The PhD in Management Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano is an advanced research programme designed for individuals seeking to contribute to major economic, industrial, technological and societal transformations. It is a three-year programme that will develop your scientific expertise, strategic vision and ability to tackle complex problems. The programme enables students not just to imagine the future of management and innovation, but to help shape it.

The PhD Program in Management Engineering (DRIG) offers advanced training and prepares candidates to conduct scientific research in the fields of management, applied economics and industrial engineering.

ADVANCED RESEARCH

Developing a methodology and the independence to contribute to scientific knowledge.

REAL-WORLD IMPACT

Working on practical problems relating to business, markets, technology, sustainability, and organisational transformation.

DEVELOPING DISTINCTIVE SKILLS

Critical thinking, analytical skills, the ability to manage complexity and project leadership.

CAREER PROSPECTS

90% of PhD students find employment within two years of completing their programme in the private sector, academia, and public institutions.

INTERNATIONALPERSPECTIVE

Join a research environment connected to academic networks, institutions and companies.

Calls for Applications and current Opportunities

The call for applications offers 10 PhD scholarships in Management Engineering.

Select the challenge you wish to pursue; each scholarship is associated with a particular research topic. The current calls for applications can be found here.

DEADLINE: 01/07/2026 14:00 (Italian time)

OPERATIONS FLOW IN THE AI ERA - 1 position

This scholarship is aimed at candidates who want to explore how Generative AI could improve operational processes. The project brings together operational excellence, process mining and continuous innovation to understand how AI can make processes more effective, faster and more sustainable.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

MITIGATING COMPLEXITY IN SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING - 1 position

This scholarship is designed for candidates who wish to address one of the most significant challenges facing global companies — designing efficient, sustainable and resilient supply chains. The project will equip you with the skills to develop models and tools that support decision-making in increasingly uncertain, regulated and interconnected contexts.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

BEYOND ASSET-LEVEL EVALUATION - 1 position

If you are interested in how infrastructure influences territories, services, competitiveness and social cohesion, this scholarship will allow you to rethink the way infrastructure investment is assessed in the age of artificial intelligence. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the project combines economic, social, technological and governance perspectives.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS - 1 position

If you are interested in contributing to the sustainable transition of logistics, this scholarship will allow you to concentrate on enhancing the energy efficiency of logistics hubs. You will study strategies to increase flexibility and reduce energy consumption, as well as ways to integrate renewable energy and make logistics systems more sustainable.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, NEW VENTURES, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL FINANCE - 1 position

Are you interested in exploring how innovative start-ups are created and grow? This scholarship provides an opportunity to study entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial finance and innovation ecosystems. You will analyse the role of venture capitalists, business angels, crowdfunding platforms, universities, and other institutions in supporting new businesses.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND TECHNOLOGY - 1 position

This scholarship is ideal for candidates interested in studying the emergence of innovation, from the production of scientific knowledge to its diffusion and adoption by firms and individuals. The project covers topics such as patents, technology transfer, AI, open-source innovation and research policy.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

ASSESSING THE RISK-PROBABILITY OF SCHOOLS AND CLASSES WITHIN SCHOOLS - 1 position

If you are interested in using data, statistics and machine learning to make an impact on education, then this is the opportunity for you. This scholarship will allow you to develop predictive models to identify schools and classes at risk of poor academic performance and dropping out. The research aims to inform more effective, evidence-based educational policies.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

HUMAN-CENTRIC SMART FACTORIES - 1 position

This scholarship is aimed at candidates interested in studying the digital transformation of manufacturing with people at its core. You will analyse the impact of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality and digital twins on work, skills, safety and well-being. You will also contribute to the design of more inclusive and sustainable smart factories.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN INNOVATION IN LOGISTICS - 1 position

This scholarship provides an opportunity to study one of the most important sectors for business competitiveness. The programme will examine how AI, digital technologies and new collaborative models are changing logistics and supply chains. The programme will focus on innovation, collaboration, and value creation.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

HOW DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIES AND AI APPLICATIONS GENERATE VALUE IN EXPERIENCE-DRIVEN SECTORS - 1 position

This scholarship is designed for candidates who want to explore the role of data and artificial intelligence in experience-based sectors such as tourism, culture, creativity and human engagement. The project will teach you how to design more personalised, authentic, human-centred experiences.

Find out more about the research topic
Read the call for applications and apply

FAQ

How to apply?

Consult the current call for applications, check the eligibility criteria and follow the procedure set out in the official document if you wish to apply. Each call for applications specifies the relevant deadlines, application procedures, required documents and selection criteria.

How can I choose the right theme for me?

Each grant is linked to a specific research topic.
Before applying, it is advisable to read the research topic description to understand the objectives, scientific scope, required skills and potential directions for the project.

What will I be doing during my PhD?

During the PhD programme, you will work independently on an advanced research project, exploring a specific topic in depth using scientific methods.
The programme includes research activities, discussions with lecturers and researchers, training sessions, and the opportunity to collaborate with businesses, institutions, and international networks.

Which career opportunities does a PhD open up?

A PhD is not merely a qualification that prepares one for an academic career. The skills you develop during the programme, such as research methodology, analytical skills, independence, critical thinking, and the ability to tackle complex problems, can be put to good use in a wide range of professional contexts.
Once you have completed your PhD, you can pursue a career in university research, or join research centres, companies, consultancy firms, institutions, or international organisations. Alternatively, you could develop entrepreneurial projects linked to innovation.