La Stampa: Francesco Profumo – “The ministry only supervises individual acts. Autonomy is not up for discussion”


Source: La Stampa, also in physical edition from June 09th 2024, page 24.
Francesco Profumo: “The ministry only supervises individual acts. Autonomy is not in question”
The former president of Compagnia and Acri: “The system of institutions has antibodies. For appointments, the triad mechanism doesn’t work, a simple indication is better”
By Claudia Luise, June 9th, 2024 at 12:17
4 min reading
“Foundations have the antibodies to overcome complicated moments”. Francesco Profumo, former President of the Compagnia di San Paolo and former President of Acri (l’Associazione di Fondazioni e di Casse di Risparmio italiane) answers the phone while he is at the airport, engaged in his double life as a trainer with the academic institution OPIT (of which he is rector) and an innovator with Isybank, the online bank of Intesa Sanpaolo (of which he is President).
What is your opinion on the Crt Foundation affair?
“I don’t want to go into the Crt issue, because I don’t know the details and it’s not my responsibility, but I can report my personal experience, as a former president of the foundation. In recent months, the Compagnia di San Paolo has undertaken the process of revising its statute and renewing its governance, everything went smoothly and within the expected time frame. I believe that the Society’s statute is a good statute and that it can also be a model for other foundations. As preliminaries to the revision of the statute, which is approximately 10 years old, the new post-pandemic national and European context, the hybrid territorial foundation model and the new operating methods tested in the last 8 years, during my presidency, were posed. The designating bodies have a very important role, because they designate the Councilors of the new governance, with the skills necessary to make the foundation work well collegially. The designations are “dry”, one for each position to be renewed. The Steering Committee constitutes a collegial evaluation of the CV of each designee and votes on their appointment. The Directors thus appointed have no mandate and must work for the good of the foundation and the beneficiaries”.
If a commissioner arrives in Turin, could the “fool” made by the territory also generate repercussions within the Company?
“I do not think so. The Company has demonstrated over the decades that it is a resilient entity, despite natural transitions in governance. Some accidents can happen in a large community like that of foundations, in Italy there are 86, but I believe that there are the right antibodies to bring these events back to the right dimension”.
Is it right for foundations to be controlled at a public level?
“The ruling of the Consulta, 300 of 2003, clarified that foundations are private bodies with full statutory and management autonomy, non-profit, with social objectives, subject to legitimacy supervision of individual acts by the Treasury. So there are all the elements for these bodies to be responsibly autonomous. From this point of view there has been an interesting evolution.”
What was it?
“The thirty years of the foundations can be divided into approximately three decades. The first, from the Amato law (1990) to the Ciampi law (1999), in which well-defined rules did not yet exist and potential beneficiaries asked for resources directly from the foundations, which responded based on availability. The second, from the Ciampi law to the signing of the Acri-MEF protocol (2015), in which the rules were written, for example on the management of assets and on the maximum number of director mandates”.
And now?
“The maturity of the foundations has been underway since 2015. Today they are subjects who act, in the territories, as development agents and, as such, have developed the strategic capacity to define objectives, priorities and methods of intervention and operate in subsidiarity with other third sector subjects, public and private. Many foundations today operate in a hybrid mode: they are not only providers, but also implementers.”
What does this mutation mean?
“Foundations increasingly often implement capacity building, co-planning and results evaluation actions. The Pnrr was a very interesting field of experimentation with excellent results.”
What do you think of Lagarde’s decision to lower rates?
“The European Central Bank acted correctly.”
What path should the ECB take?
“President Lagarde’s words are very clear. “Interest rates must remain restrictive as long as necessary to ensure price stability on a lasting basis“. In other words, we will still have to keep our foot on the brake pedal for a while, even if we don’t push as hard as before.”
OPIT, the leading academic institution dedicated to the digital themes, is organizing a meeting at the Grattacielo Intesa Sanpaolo in Turin on Thursday. But why do we need educational programs like this?
