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Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability (ERS)

Embedding ERS in our identity and strategy 

Ethics, responsibility and sustainability (ERS) are core principles guiding the mission and development of the Department of Management (DiPSA). These values are embedded in our strategic plan and drive our educational programmes, research initiatives and relations with external stakeholders. 

As part of the University of Bergamo, DiPSA contributes to promoting a sustainable and inclusive academic community. In May 2025, the University adopted its official Charter of Values and Commitments for Sustainability, drafted by an interdisciplinary group of professors, including three DiPSA members. 

ERS is not a standalone agenda: it is a lens through which we interpret innovation, governance and impact. 

Teaching for impact

ERS topics are integrated into DiPSA’s teaching at multiple levels. In particular: 

  • the Master’s degree in Accounting, Governance and Sustainability explicitly addresses corporate responsibility, ESG reporting and environmental impact; 
  • the TranSET project (Social, Ecological and Technological Transition), developed within the Department of Excellence programme 2023–2027, promotes the integration of sustainability, social justice and digital ethics into teaching, research and engagement. TranSET supports interdisciplinary learning activities that involve students, companies and institutions on key topics such as workplace well-being, ESG strategies, digital transition and responsible innovation. The project includes dedicated seminars, stakeholder workshops (e.g. Aziende in transizione, Sustainability Reporting Challenges), and collaborative pilot projects focused on sustainable transformation in the Bergamo area; 

  • many courses and seminars regularly explore ethical business models, inclusive leadership, responsible innovation and the role of technology in sustainability. 

Learn more about the Master's Degree in Accounting, Governance and Sustainability  

Find out more about the TranSET project

Download the first TRANSET Report (in Italian)

Research on ERS topics

Several faculty members at DiPSA conduct research on issues such as: 

  • corporate social responsibility; 
  • sustainability accounting and integrated reporting; 
  • organisational well-being and gender equality; 
  • stakeholder engagement and ethical leadership; 
  • digital transition and social innovation. 

Research activities are supported through participation in national and international networks, including EBEN Italy (European Business Ethics Network) and through partnerships with local organisations and NGOs. The Department also contributes to the interdisciplinary research centre CESC, focused on economic, social and cooperation dynamics. 

Policies and codes of conduct
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The University of Bergamo has adopted a set of institutional documents and structures to promote ethics and transparency: 

  • a dedicated Committee on Research Integrity and Ethics, which reviews projects involving human subjects and promotes responsible research practices. 

These policies apply to all teaching, research and third mission activities. Training sessions and workshops are organised regularly to foster a shared ethical culture within the academic community.

 

Equality, inclusion and well-being
unibg caniana Equality inclusion

The Department promotes gender balance and supports an inclusive learning environment. As part of the University’s broader commitment to equity: 

  • a Gender Equality Plan is in place; 
  • tutoring and specialised assistance are offered for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties; 
  • targeted actions support access and inclusion for first-generation students and underrepresented groups. 

Over 76% of DiPSA graduates are first-generation university students, a clear sign of the Department’s role in promoting social mobility and access to education. 

Environment and sustainable operations

The University of Bergamo has undertaken several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices, including: 

  • energy efficiency projects in campus buildings; 
  • digitalisation of administrative processes; 
  • promotion of sustainable mobility and waste reduction. 

These commitments are part of the University’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Engagement and student opportunities

ERS at DiPSA extends beyond formal curricula. Students and staff are encouraged to participate in activities that bridge academic research and societal needs. Recent initiatives include: 

  • Seminars and public events organised within the TranSET framework, such as “Aziende in transizione” (2025) and “Sustainability Reporting Challenges”, involving stakeholders, researchers and students; 
  • Applied workshops and ESG-focused consultancy projects in collaboration with local partners, such as Confcooperative Bergamo; 
  • Student participation in research labs like Marketing Lhab and ELab, which promote sustainability through entrepreneurship and socially responsible marketing; 
  • Public engagement activities, often in collaboration with other departments, on topics such as disinformation, digital responsibility and ethics in AI.