DITEN is characterized by a strong multidisciplinary vocation, enabling it to address the highly topical themes of the green and digital transitions, with the ability to develop them with a strong focus on maritime activities and the blue economy.

These themes are deeply rooted in the regional context in which the Department operates. Liguria has a longstanding tradition in the energy sector, with major historic companies in the mechanical engineering industry (such as Ansaldo) and in both traditional and renewable electricity generation. Furthermore, the electronics and telecommunications sectors have historically developed numerous significant collaborations with companies based in the region, such as Leonardo, active in various fields.

The region is also home to Fincantieri shipyards, as well as several of the largest and most prestigious shipyards specialized in the construction of Yachts, Mega Yachts, and Giga Yachts. The ship, whether commercial, military, or recreational, is a technological platform that integrates the core disciplines of the Department, fostering interdisciplinary approaches in both research and teaching. The port sector, too, requires major efforts in digitalization and decarbonization for both maritime and onshore activities, especially considering the national importance of the Port of Genoa.

In terms of cooperation, over the years the Department has established numerous partnerships with regional companies—either directly, through Regional Innovation Clusters, via joint participation in third-party funded projects, or through industry-sponsored self-funded initiatives.

These same themes have a significant impact at national and international levels, with DITEN actively participating in research projects and broad partnerships involving other universities and research institutions, public bodies, and private industries.

At the national level, DITEN has recently been involved in several major initiatives under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), including the National Centers MOST and Agritech, the Extended Partnerships NEST, SERICS, RETURN, the Territorial Ecosystem RAISE, and the SoBigData research infrastructure. In all these initiatives, green and digital transitions are foundational elements. Internationally, DITEN is involved in numerous European projects across its fields of expertise.

In line with the University’s overall vision, DITEN aims to strengthen its reputation at local, national, and international levels, positioning itself as a center of reference and attraction in its areas of specialization.

In these fields, DITEN will continue to offer educational programs designed to meet the evolving needs for skills and expertise among socio-economic stakeholders, while carrying out corresponding research activities to ensure continuous skill development and knowledge transfer to the region. This will be achieved through training initiatives, technology transfer to industry, and public dissemination and engagement activities.

To this end, the Department intends to promote initiatives that ensure motivating and fulfilling working conditions for both students and academic, technical, and administrative staff. The main goal is to foster a shared sense of identity and increase integration among the Department’s various areas, enhancing their respective expertise and encouraging interactions aimed at continuous improvement of output, while responding to the needs of key societal actors (students and families, public institutions, organizations, and national and international enterprises) who benefit from the Department's educational, research, and technology transfer services.