The University of Trento is ready to launch the new Master's degree in Agrifood Innovation Management (AIM), that will take off in the academic year 2021/22. There are 25 places available and applications are now open on the University's website.
The new degree course will train experts that are in high demand on the job market to respond the needs of many small and medium enterprises but also of large groups in the agri-food sector, which are eager to employ specialized staff to be more competitive or relaunch their products. At the end of the two-year programme, entirely taught in English, the graduates will help bring new life to a fundamental sector of the local and national economy that urgently needs new professionals to continue to be competitive, and even more so after the covid-19 crisis.
The Italian National Institute of Statistics describes the Italian agriculture and food industry as a growing sector. Despite the difficulties, in recent years productivity, employment and investments have increased significantly, and the sector contributes to a great extent to the growth of the Italian economy, including in Trentino. The pandemic however has shaken the system globally, impacted on the demand side, and brought changes in product preferences and purchasing behaviour.
"The Master's degree in Agrifood Innovation Management is unique and gives students the opportunity to lead innovation in the agriculture and food sector", explains Professor Ilaria Pertot, director of the C3A-Agriculture Food Environment Center. "The course will start next year and will enrich the offer of the University of Trento. The need for graduates capable of promoting innovation in this area and of rejuvenating Italian companies was clear even before the covid-19 emergency. These innovation managers are necessary to strengthen the economy and increase the competitiveness of the sector".
But what does the Italian agri-food sector need in particular? Pertot explains: "There is a great need for professionals equipped with the skills required to innovate, bearing in mind social and ethical aspects and the changes caused by the pandemic".
Professor Stella Grando, coordinator of the degree course, added: "These graduates can provide their expertise in the product innovation process in agreement with companies and with attention to the international context. And their contribution will be important for the modernisation of farms and agricultural businesses, bringing new management strategies that will help choose crops, production and processing technologies, marketing strategies".
The Master's degree in Agrifood Innovation Management aims to respond to these needs with new graduates who will innovate, launch new businesses or initiatives that enhance typical and excellent products and facilitate the transition towards sustainable and quality production that includes new market trends.
About the Master's Degree
The course, entirely in English, uses innovative teaching methods and multimedia material that will make it possible to start classes regularly in September 2021.
There are 25 places available to candidates, the invitation to apply has been published on the University website. The deadline to apply is 15 July 2021.
In the second year, students will have the opportunity to study or write their dissertation abroad, and to collaborate with companies in the food and agriculture sector.
The steering committee of the course is made up of faculty members and students, and by representatives of agricultural and food processing industries.
The new degree will be presented during the Open Days - Master's Degrees on 27 May at 6.30 pm in an online meeting on Zoom (https://event.unitn.it/opendays-lm/).
For information: https://offertaformativa.unitn.it/it/lm/agrifood-innovation-management