“Next will be the second academic year of this new institution which is based in Malta. The fundamental reason is that there is a demand for education that is closely connected to the digital transition, with all that it entails, both from the point of view of skills and the speed of change and uncertainty. Industrial revolutions previously lasted up to 90 years and therefore what you learned in school was enough for a lifetime. This industrial revolution, however, will be very short, it will last about twenty years, so it will be necessary to do more training. And then, while in the other three revolutions there was a partial replacement of people’s muscular strength with a form of energy, now for the first time we have an aid to brain activity.”
What impact does all this have on education?
“By putting these elements together, we understand that the training models and the resulting offer will have to be different compared to the past: they will have to be more diversified (different actors who will play their part in this new world that is being built) and based on a model of people’s lives that surpasses the current one, dictated by a part of studying/training, a part of work and a part of retirement. The reduction of the times of this revolution will ensure that what we have learned in school is not enough and therefore we will need to go back to school several times, unlearning things we have learned and learning new ones. In the first part of life, therefore, we must learn to learn; otherwise, updating skills will become extremely tiring for people. So there is a growing demand to decouple knowledge from skills: the former will last a lifetime, the latter will not. OPIT is an educational offer designed not on the basis of previous experiences, but on the basis of future needs. There are teachers from over 40 countries and the accreditation is done in an English-speaking nation to have a truly international spirit with students from all over the world who can contribute to the creation of this new training culture.”
What role could the Italian foundation for AI, born in Turin a few weeks ago, have?
“It is a little early to say what the operational model of the Foundation will be, the President has just been appointed and the first act will be the start of the selection procedure for the Director. The Director, who is the central figure for the development of the Centre, will have to present the Strategic Plan, which will indicate the main sectors of activity, the skills of the staff who will have to be hired initially and the network of scientific relations at local, Italian and European level , which will be launched in the first two years of the Foundation’s life. The times will not be short, also due to the competition with other similar initiatives, which are developing in Italy and Europe”.
As president of Isybank, how do you combine all the roles?
“Training, research and applications in the artificial intelligence sector are and will be increasingly interesting, with their developments happening in the coming years. We are only at the dawn of a revolution that will profoundly change our way of living, studying and working and we will have to be prepared to manage these transitions. I am sure that the speed of change and the uncertainty of the future will be two characterizing elements of this historical phase and we will have to be very careful not to forget the centrality of man and the ethical aspects with respect to the changes we will have to make. We will have to be very attentive to the education of the new generations, starting from the first years of school, but we will also have to invest with great attention in people already in adulthood, who will have to be accompanied and not abandoned. With reference to Isybank, I have started studying and I hope that in a reasonable time I will be able to make an intellectual and operational contribution to a sector of great importance for our country”.
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OPIT – Open Institute of Technology offers an innovative and exciting way to learn about technology. It offers a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, plus a Foundation Year program for those taking the first steps towards higher education. Through its blend of instruction-based and independent learning, it empowers ambitious minds with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
This guide covers all you need to know to join OPIT and start your educational journey.
Introducing the Open Institute of Technology
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the OPIT application process, here’s a brief introduction to OPIT.
OPIT is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers exclusively online education in English to an international community of students. With a winning team of top professors and a specific focus on computer science, it trains the technology leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the unique elements that characterize OPIT’s approach include:
- No final exams. Instead, students undergo progressive assessments over time
- A job-oriented, practical focus on the courses
- 24/7 support, including AI assistance and student communities, so everyone feels supported
- A strong network of company connections, unlocking doors for graduates
Reasons to Join OPIT
There are many reasons for ambitious students and aspiring tech professionals to study with OPIT.
Firstly, since all the study takes place online, it’s a very flexible and pleasant way to learn. Students don’t feel the usual pressures or suffer the same constraints they would at a physical college or university. They can attend from anywhere, including their own homes, and study at a pace that suits them.
OPIT is also a specialist in the technology field. It only offers courses focused on tech and computer science, with a team of professors and tutors who lead the way in these topics. This ensures that students get high-caliber learning opportunities in this specific sector.
