How can knowledge be turned into a driver of change?
From this question the Talent Award takes shape, the new prize promoted by GATE REI in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Economics at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The initiative is designed to highlight the skills of young talents—final-year undergraduates, recent graduates, PhD candidates, and research fellows—inviting them to tackle concrete, current, high-impact topics: from urban regeneration to corporate purpose, from youth attraction policies to innovation systems in small towns.

Full Call — Talent Award GATE REI

GATE REI, in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Economics at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, is launching a call aimed at young talents across Italy, with the goal of involving them in a project that offers the opportunity to combine research and theoretical analysis with real-world situations and problems. Participants will be asked to apply the tools, theories, and methodologies learned during their studies to produce a project on topics of socio-economic relevance. A multidisciplinary and creative approach is encouraged.

Interested individuals (projects are individual only) are invited to produce a report of up to 20 pages (including tables, charts, and bibliography) addressing one (and only one) of the following topics:

1. Analysis of the socio-economic context of a city with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants.
   The report must offer an in-depth analysis of a city with a population not exceeding 100,000, including (but not limited to):
   • Territorial and demographic framework (geographic overview and longitudinal analysis of the resident population)
   • Economy (analysis of the local economic fabric and economic well-being indicators over time)
   • Culture (analysis of the socio-cultural situation with particular attention to heritage and cultural activities)
   • Collaborative spaces (mapping and analysis of coworking spaces, hubs, incubators, and similar spaces, indicating names, contacts, size, main services offered, and prices)
2. Case study on attraction and retention policies for Generation Z adopted by a company.
   The report must present a company (chosen by the candidate), describing the organization and its sector, the reasons that make it a relevant case study, and discussing the strategies and practices used to attract and retain Gen Z talent. Special attention must be paid to employer-branding initiatives, career paths offered, and the impact of corporate culture.
3. Case study of an urban regeneration project.
   The report must present a case (chosen by the candidate) of regenerating a decommissioned building (or complex), illustrating the project’s objectives and governance, why the case is interesting, the strategies and practices adopted to implement it, and the main results achieved.
4. Case study of a corporate project on the theme of purpose.
   The report must present a case (chosen by the candidate) of a company that, in order to implement its organizational purpose, has carried out a project with social and/or environmental impact, possibly involving other actors (schools, third-sector bodies, cultural institutions, etc.). Besides describing objectives and governance, the report must explain why the case is interesting and discuss the strategies and practices used.

The report must include detailed analyses with tables and charts where appropriate to support the final reflections. Submissions will be evaluated for the quality of the analysis and depth, as well as for conciseness. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to collect data, analyze it critically, and propose interpretations, policies, and practices supported by evidence.

Editing guidelines: MS Word or PDF file; Times New Roman 11, single spacing; margins 2.5 cm.

Categories and Prizes

There are two sections for applications:

1) Line A — Section for master’s students or graduates
(students who graduated at most 6 months ago, or who will graduate by December 2025):

• First prize (€1,500): awarded to the best paper demonstrating strong analytical capacity, solid methodology, and an innovative contribution to the topic.
• Second prize (€900) and Third prize (€500): awarded to two papers that stand out for originality and depth.

2) Line B — Section for PhD candidates and research fellows (from any discipline):

• First prize (€3,000): for work that excels in scientific rigor, completeness of analysis, and impact of conclusions.
• Second prize (€1,500) and Third prize (€500): for two high-quality reports offering significant and well-structured insights.

How to Apply

Reports must be sent by 6:00 p.m. on 10 June 2025 to info@gaterei.it, specifying in the email subject:
“Partecipazione a call GATE REI – Linea A” or “Linea B.”

Along with the report (Word or PDF), each participant must attach:

• a copy of their CV (free format), and
• a motivation letter (max 500 words) explaining the reasons for applying and the candidate’s two-year career plan.

For questions or information, write to info@gaterei.it.

Selection Process

Selection will be carried out by a committee composed of the Scientific Committee and members of GATE REI’s board and the business community, in two phases.

Phase 1 — Desk review of submitted projects based on:

• Completeness and correctness of the paper as a whole (theory, references, methodology, conclusions)
• Analytical skills
• Conciseness
• Accuracy of analyses and comments
• Choice of sources and use of collected information
• Lexical and grammatical form
• Editing

This first selection will produce a shortlist of finalists for each section.

Phase 2 — Final presentations: finalists will be invited to present their projects in person on 8 July 2025 at 11:00 at the Laboratorio Aperto di Modena, Viale Buona Pastore 43, Modena. To facilitate participation, a financial contribution will be offered to cover transport and logistics expenses. Selection will be based on a 15–20 minute presentation/pitch. Concise slide decks are allowed and encouraged.

About GATE REI

GATE REI manages collaborative spaces dedicated to innovation, culture and creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion. Founded on the idea of creating connections between research, innovation, and territories, GATE REI stands out for its ability to craft solutions grounded in data and strategic visions. The company collaborates with public bodies, businesses, and academic institutions to promote projects that generate positive, sustainable impact.

Scientific Committee

Ensuring rigor, quality, and reach across the country:

• Maria Cristina Bonti, University of Pisa
• Filomena Buonocore, University of Naples Parthenope
• Edoardo Della Torre, University of Milan
• Ilaria Mariotti, Politecnico di Milano
• Fabrizio Montanari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia — Coordinator
• Teresina Torre, University of Genoa
• Pamela Palmi, University of Salento

Notes

[1] Prizes are gross, before statutory withholding tax.
[2] No restriction by class/field of degree.
[3] More precisely, applicants may participate if they graduated no later than a thesis session held in December 2024.
[4] Individual files must be named Surname-Name-DocumentType.docx/pdf (e.g., Rossi-Mario-Report.pdf). Any folder containing supplementary attachments useful for evaluation must be named with the candidate’s Surname and Name.

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