Post by QS Quacquarelli Symonds

We’re proud to have partnered with the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI) and Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research to convene 98 university and sector leaders in Rome last week to discuss the future of Italy's higher education system. For our Founder and President, Nunzio Quacquarelli, the moment was personal. Delivering the workshop in his father’s native Italian, he reflected on how being the first in his Italian family to attend university shaped his journey and ultimately led to the creation of QS. Using QS data, Nunzio explored how Italy can navigate key challenges—from demographic shifts and AI disruption to talent outflows and skills mismatches—by strengthening international positioning and aligning more closely with employer needs. QS continues to support institutions with insights on rankings, skills, employability, and internationalisation to enhance both reputation and relevance. Joined by speakers including Prof. Laura Ramaciotti, President of CRUI, Gianluigi Consoli, and Lavinia Monti, M.A. PhD, of MUR, Tiziana Lippiello, Rector of Università Ca'​ Foscari Venezia, Raffaele Oriani, Dean of Luiss Business School, Enrico Quagliarini, Rector, Università Politecnica delle Marche, the discussion marks a continued collaboration following Nunzio’s meeting with Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. We look forward to building on this momentum with partners across Italy and beyond. #QSInsights