Learning at OPIT is also hands-on and applicable to real-world situations, despite taking place online. Students are not just taught core skills and knowledge, but are also shown how to apply those skills and knowledge in their future careers.
In addition, OPIT strives to make technology education as accessible, inclusive, and affordable as possible. Entry requirements are relatively relaxed, fees are fair, and students from around the world are welcome here.
What You Need to Know About Joining OPIT
Now you know why it’s worth joining OPIT, let’s take a closer look at how to go about it. The following sections will cover how to apply to OPIT, entry requirements, and fees.
The OPIT Application Process
Unsurprisingly for an online-only institution, the application process for OPIT is all online, too. Users can submit the relevant documents and information on their computers from the comfort of their homes.
- Visit the official OPIT site and click the “Apply now” button to get started, filling out the relevant forms.
- Upload your supporting documents. These can include your CV, as well as certificates to prove your past educational accomplishments and level of English.
- Take part in an interview. This should last no more than 30 minutes. It’s a chance for you to talk about your ambitions and background, and to ask questions you might have about OPIT.
That’s it. Once you complete the above steps, you will be admitted to your chosen course and can start enjoying OPIT education once the first term begins. You’ll need to sign your admissions contract and pay the relevant fees, then begin classes.
Entry Requirements for OPIT Courses
OPIT offers a small curated collection of courses, each with its own requirements. You can consult the relevant pages on the official OPIT site to find out the exact details.
For the Foundation Program, for example, you simply need an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification. You also need to demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English comprehension.
For the BSc in Digital Business, applicants should have a higher secondary school leaving certificate, plus B2-level English comprehension. You can also support your application with a credit transfer from previous studies or relevant work experience.
Overall, the requirements are simple, and it’s most important for applicants to be ambitious and eager to build successful careers in the world of technology. Those who are driven and committed will get the best from OPIT’s instruction.
Fees and Flexible Payments at OPIT
As mentioned above, OPIT makes technological education accessible and affordable for all. Its tuition fees cover all relevant teaching materials, and there are no hidden costs or extras. The institute also offers flexible payment options for those with different budgets.
Again, exact fees vary depending on which course you want to take, so it’s important to consult the specific info for each one. You can pay in advance to enjoy 10% off the final cost, or refer a friend to also obtain a discount.
In addition to this, OPIT offers need-based and merit-based scholarships. Successful candidates can obtain discounts of up to 40% on bachelor’s and master’s tuition fees. This can substantially bring the term cost of each program down, making OPIT education even more accessible.
Credit Transfers and Experience
Those who are entering OPIT with pre-existing work experience or relevant academic achievements can benefit from the credit transfer program. This allows you to potentially skip certain modules or even entire semesters if you already have relevant experience in those fields.
OPIT is flexible and fair in terms of recognizing prior learning. So, as long as you can prove your credentials and experience, this could be a beneficial option for you. The easiest way to find out more and get started is to email the OPIT team directly.
Join OPIT Today
Overall, the process to join OPIT is designed to be as easy and stress-free as possible. Everything from the initial application forms to the interview and admission process is straightforward. Requirements and fees are flexible, so people in different situations and from different backgrounds can get the education they want. Reach out to OPIT today to take your first steps to tech success.

With the proliferation of the internet, the rise of smart devices, and the emergence of AI, the world has become increasingly technological. Unsurprisingly, then, many young and ambitious minds are eager to engage with technology on a professional scale, planning careers in the field. But to succeed in the complex, evolving world of tech, it helps to have a strong foundation of core skills.
That’s where the Foundation Year Program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) comes into play. This program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Covering digital business, computer science, mathematics, and other important topics, it prepares tech leaders of tomorrow for the next steps in their development.
Introducing OPIT
The Open Institute of Technology is a fully accredited Higher Education Institution under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the MFHEA Authority. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to the Foundation Program. OPIT’s mission is to provide high-quality, inclusive, and affordable technology education.
