Francesco
Balzan
Expert in Innovation Processes and Digital Transformation Z-Inspection
PhD candidate at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Bologna, funded through a scholarship within the framework of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and member of the “FAIR” (Future Artificial Intelligence Research) doctoral program coordinated by the University of Pisa. His research focuses on artificial intelligence and learning sciences, with particular emphasis on cognitive models for predicting learning trajectories. He has presented and published work at international conferences, including Cognitio2021 (“Scientific Active Inference”) and ECML PKDD (“A 2-Step Methodology for Explainable AI in Education”).
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Anthropology in 2018 and a Master’s degree in Philosophy of Science in 2021 from the University of Bologna, complemented by study and research experiences at the University of Amsterdam and the University of Lisbon. In 2021, he was selected for the European MIDAS project at the Joint Research Centre (JRC), focused on innovation and knowledge modelling and management for the European Commission.
An expert in innovation processes and digital transformation, he has collaborated with leading organizations such as BPER Banca, Intesa Sanpaolo, Barilla, and Metro, supporting the adoption of advanced tools for data analysis and processing. His work is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in education and innovation through a scientific and interdisciplinary approach.
COURSES
This course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for managing artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of business innovation. It aims to systematically guide learners in understanding, embracing, and capitalizing on the transformative potential of AI to redefine business futures. The first part of the course focuses on AI and different aspects of business innovation, such as products, services, processes, organizational structures, and business models, and the exploration (sensing, seizing and implementing) of business opportunities related to AI. The second part, explores the role of AI in enhancing various stages of the Business Innovation pipeline, providing practical insights into leveraging AI for business evolution.
Data Management and Business Analytics
Artificial Intelligence for Business
This course explores how AI is transforming the natural evolution of businesses, reshaping processes, decision-making, and entire business models. We examine what it means to build an AI-first organization and the emerging roles that guide this shift, such as the AI Strategist and AI Solution Architect. Through concrete cases and practical tools, we show how AI supports continuous innovation and strategic experimentation. The focus is on using AI not just to automate, but to rethink how companies create value and adapt over time. Students learn how to steer business transformation through evidence-driven, AI-enabled evolution.
Data Science and Business AnalyticsArtificial Intelligence for Management
