Course description

Geopolitical risk and government intervention are becoming increasingly crucial in global business.

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, economic volatility, and rapid regulatory change, the ability to anticipate and manage political risk is essential. Senior corporate leaders face increasing complexity, from geopolitical conflicts to emerging regulations on artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and climate finance. These developments significantly affect global trade, supply chains, and everyday business operations.

Institutions and other international actors are adopting more interventionist approaches, adding further regulatory challenges. Looking ahead, technological and societal transformations will continue to redefine regulatory landscapes, requiring companies to remain agile and responsive.

This course equips leaders of national and international organisations with the knowledge and skills to navigate the politicised global environment now and in the future. Participants learn to anticipate political and regulatory changes, adapt business strategies to evolving global challenges, and engage effectively with public and social actors to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.

The programme is built on four pillars:

1) Political risk analysis: definitions, methods, and corporate strategic response

2) Geopolitics and geoeconomics: implications for global and national economies

3) Technology, energy, money, and power: the political economy of global regulation

4) Dealing with uncertainty: corporate strategies in a politicised global environment.

This course is a collaborative effort between the Florence School of Transnational Governance and the SDA Bocconi School of Management, combining academic and practical expertise.

Learning methods

• Direct engagement with leading academics and business experts;
• Interactive workshops and sessions;
• Peer-to-peer learning;
• Case studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this programme, the participants will be able to:

• Analyse the sources, likelihood, and impact of political risks on corporate operations, incorporating major trends and structured analytical approaches.
• Evaluate geopolitical and geoeconomic developments, including global power dynamics, regional instabilities, and supply chain vulnerabilities, to anticipate implications for national and corporate strategies.
• Assess regulatory and technological transformations, spanning generative AI, energy and climate policies, and digital finance, and determine effective approaches to influence or comply with evolving frameworks.
• Develop and implement corporate strategies to navigate uncertainty in a politicised global environment, integrating political, economic, and technological insights for informed decision-making.

Who should attend

The programme is designed for heads of functions or divisions involved in strategic processes within their organisations, as well as for managers preparing to transition into C-suite roles.

It aims to provide you, as a leader, with the essential tools and insights to effectively manage political risk.

Previous participants include professionals from think tanks, universities, central banks, national agencies, EU institutions and UN organisations.

Information for applicants

This executive training course, held entirely in English, will take place on 2-6 November 2026 at the SDA Bocconi School of Management campus in Rome.

Click 'Apply' to submit your application via SDA Bocconi’s registration platform.

Registrants who are selected will be expected to be present on the days of the programme.

Accepted participants who attend the programme will receive a certificate of participation.