ISTAO Launches MAECI-Funded Youth Exchange Programme on Humanistic Capitalism and Economic Diplomacy
A new international training initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders in the Adriatic-Ionian and Western Balkan region has been launched under the framework of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s “Youth Exchanges 2026” programme.
The project, entitled “Business Management: Economic Diplomacy and Integrated Promotion. From the Olivetti Model to the Digital Challenge”, has been awarded to ISTAO – Adriano Olivetti Institute and seeks to promote the Italian model of “Humanistic Capitalism” as an innovative approach to governance, entrepreneurship and international cooperation.
The initiative aims to strengthen Italy’s soft power and economic projection in the Western Balkans by training young professionals capable of combining technological innovation, social responsibility and sustainable development. Inspired by the vision of Adriano Olivetti, the programme will foster a new generation of leaders able to connect local realities with international economic and institutional networks.
The project will involve 40 young participants under the age of 30 - including 30 participants from Croatia, Serbia, Albania and Slovenia, and 10 Italian participants - through a comprehensive training pathway focused on three main pillars:
- Capacity building and transfer of competences;
- Economic diplomacy and integrated promotion;
- Development of operational synergies through a dedicated co-design laboratory.
The programme will be implemented in two phases.
The first phase, taking place online between June and August 2026, will engage all 40 selected participants through a distance-learning programme delivered entirely in English on ISTAO’s e-learning platform. The training will include ten interactive sessions led by Italian and Balkan mentors and experts.
The second phase, scheduled for September 2026 in Ancona, will consist of a two-week residential programme hosted at ISTAO headquarters. Based on merit and participation during the online phase, 16 participants — 8 Italian and 8 from the Balkan area — will be selected to take part in advanced co-design workshops, leadership activities and technical visits to internationally oriented companies in the Marche region, with a particular focus on mechatronics and blue economy sectors.
Participation in the programme is fully funded, including accommodation costs.
The call is open to young aspiring managers, entrepreneurs and public officials aged between 23 and 30, holding a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in economics, political science, management engineering or related fields, with a strong command of English.
Applications must be submitted by 23 June 2026.
Further information and the full call for applications are available in the official documentation published by ISTAO: https://istao.it/management-dimpresa-diplomazia-economica-e-promozione-integrata-dal-modello-olivetti-alla-sfida-digitale/