The institute distinguishes itself from other educational establishments as follows:
- Exclusively online education, delivered in English
- A team of top professors from leading universities around the globe
- No final exams, but a system of progressive assessment to track students’ progress organically
- European-level accreditation
- Round-the-clock support
- Affordable prices
Education at OPIT is flexible, focused, and built for career success. Its hands-on approach to learning can unlock countless doors of opportunity for those who enroll.
Learning Methodology for the OPIT Foundation Year
Technology is a rapidly evolving field. However, higher education in technology has stagnated somewhat. That was the view of Riccardo Ocieppo, and it was the reason he founded OPIT. He wanted to provide an innovative, online, and international institution to prepare students for careers in technology in the best ways possible.
OPIT delivers on this mission through an innovative approach to learning. This approach is centered around competence-based teaching. In other words, OPIT not only teaches students foundational skills but also demonstrates the practical, real-world applications of those skills.
In addition, despite being entirely online, the Foundation Program aims to foster a sense of community. Students have continuous access to their peers, tutors, and professors. This way, they always feel part of a team, and they never feel cut off or isolated from their educational community.
An Overview of the Foundation Program
The Foundation Program is OPIT’s sole pre-bachelor program. As its name implies, it focuses on foundational knowledge and skills. It equips students with the education they need to springboard onwards into further education, like a bachelor’s degree. This is invaluable, as too many students have the drive to begin degrees in technology, but lack the required MQF or EQF Level 4 qualification.
The Foundation Program provides a pathway for students in that situation and others. It eases their entry into the professional technological world. Core aims of the program include:
- Strengthen technical proficiency
- Development of an understanding of ethical and social responsibility relevant to technology
- Promotion of a human-centered approach to technology
- Improvement in core skills like mathematics, English, and computer literacy
- Creation of an EQF Level 4-tier academic base, so students can proceed into a bachelor’s degree
The Foundation Program lasts for six months and is fully online. It is comprised of two terms, lasting 13 weeks each. Students complete three courses per term, each worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 credits.
The instruction is delivered in several formats. These include video lectures, learning materials such as e-books, and weekly live sessions. Students must also complete two to three assessments during the course. These, too, can take multiple formats, like tests, essays, and projects.
By the end of the course, students will have a stronger understanding of technology. They will also have gained or improved upon numerous essential skills needed to move on with their education. They will be better prepared to succeed, no matter which direction they choose to follow next.
Student Support Systems
To ensure no student feels isolated or lacking assistance, OPIT offers a strong support system.
For example, the institute’s professors regularly check in with students, answer queries, and provide vital guidance. OPIT also provides an AI assistant that has been specially trained to help students succeed. The OPIT AI Copilot answers questions instantly, finds resources, sums up complex topics, and more. Students can also chat with one another over Slack, so no one will ever feel alone.
Future Prospects
The OPIT Foundation Program is all about preparation. It’s about getting students ready for the next steps, and it unlocks a lot of doors. For those who haven’t got a formal Level 4 qualification, for example, the Foundation Program creates a path to bachelor’s degrees. It lets students move on to a BSc in Digital Business or a BSc in Modern Computer Science, for example.
What’s more, those who intend to continue their education with OPIT receive several big benefits. These include a 25% scholarship reduction in tuition fees for any OPIT bachelor’s program. Plus, those who follow the Foundation Program will become familiar with OPIT’s modes of education and the OPIT community. So, transitioning onward into a degree should be easy and seamless.
Admissions Information and Requirements
For those who are interested in pursuing a foundation year with OPIT, there are certain requirements:
- Applicants must hold a High School Leaving Certificate in any discipline.
- They must also demonstrate a certain level of English language ability.
The application process is entirely online. Applicants will have to provide some information and supporting documents. They will be invited to a 30-minute interview to discuss their background and ambitions. Once admitted, it’s simply a matter of signing the relevant paperwork, paying the fees, and officially entering the OPIT community.
A Solid Foundation Year for Future Success
The OPIT Foundation Program breaks the barriers that have prevented ambitious technology enthusiasts from pursuing their dreams. In this exciting sphere, it leads the way towards higher education and gives students the knowledge they need to succeed. It is the ideal way to begin your journey towards a long and fulfilling career in technology.
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