Rome, February 3, 2022 – Synergy and collaboration between institutions and universities as a national growth strategy: this is the concept behind the framework agreement signed between the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and the Free International University of Social Studies to develop initiatives in training, study, and analysis of the sector.

The agreement was signed today, Thursday, February 3, at Villa Blanc, during a meeting between ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma, Luiss President Giovanni Lo Storto, and Luiss Business School Dean Paolo Boccardelli. The three-year agreement aims to create tangible opportunities for collaboration between the Civil Aviation Authority and the University named after Guido Carli. The goal is to foster integration between institutions and industry professionals through an education model with a solid academic foundation. Indeed, civil aviation is a key sector for the country’s economic development, and it must be able to invest in top-tier professionals.

The agreement covers topics such as organizing and managing advanced training programs for ENAC staff, as well as research activities, feasibility studies, and the launch of curricular internships.

The initiatives outlined in the agreement will be led by the Luiss Business School, which will provide the aviation sector with the expertise and competence of its faculty and research centers.

“Today’s agreement marks the start of a significant collaboration between the aviation authority and the university, enabling us to play a leading role in shaping the country’s future,” stated President Pierluigi Di Palma . By pooling our respective skills, experience, and the professional expertise of our faculty and experts, we can give a fresh boost to aviation safety and research. We can also help create an ecosystem that will revitalize air transport and facilitate the generational shift needed to tackle the challenges ahead in the industry.”

Giovanni Lo Storto, the President of Luiss, stated: “Creating advanced education opportunities that meet the employment needs of companies and institutions is one of our university's main goals. The partnership with ENAC is a step in precisely that direction. Indeed, developing and strengthening new skills is now essential to consciously address the two major challenges of our time: the digital transformation and the ecological transition. That’s why, even in strategic sectors like aviation, it’s crucial to expand established expertise and invest in people to create value and give new impetus to innovation processes.”

Paolo Boccardelli, the Director of Luiss Business School, added: “At a time in history marked by profound changes, significant opportunities, and just as many pitfalls, a country's core assets must be equipped with the necessary tools to drive change and confidently face the new landscape that is taking shape. This is true for the aviation sector, with which we are launching a program today that we envision will be fruitful for the future of the industry and for Italy. Research and training are essential for economic development, which is why Luiss Business School is honored to support ENAC with the skills and knowledge of its faculty, and to assist it during this delicate and important time.”