L’inclusione nei processi di governance e comunicazione delle università

The paper aims at investigating the theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in the context of the emerging missions of Italian universities, integrating academic didactics and research and supporting their impact on the surrounding context. The study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, integrating the analysis of the strategic organizational documents and communication activities of a selected group of Italian mega-universities with in-depth interviews with experts and key-witnesses, in order to describe the institutionalisation level of policies for inclusion in the academic governance, the characteristics and operational dimensions of these initiatives, their role in universities’s communication strategies and activities. The contribution aims at reflecting on the role of University as a sui generis example of cultural and ethical institution, with a focus on the potential that it can express in terms of generating social and shared value in contemporary scenario. Keywords: social impact, diversity, equity & inclusion, university communication, public engagement.