R.I.S. is targeted at developing advanced knowledge in the field of social and cultural innovation.

The aim of the PhD programme is to train expert researchers and analysts who will be able to scientifically address the social, cultural, economic, financial, environmental, political and technological challenges of contemporary societies.

To achieve this goal, PhD Graduates in R.I.S. will acquire theoretical know-how and methodological skills in social science, statistics, politics, anthropology, psychology and law. The courses and seminars specifically aim to develop the following skills:

• Epistemological and theoretical foundations of social science;
• Statistical data analysis;
• Social research qualitative methods;
• Social science quantitative methods;
• Graphic and spatial representation of social phenomena.

The multidisciplinary approach of R.I.S. will encompass specific educational contributions on:

• Social, organisational and technological innovation;
• Innovation processes and practices in public administration;
• Government policies and systems, governance and governmentality;
• Educational, cultural and communication policies, processes and practices;
• Labour policies, processes and practices;
• Citizenship, inequalities and cultural diversity;
• Inclusion and diversity related to gender, generations, classes and ethnicity;
• Environmental justice, distributive justice and fundamental rights;
• Mobility and immigration processes;
• Data for the study of social and political issues;
• Development, territories and environmental sustainability;
• Risk analysis and management.

PhD Graduates in R.I.S. will also acquire specific skills in analysing, designing and evaluating innovation in cultural, economic, social and institutional spheres, as a means to critically examine and address the challenges of contemporary society with a focus on inclusion and on reducing class and gender inequalities.

These skills will be applied both to theoretical and experimental research activities in order to expand and innovate scientific knowledge of social processes and their application, and to the analysis, design and evaluation of policies and projects in public and social sectors.  Furthermore, among its objectives, R.I.S. will foster the critical assessment of multi-level (local, national, supranational and international) institutional and legislative frameworks relevant to environmental risks and their ethical repercussions, including identifying any gaps and conflicts.

The research topics of the PhD programme in Social Research and Innovation (R.I.S.) focus on areas that are crucial for the progress of contemporary societies.

These include the analysis of social and cultural innovation processes, the study of public policies and their effectiveness in addressing both local and global challenges. The dynamics of social inclusion and cohesion will also be explored, with a focus on vulnerable communities and the strategies to promote their empowerment. Other areas of interest include environmental sustainability and resource management, as well as the impact of digital technologies on communication and participatory processes. Research activities will make use of interdisciplinary approaches combining theories and methods from different disciplines. The aim is to generate innovative knowledge and effective practices to improve the living conditions of communities and foster social transformation.

The knowledge and skills acquired during the R.I.S. PhD programme will prepare highly skilled experts capable of designing and conducting research in various fields, including academia, public authorities, private companies and non-profit organisations, on a local, national or international scale. PhD Graduates in Research and Social Innovation will be trained at a high scientific level to pursue the following careers:

• Post-doc research positions and academic careers in both Italian and international universities;
• Analyst and research roles in research centres, research and development departments of companies, non-profit organisations, think tanks, government agencies and public administrations;
• Managerial positions with responsibilities in overseeing and analysing innovation processes in public institutions, semi-public organisations, or private companies;
• Experts for organisations and entities dealing with international cooperation, social innovation and sustainable development;
• Social innovation consultants, including the establishment of spin-offs and start-up companies.