From sustainability to tourism: four University of Insubria research projects presented at the international Strategica Conference in Bucharest

Corporate sustainability, crowdfunding for social enterprises, the impact of football on tourism and new opportunities for the wine industry. These were the topics of the four research papers presented by the University of Insubria at the 14th edition of the Strategica International Conference, held on 29 and 30 October 2026 in Bucharest, Romania, under the theme “Transforming Economic and Organizational Models”.

The University was represented by Patrizia Gazzola and Stefano Amelio from the Department of Economics (Dieco), and Daniele Grechi from the Department of Law, Economics and Cultures (Didec). The research papers were also co-authored by Roberta Minazzi and Michela Segato from Didec, and Roberta Rita Pezzetti, Vincenza Vota and Maddalena Di Tommaso from Dieco.

Organised by the Faculty of Management of the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, in collaboration with the National Bank of Romania and the Romanian Academic Society of Management, the conference brought together the international scientific community to discuss the transformation of economic and organisational systems. The 2026 edition focused on three main areas: the evolution of economic and institutional systems, new socioeconomic models aimed at well-being and sustainable development, and the relationship between technology, markets and organisational performance.

One of the University of Insubria's research papers explored the relationship between sustainability and corporate governance, focusing on integrated environmental, health and occupational safety management systems (Environment, Health and Safety – EHS).

The study examines the evolution of corporate strategies, which are increasingly moving beyond an approach based solely on regulatory compliance. The aim is to promote an integrated and preventive model in which environmental protection, health and safety become integral parts of organisations' strategic decision-making processes and sustainability policies.

A second study examined the role of crowdfunding in financing European social enterprises, which often face difficulties in accessing traditional sources of credit.

Digital platforms can provide an alternative means of raising financial resources, engaging communities of supporters and highlighting the social impact of entrepreneurial activities. The research focused particularly on the factors that can determine the success of fundraising campaigns, offering useful insights into the potential of these financial instruments.

Moving from business studies to territorial analysis, a third paper investigated the relationship between football and tourism, using Como 1907 as a case study.

How much does a football match affect visitor numbers in a city? And what impact can it have on the attractiveness of the surrounding area? To answer these questions, the researchers analysed visitor flows during the 19 home matches of the 2025–2026 season, comparing them with those recorded on days without sporting events.

Thanks also to the collaboration of Confcommercio Como, which provided aggregated mobile phone data, the study examined several indicators, including visitors' geographical origins, demographic characteristics, spending capacity and length of stay. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how football events contribute to tourism promotion and the attractiveness of the Lake Como area.

The fourth research paper explored food and wine tourism as a diversification opportunity for wine-producing companies operating within the Prosecco sector.

In a market characterised by growing uncertainty, wine-related tourism experiences can offer opportunities for development beyond production and sales. The research investigated how companies' organisational characteristics and business strategies influence investment decisions in wine tourism, assessing the potential contribution of these activities to value creation, business performance and companies' ability to respond to changing market conditions.

Although covering different sectors, the four studies share a common focus on innovation, sustainability and economic and territorial transformation. From corporate governance and new financing methods to the role of sport and food and wine tourism in regional development, the research reflects the diversity of the fields of study pursued by the University of Insubria's Departments of Economics and of Law, Economics and Cultures.

Participation in the Strategica International Conference provided the University's researchers with an opportunity to exchange ideas with scholars from other countries, contributing to the international dissemination of research findings and to the ongoing debate on today's major economic, organisational and territorial challenges.

(Pictured, from left: Stefano Amelio, Patrizia Gazzola, Daniele Grechi)