Study Trip to Milan, Italy (M1 IMCDS)

The Master in Innovation Management at the École de Management de la Sorbonne: An Immersive Study Trip to Milan to Explore Innovation

As part of its Master’s program in Innovation Management — Innovation Management, Communication and Data Science track — the École de Management de la Sorbonne organizes each year a study trip to a major European city known for its advances in innovation. For the 2025 edition, the chosen city was Milan.

As an economic and technological capital, Milan is the ideal place to immerse students in an environment where innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial strategies intersect. The goal is to enable students to discover a dynamic ecosystem and immerse themselves in innovative practices across key sectors, ranging from digital marketing to fintech, as well as data management and artificial intelligence.

The study trip to Milan included visits to renowned companies and institutions such as Business France, Xerox, Ipsos, and the Fintech District. These meetings with key players in the innovation sector allowed students to closely explore the innovation practices of these companies while discovering the latest trends in technology and digital transformation.

One of the main objectives of the trip was to help students strengthen their skills in data science and communication. By visiting cutting-edge companies and exchanging with experts and professionals, they deepened their understanding of the use of data and artificial intelligence in developing marketing strategies and improving customer experience.

Students had the opportunity to attend presentations by business leaders and managers who shared their expertise on current market challenges and issues related to innovation management. These exchanges stimulated strategic thinking and encouraged participants’ critical analysis of the innovative business models encountered.

This trip was not limited to discovering companies: it also aimed to encourage collaborative work and strengthen group cohesion. Students had the chance to build connections with their peers as well as professionals through a program that fosters networking and idea exchange.

This Milan study trip is part of the dynamic educational approach of the Master in Innovation Management — Innovation Management, Communication and Data Science track — as it allows students to complement their academic training with practical professional experience while deepening their understanding of innovation challenges and new technologies.

This study trip was a profoundly enriching experience, both academically and professionally. We were able to explore innovative management practices and develop our thinking on digital transformation across various sectors,” said a student from the 2024-2025 cohort. “Visits to leading companies such as Ipsos and Xerox were particularly inspiring, offering concrete insights into the application of cutting-edge technologies.

The students also wish to express their gratitude to Mr. Florent Pratlong, Director of the École de Management de la Sorbonne, and Ms. Héla Ben Miled, Director of the IMC&DS Master’s program, for their support in organizing this trip. Their commitment to providing practical and inspiring learning opportunities greatly contributed to the success of this experience.

In conclusion, this study trip to Milan not only enriched the students’ academic journey but also strengthened their motivation to pursue innovation and technological progress, with a strategic vision and critical mindset enhanced by this immersion in the Milanese ecosystem.

The École de Management de la Sorbonne thus continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence and to training future leaders in the field of innovation.