The business school market - Italy

Since 2020, the global market for business schools has witnessed significant growth, with increasing demand noted especially in the Asian continent. Italy's market, comprising of undergraduate and postgraduate education, was valued at €2.503 billion in 2020, and features a broad presence of universities offering economics-related courses. Although COVID-19 posed challenges with the shift to online learning, it did not deter the enrollment rates, which actually saw an increase. The transition rate from secondary school to university rebounded in the 2019/2020 academic year, reflecting the continued value placed on higher education. In Italy, the majority of university enrollments in 2021 were in bachelor's, master's, and single-cycle degree courses, with economics being the most popular area of study among both bachelor's and master's students, accounting for 16.1% and 17.6% respectively. The business school market is part of a larger educational sector, where in 2020 there were 209 companies, marking a 29.8% increase from 2016. Additionally, universities have been staffing up, with a 8.2% rise in the number of tenured faculty from 2017 to 2021. The structure of business schools varies globally, with the U.S. leading in terms of coveted locations for study and the quality of institutions, as evidenced by numerous world rankings.

Trends in the Italian Business School Market

In recent years, the Italian market for undergraduate and postgraduate education, particularly in the realm of business schools, has experienced significant growth and transformation. With a market value estimated at around 2.5 billion euros in 2020, the Italian education sector reflects a burgeoning interest in economic disciplines, driven by several key factors and trends. One of the most decisive elements influencing the decision to pursue higher education in Italy is social origin. Approximately 30% of college graduates in 2021 reportedly had at least one parent with a college degree, indicating the continued relevance of family educational background in academic choices. Additionally, there is a noticeable majority of graduates coming from high school backgrounds, specifically from scientific and classical disciplines, although there has been a modest uptick in technical and vocational graduates recently. Gender representation among students in business-related courses is balanced, with women accounting for just over half of the graduates. This demonstrates an equitable level of interest and participation from both genders in pursuing business education in Italy. Economic considerations are a substantial driver of demand, as higher education is still viewed as a lucrative investment. College graduates enjoy a marked employment rate advantage, with a significant percentage higher than those with only high school diplomas. Furthermore, graduates with college degrees tend to earn considerably more than their less-educated peers. Geographically, demand for business education is widespread, with nearly half of the graduates in 2021 earning their degrees in the same province where they completed high school. However, there is also a well-established migration pattern for education, with a considerable proportion of students from the South moving to the North-Center for university studies. Emerging trends highlight a growing preference for remote course access following the pandemic's impact on education, reflecting the practical needs of modern students, particularly those who commute or face attendance challenges. There is also an increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility among educational institutions, which resonates strongly with the values of current college-going generations. While the exact number of companies operating within the broader education sector may be uncertain, it is clear that the market comprises hundreds of entities, including both universities and independent business schools. In particular, more than 60 universities offer courses in economics and are responsible for employing thousands of faculty and researchers, indicating the substantial scale and infrastructure established to cater to the demand for business education.

Prominent Institutions Shaping Italy's Business School Landscape

The Italian business school market is characterized by a blend of historical universities with established academic programs and contemporary business schools specializing in postgraduate management education. These institutions have carved out niches in the education sector, catering to the varied needs of aspiring business professionals. Drawing from the text above, several players stand out in this competitive market:

Sda Bocconi School of Management: Located in Milan, Sda Bocconi stands as the leading business school in Italy and is recognized across Europe for its high-quality management education. Offering a wide array of programs from MBA to Executive Education, Sda Bocconi attracts 12,000 students annually, benefiting from its close connections with the business world and emphasis on internationalization.
Politecnico Business School in Milan: As an integral part of the renowned technical university, Politecnico di Milano, this school has made its mark by blending technical expertise with managerial acumen, positioning itself as a unique player where technology meets business. 
Luiss Business School in Rome: With a focus on the integration between academic research and practical application, Luiss Business School has established itself in the top tier of Italian business education providers. Its strategic location in the nation's capital allows for advantageous liaisons with governmental and financial institutions.
IMD and INSEAD: While not based in Italy, these European institutions set influential benchmarks for Italian business schools. Their high positions in global rankings provide a target for Italian counterparts to aspire to in terms of reputation and academic offer. These prominent institutions highlight a market driven by quality, prestige, and the continuous pursuit of educational innovation. They not only contribute significantly to Italy's position in the global educational landscape but also actively shape the future of management education through their evolving programs and international outlook.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 12/07/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Sector turnover: undergraduate and postgraduate education (Ateco: 85.42)
• Transition rate from secondary school to university in the same year of graduation
• Market value of university courses by type
• Students enrolled in universities by gender
• Concentration enrolled in bachelor's degree programs by subject area
• Concentration enrolled in master's degree programs by subject area
• Percentage of graduates with at least one parent with a degree by course type
• High school graduates by course type
• Graduate distribution by gender
• Number of companies in the sector: undergraduate and postgraduate education (Ateco: 85.42)
• Number of tenured faculty and researchers in universities
• Number of university lecturers and researchers in the subjects taught by business schools
• Number of enrollment of major business schools
• Average fee paying major business school graduation