A Network That Makes a Difference

The importance of territorial networks for the dissemination of knowledge and innovation is widely recognized in academic studies and theoretical models. In the 1990s, Porter’s cluster theory highlighted the value of strong connections between institutions, businesses, and universities as a driver for growth and innovation. Similarly, Florida and Cooke’s concept of learning regions emphasized the critical role of local networks in fostering innovation and sustainable development through collaboration among various territorial actors. This approach proves particularly effective in the academic and scientific context.
At the international level, initiatives such as CoARA, ERA e LERU demonstrate how cooperation among universities and academic networks can enhance research quality and its territorial impact. Organizations such as The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, Science Europe the importance of maintaining a constant connection between the academic world and local needs to promote knowledge dissemination and development. IFSAM fosters dialogue among management scholarly associations worldwide, encouraging the exchange of best practices and the adoption of increasingly inclusive and sustainable research governance models.
SIMA has made a scelta strategica pioneristica among management learned societies by establishing a network of rete di Referenti di Sede to ensure a sedi sul territorioLocal Representatives are at the core of this vision: through their dedication, the SIMA network identifies the needs of members across different locations, collects and develops their suggestions, facilitates the exchange of ideas, and strengthens collaboration between universities. This ensures that even peripheral institutions have the opportunity to actively and directly participate in the dialogue.
The Growing Impact of Local Representatives
In recent years, the contribution of Local Representatives has become even more crucial, addressing the evolving challenges of the academic profession and the growing need to bridge research and society. Local Representatives foster dialogue, promote collaboration, and make SIMA’s initiatives more accessible and widespread. Their role is fundamental in engaging new members and creating effective synergies between academia, businesses, and local institutions. They are not merely SIMA’s representatives on the ground, but active agents of change. Using the terminology of innovation ecosystems, SIMA’s Local Representatives play a complex and strategic role, incorporating activities as gatekeepers, conductors e facilitators: They are transformative actors, converting local specificities into shared growth opportunities within the broader academic and professional ecosystem. delle specificità locali in opportunità di crescita condivisa nell’intero ecosistema.
A Collaborative Ecosystem
Listening to the needs of the territory means investing in the growth of the academic community and enhancing its ability to tackle future challenges with a broad and shared vision. The goal of SIMA’s Local Representatives network is to develop an ecosystem that fosters knowledge-sharing and the evolution of teaching methodologies. On numerous occasions, the work of Local Representatives has demonstrated SIMA’s strength and the deep sense of belonging among its members. Despite taking on a demanding role in addition to their regular responsibilities, Local Representatives have successfully enhanced the association’s visibility, both within the academic community and among external stakeholders. Their mission is to create value for all members, making SIMA an increasingly solid and recognized reference point through three core activities that drive the society’s growth and connectivity: Listening and support; Joint inititatives; Dissemination of SIMA activities.
A More Inclusive and Connected SIMA
As a board member and on a personal level, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Local Representatives for their commitment and availability over these past two and a half years of the current Board’s tenure. Thanks to them, SIMA continues to grow, valuing local specificities and generating tangible impact.
We look ahead with the ambition of making SIMA even more connected, open, and engaging. Every member can make a difference:reach out to your Local Representative to share ideas, launch projects, express needs, or suggest innovations. The future of SIMA is built together through dialogue and collaboration, fostering a community that is increasingly dynamic, inclusive, and ready to tackle the challenges of research and innovation.

MARIA COLURCIO – CONSIGLIERA DELEGATA AI REFERENTI DI SEDE