Pragmatic Innovation in Higher Education

Nicola Carlone, Technology Innovation Manager, Università degli Studi di Torino

Nicola Carlone, Technology Innovation Manager, Università degli Studi di Torino

Innovation Through Initiative and Cross-Functional Thinking

Technology has always been a strong interest of mine, although my early professional experiences were not rooted in a traditional enterprise innovation framework. I developed my expertise through hands-on work, technical depth, and exposure to diverse operational environments.

At a certain point in my career, I made a deliberate choice. Rather than waiting for a formal innovation role to emerge, I proactively approached the CIO with a proposal to lead high-impact technological initiatives aimed at creating and improving services for the university.

This was not accidental. It was a conscious decision, grounded in the experience and competencies I had built over time, and supported by a natural predisposition toward calculated risk. I was willing to step into areas that were entirely new for the institution, and sometimes new to me, committing to study, research, and preparation in order to deliver tangible results.

That moment shaped my approach to innovation in academia. I realized that innovation is rarely assigned; it is proposed. It requires initiative, credibility, and the ability to translate emerging technologies into practical institutional value. In an educational enterprise environment, innovation is not experimentation for its own sake; it is about building new services, optimizing existing ones, and strengthening the university’s long-term strategic capacity.

Curiosity as the Engine of Sustainable Innovation

I have always believed that innovation must solve real problems. In a university setting, this means understanding how emerging technologies can enhance services, optimize operations, and support research, even when you are designing solutions that did not previously exist. My background began in networking and IT infrastructure, but working with IoT expanded my perspective significantly. It pushed me to study programming, cloud systems, electronics, and even disciplines such as energy management, electrical systems, logistics, and communication.

Today, technology is deeply interconnected across fields. That is why a cross-functional mindset is essential.

"Innovation is not assigned; it begins when you step forward and solve real institutional problems."

Beyond technical expertise, however, the most important skill is curiosity. Curiosity fuels continuous learning. Innovation in academia is not a fixed role; it is an ongoing journey of study, experimentation, and practical implementation.

In our department, we do not conduct academic research directly; we build services. That distinction is fundamental. Our role is to understand institutional needs at a deep level and translate them into innovative, sustainable solutions. We operate at the intersection of services, research support, and operational management. Balancing experimentation with institutional structure requires strategic discipline; innovation must align with long-term goals, budget constraints, compliance requirements, and governance frameworks.

As digital transformation accelerates across higher education, several challenges are redefining technology leadership today:

-Aligning innovation with real institutional needs

-Integrating emerging technologies without disrupting operational stability,

-Ensuring cybersecurity and data governance,

-Managing sustainability and energy efficiency,

Bridging communication gaps between various technical teams.

Innovation That Solves Real Problems

Technology no longer runs on a single track. It permeates every professional domain. This requires lateral thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into strategic value for decision-makers.

To emerging professionals who aspire to lead innovation initiatives in academia, my advice is simple: focus on solving real needs. Energy optimization, logistics, space utilization, and cost reduction are areas where technology can generate immediate, measurable impact. You do not always need massive budgets or revolutionary tools; sometimes, well-designed, pragmatic solutions create the most significant value.

Most importantly, shift your perspective. Technology is not just infrastructure; it is a strategic enabler. Expand your mindset beyond traditional IT boundaries, stay curious, and never stop learning.