Business and research

Research and innovation activities at the University of Bologna are carried out by over 5,000 teachers, researchers, fellow researchers and PhD students who operate in a dynamic and multidisciplinary context. The objective is to contribute to new knowledge and innovation that can be used for economic, social and cultural development.

Research for businesses 

The opportunities offered to the industry world to collaborate with the University include: 

  • consultancy and commissioned research 
  • joint participation in calls for proposals 
  • joint events and opportunities for dialogue and discussion 
  • joint workshops 

More information on research for businesses

Patents, start-ups and spin-offs 

The University is leveraging the application of the results, inventions and knowledge arising from its research to promote innovation and technology transfer processes: 

  • access to patents and other intellectual property rights  
  • activities promoting and supporting the creation of start-ups and spin-offs 
  • activities aimed at achieving cross-fertilisation of knowledge and idea prototyping, and open innovation initiatives. 

More information on innovation for businesses

Our research facilities

Departments, interdepartmental centres and laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, located in Bologna and in the campuses in Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini, are the affiliation structure for all research activities. 

More information on research facilities

Support research 

Businesses can support research and innovation through various funding mechanisms. The Italian tax system provides tax breaks that allow funding to be fully deducted from income. 

Funding mechanisms