Bridging Academia and Industry Through the Applied Business Project
As part of the Applied Business Project | Cross-Industry Innovation in Action, students from the MSc in Sustainability & Innovation Management at the International University of Monaco took on a truly cutting-edge challenge: What happens when aerospace innovation meets the world of luxury yachting?
This year’s project, introduced by Sebastiano Fanizza, CEO of NEXT Yacht Group, and supervised by Adjunct Professor Filippo Ceragioli, invited students to analyze and transfer technologies and services from the aerospace sector into the yachting industry, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and economic viability. Bonus points were awarded for alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To support their efforts, students attended an eye-opening lecture by aerospace expert Gabriele Trani, who shared insights from over 20 years of experience in the field, emphasizing the sustainability challenges and technological advancements in aerospace.
The project culminated in the final presentation session, during which students had the privilege of hosting three high-level industry experts for an engaging and insightful exchange on sustainability, leadership, and innovation.
The final presentation event welcomed:
Robert Van Tol,
Executive Director of the Water Revolution Foundation
Sebastiano Fanizza,
CEO of Next Yacht Group
What made this moment truly exceptional was not only the quality of the student presentations but also the depth and spontaneity of the exchange that followed. The three guest speakers, coming from different backgrounds within the sustainability and yachting industries, didn’t just provide feedback — they engaged in a mutual dialogue, challenged one another’s perspectives, and reflected openly on the students’ ideas.
The Q&A quickly evolved into a dynamic roundtable where ideas flowed freely and naturally between students and professionals. Far from being a traditional, one-way presentation, the session became an open exchange of reflections and questions. Experts shared their real-world experiences while actively engaging with students’ fresh insights. The energy in the room reflected a shared curiosity and mutual respect. Students were inspired by the honesty, depth, and practical wisdom of the guest speakers and their thought-provoking questions. It was a truly collaborative moment that embodied the very essence of the MSc in Sustainability & Innovation Management: bridging the gap between theory and practice, and cultivating a space where future leaders can learn from today’s changemakers.
It’s incredible to see how much you’ve learnt and grown since your first presentations. Your project led to a truly intense and insightful discussion with the experts.
Dr. Elena TAVELLA
Program Director
A Special Talk on Leadership and Vision in Sustainable Yachting
Following this exchange, Robert Van Tol stayed with the students for a dedicated and interactive session that went far beyond a standard lecture. He not only shared his inspiring professional journey — from starting out as a marketing intern in the yachting sector to becoming one of the most prominent advocates for sustainability through his leadership at the Water Revolution Foundation — but also made a conscious effort to connect with the students on a personal level.
He answered all their questions with patience and insight, and even introduced interactive elements and playful moments to keep the energy high and the class fully engaged. His talk touched on several key points that resonated deeply with the students:
- The importance of working collaboratively rather than in isolation to tackle industry challenges.
- The need to move beyond “carbon tunnel vision” and embrace a more holistic and systemic view of sustainability.
- The unique potential of student-led initiatives and academic collaboration to drive real change in sectors like yachting.
His ability to blend expertise with human connection made the session a memorable learning experience that reinforced the idea that leadership in sustainability is as much about people and purpose as it is about innovation.
A Memorable and Transformative Experience
This session was more than just a project presentation — it was a transformative learning experience, both for students and for the speakers involved. It perfectly illustrates the essence of IUM’s MSc in Sustainability & Innovation Management: academic rigor, real-life application, and meaningful connection with the professional world.
We are grateful to our three guest speakers for their time and inspiration, and we are proud of our students for the depth of their work and their ability to spark such powerful discussions.