Università e pandemia: i nodi della programmazione

The essay revolves around the recent normative acts undertaken by the Italian Government and the Ministry of University and Research, with the aim to make Universities capable of managing the pandemic. These acts concern distance learning strategies, economic support for students, scholarships and loans. These measures can be probed in line with the strategic framework for revamping Italian Universities, as it is defined by the 2019-2021 triennial planning. Such planning has been conveniently readapted, in line with the new pandemic scenario, so as to improve the “quality of educational environments”, the services for students, the quality and numerousness of research activities. The main purpose of these normative acts is to contain the impact of economic cutbacks on the University system. In this account, the Government finances innovative activities concerning didactic methodologies, University placement, economic support for higher education studies. Furthermore, the Government bolsters the certification of degree courses, in accordance with the scientific evolution and the productive and territorial features. Research activities will be supported through hiring, infrastructure improvement and partnerships between universities. Hence follows the chance to interpret the recent governmental acts in compliance with the new economic and social environment, that requires responsibility, transparency and accountability.