Rome is undergoing a complex transformation: reconciling the weight of a millennia-old history with the needs of a modern, sustainable and competitive metropolis. Mobility, infrastructure, innovation, urban regeneration, and the ability to attract capital and talent are now part of the same challenge — one that requires vision, speed of execution, public leadership and a long-term perspective.

The third edition of Leaders Talk — the series of private conversations promoted by SDA Bocconi Roma and led by Gimede Gigante, Director of the Rome Campus — featured Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome Capital, and Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi School of Management, moderated by journalist Stefano Feltri.

The conversation reflected on the role major cities are increasingly called to play. Rome and Milan represent two key hubs for Italy’s development and compete to attract investment, talent, research and innovation.

The discussion also addressed growth and human capital, identified as crucial factors for the country’s future. In this context, Gualtieri stressed the need to move beyond the idea of Rome as a city condemned to permanent emergency management, while Caselli highlighted the strategic role of cities as drivers of innovation and attractiveness.

Transport, waste management, infrastructure, sustainability, digitalisation and urban regeneration were described as parts of a single transformation. “Rome is transforming” was the principle repeatedly referenced throughout the evening to describe an approach aimed at rethinking the functioning of the city and strengthening the Capital’s ability to become attractive again.

The PNRR and the Jubilee were identified as major accelerators for investment, construction projects and urban transformation, while also reinforcing attention on technological innovation, artificial intelligence and advanced research. The discussion also highlighted the issue of public leadership and the management of change in complex contexts, including the development of skills, difficult decision-making, and the ability to attract and retain talent.

The evening concluded with a broader reflection on the future role of cities in shaping competitiveness, innovation and the quality of development. For the Eternal City, the challenge is to turn this season of investment and transformation into a lasting trajectory capable of strengthening its attractiveness, international positioning and ability to generate new momentum.

With Leaders Talk, the Rome Campus continues to strengthen its role as a platform for dialogue among leading figures from Italy’s public, economic and institutional landscape on the issues shaping the country’s future decisions.

SDA Bocconi School of Management