Make IT a Case: the Naples Final, and a New Edition Already Underway!

Dear Colleagues,

A few months ago, we shared the story of a growing Make IT a Case,increasingly able to engage new faculty members, new universities, and an ever-larger number of students. Today, we can finally start from the definitive figures for the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year. During the second semester, 222 universities and 31 faculty memberstook part in the initiative, guiding their students in the development of more than 87 case study projects.

Behind these numbers are hundreds of students who, at least for a few weeks, stepped beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom to meet companies, collect data, analyse real-world challenges, and imagine possible solutions. This is precisely the philosophy behind Make IT a Case: to turn management into something to observe, discuss and, above all, put into practice..

Now, however, the most eagerly awaited moment has arrived: the National Final.The event will take place on 9 October 2026 in Naples, in the beautiful setting of Villa Doria d’Angri at the University of Naples “Parthenope”,as part of the international conference Shaping the Future – Beyond ClicksAt 12.00, the finalisti finalists will present their projects and, following the presentations, the three winners of the 2026 national edition will be announced.

Above all, it will be an opportunity to give centre stage to the true protagonists of this initiative: the students. They will tell the stories of the companies they encountered, the challenges they analysed and the ideas they developed. It will also be an opportunity to thank once again the faculty members who brought Make IT a Case into their courses and the companies that opened their doors to the curiosity, ideas and proposals of our students.

But even as we prepare to celebrate the conclusion of this edition, Make IT a Case is already moving forward.Is now officially openis now officially open the new edition for the2026/2027 academic year,featuring a renewed format and several important new developments. The SIMA members will be able to engage their students in a learning experience that takes management beyond the classroom and brings them into direct contact with companies, by joining the initiative through their Management or related courses. Students enrolled in participating courses will work in teams of 2 to 5 membersand will be asked to analyse an Italian company - preferably an SME or a start-up - by gathering information, engaging directly with the company and exploring its characteristics and challenges, with the aim of developing concrete proposals for innovation.The national selection process has also been strengthened, with the involvement of SIMA Local Representatives and a Commission composed of faculty members and representatives of Mark Up Magazine. So, while one edition is approaching its final celebration, another is already ready to begin..

See you in Naples on 9 October to discover the winners!

Wishing you a great start to the academic year and a successful Make IT a Case!

Valentina Cucino, Laura Michelini e Angelo Riviezzo