Workshop

AI, Communication Strategy, and Governance
EUPRIO Briefing for Directors of Communication
Room U02-U03 Bocconi University, Via R. Sarfatti, 25 - Milan (Italy)
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AI is transforming the way universities communicate and, with it, the role of communications directors, who lead the communications department and its wide-ranging responsibilities. AI influences the way we write texts; it can create images for us, produce translations and entire concepts, posts and much more.

Our Staff are increasingly becoming managers of these numerous digital tools and are themselves less involved in the day-to-day work of writing, conceptualising and creating content. How can we effectively manage this transition within our department and in the whole university? We will discuss this, examine various best practices and analyse a number of case studies.

Beyond its technological implications, AI is raising fundamental questions about leadership, governance, ethics, transparency and the future role of communication professionals. Perhaps we, as universities, should draw up a charter on communication based on ethical principles. We are also affected by regulations on AI, the use of deepfakes and much more.

Particular attention will be given to strategic leadership, organizational change, crisis communication, ethical guidelines, and the evolving competencies required for communication teams in the AI era.

More than a discussion about technology, this meeting is an opportunity to reflect on how universities can shape the future of institutional communication while remaining true to their public mission and values.

EUPRIO Briefing for Directors of communications on AI Communication Strategy and Governance
Workshop programme

Day 1 Thursday 19 November 2026

13.00 – 13.30              Arrival of the participants
Location: Rooms U02-U03 Via R. Sarfatti, 25 - Bocconi University, Milan

13.30 – 14.15              Welcome and introduction
Silvia Tracchi, Communication & Marketing Director – Bocconi University
Gian-Andri Casutt, Uwe Steger, EUPRIO: Short presentation

14.15 – 15.00              Input on University Rethinking Public Organizations
Prof. Greta Nasi, 
Bocconi University
Leadership challenges, organizational transformation, and the impact of intelligent technologies on communications and public relations

Discussion

15.00 – 15.30              Coffee Break

15.30 – 17.30              Exchange on AI, transition of communication departments, and governance:
Short presentations from participants to the Directors Briefing.

3 presentations of 10 minutes and questions and answers (45 min)

                                       Exchange of ideas and best practices

17.30 – 18.30              Side Visit of the Bocconi University Library

18.30 – 21.00              Group aperitif and dinner in Milan (offered by EUPRIO)

 

Day 2 Friday 20 November 2026

09.00 – 09.45              Input on Communicating Universities in the Age of AI: Trust, Rights, and Democratic Responsibility
Prof. Oreste Pollicino, Bocconi University

How generative AI is reshaping institutional communication, scientific credibility, and governance in higher education

Discussion

09.45 – 10.30              Exchange on AI and governance: Short presentations from participants to the Directors Briefing.
2 presentations of 10 minutes and questions and answers

                                       Exchange of ideas and best practices

10.30 – 11.00              Coffee Break

11.00 – 12.30              Exchange on AI, communication strategy, and governance: Short presentations from participants to the Directors Briefing
3 presentations of 10 minutes and questions and answers

                                       Exchange of ideas and best practices

Around 13.00               Light Lunch and Farewell

Info

Target Public: Directors of communication

As the leaders responsible for your university’s communication, you play a vital role in shaping how your institution is perceived by society, politics, and the economy. In close collaboration with your Rector or President, you contribute directly to the strategic direction of your university and represent communication at the leadership table. The maximum number is 25-30 participants.

 

Registration: on MyEUPRIO

Deadline: November 12th, 2026

Dinner on November 19th and lunch on November 20th, 2025 are offered by EUPRIO

Hotel:
Jr Hotels Bocconi Milano
Via Bligny, 56 (3 minutes walking from the University)
20100 Milano - Italy
Jr-hotels.com

Special Euprio Prize:

DUS rate of € 156,00 per room per night, bed and breakfast included + € 10 city tax per person per night

Participants are invited to book the hotel themselves sending an email to sales.manager@jr-hotels.com before October 30th, 2026

In the subject line, please indicate the code EUPRIOJR and include:

  • Surname, First name

  • Check-in date / Check-out date

  • if the room is for 1 or 2 people

  • Credit card as guarantee (number, expiry date, cardholder’s surname and first name)

 

Past Workshop

March 04 - 06, 2026
Internal Communication: From Strategy to Policy
EUPRIO-COALESCE Spring School for Communication Officers
Venice International University, Island of San Servolo, Venice, Italy
December 18 - 19, 2025
Briefing for Directors of communications
Stakeholder Management – Successfully position your university in politics, economy and society

Universities are under pressure, both financially and politically. To establish a strong position, communications directors must implement smart, comprehensive stakeholder management to ensure all target groups are addressed. Politicians must recognise the value that higher education institutions bring to the economy and to society and acknowledge that they are worth funding. We must use targeted communication to demonstrate the benefits and impact of universities. This would benefit the economy, politics and society. To achieve this, we need to collaborate with partners from various groups, including alumni, employees, and, most importantly, elected representatives of the people, i.e. politicians. Everyone must be integrated into our network and receive the appropriate messages and information. During the workshop, we will receive input and discuss best practices.

As the leaders responsible for your university’s communication strategy, you play a vital role in shaping how your institution is perceived by society, politics, and the economy. In close collaboration with your Rector or President, you contribute directly to the strategic direction of your university and represent communication at the leadership table.

Bocconi University Rooms U02-U03 via Roberto Sarfatti, 25 - Milan (Italy)
March 12 - 14, 2025
Bridging AI and Sustainability: Empowering European University Communicators
EUPRIO-COALESCE Spring School for Communication Officers
Venice International University, Island of San Servolo, Venice, Italy
November 07 - 08, 2024
Inside EU – Exploring Brussels
Briefing for Directors of Communications in Higher Education
SwissCore/KoWi, Rue du Trône 98, 1050 Brussels (Belgium)
March 14 - ,
What Wave are we on: University Radios in the era of Podcast
a discussion about present and future of university radios and podcasts

This is an initiative associated with UAveiro's 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program, which is also a national meeting of EUPRIO - European Association of Communication Professionals in Higher Education, co-organized by AAUAv - Academic Association of Universidade de Aveiro and Universidade de Aveiro. 

You are all invited to come to Aveiro, Portugal, and join us!

Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal