is the integration of technical and managerial skills. Our programs focus on systemic knowledge: it is not enough to train highly specialized experts; what is needed is a shared language between engineers and managers. Through our Executive Master programs, AI evolves from a simple tool into a strategic lever”, adds professor Viberti.
It is no longer just a matter of managing processes, but of interpreting algorithmic outputs. The absence of consciousness in technology brings decision-making responsibility back to humans, and what the School aims to do is train leaders capable of transforming data into informed decisions, fostering agility and competitiveness within organizations.
Currently, Politecnico has already designed three AI focused programs for companies.
The Second-Level University Master “Artificial Intelligence: Technologies, Models and Applications” is coordinated by Emilio Paolucci, professor at the Department of Management and Production Engineering-DIGEP, and Luca Cagliero, professor at the Department of Control and Computer Engineering-DAUIN. This master trains experts with solid theoretical and technical-practical preparation, allowing them to understand AI methods, algorithms, and applications.
Created for professionals working closely with data, it’s a one-year program designed to develop the ability to analyze, design, and implement AI-based solutions using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, critically evaluating their impact in all dimensions. Emilio Paolucci and Luca Cagliero emphasize that participants have the crucial opportunity to work with advanced devices and next-generation IT environments specifically designed for AI. They add: “The Master is developed according to students’ diverse levels of preparation and an analysis of company needs. It is co-organized with institutional and corporate partners”.
The second program offered targets a variety of managerial roles and focuses more on applications. It’s a training path combining the scientific and technological expertise of Politecnico with the consulting experience of Deloitte: the Executive Master “Artificial Intelligence and Managerial Decisions: Innovations and Strategies for Digital Transformation”. Designed for recent graduates and managers, it provides a practical, hands on experience to acquire high-level skills for leading digital transformation processes through AI integration. Coordinated by Emilio Paolucci and Elisabetta Raguseo, professor at the Department of Management and Production Engineering-DIGEP, the program lasts six months and is offered in three editions per year. Politecnico trains approximately 100 participants annually through this master.
Politecnico’s third program is the Executive Master “Artificial Intelligence for STEM – AI4STEM”, a shorter, more technical upskilling program. “The Executive Master AI4STEM is aimed at professionals with a solid technical background who have not yet integrated Artificial Intelligence into their skill set. It provides a concrete and targeted response to the delayed introduction of AI in STEM university programs. It’s for the engineers, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists trained before the AI wave who now need to catch up quickly and methodically,” explains Francesco Vaccarino, professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences-DISMA and the master’s coordinator.
With this offering, Politecnico confirms itself not only at the forefront of applied research but also in teaching designed “tailor-made” for different corporate roles and for companies of any type and sector, which can rely on the University to integrate innovation and better face increasingly complex and competitive markets.