Business diplomacy
A Lectio magistralis (master’s lecture) on the ability of companies to be positive actors in the economy and society
Businesses can play an important role in terms of political relations and the common good. It’s not just about sound accounts and product quality; it’s also about playing an important role in social relations, local areas and politics in general. This is a highly important issue that needs to be properly understood. One way to gain a better understanding is to read the Lectio magistralis delivered by Simone Bemporad at the University of Trieste last May.
In his lecture, ‘L’impatto delle aziende sulle relazioni politiche e sul bene comune’ (The impact of companies on political relations and the common good), Bemporad lucidly addressed the topic, drawing on his experience as a journalist and businessman. In his own words, over the years, this experience has led him to work in ‘key institutions and companies that have always shown a vocation for innovation and the future.’ The Lectio aims to highlight three key aspects of Bemporad’s worldview: the economy, social relations, and politics. Firstly, the fact that ‘considering the trajectories of private business interests separate from those of public interest is a view already surpassed by reality, and attempting to divide them will not help achieve either one or the other.’ Secondly, ‘businesses play a bridging role between distant places, with forces and means that almost no government can rival. It is essential for governments to collaborate with businesses, particularly through a highly competent diplomatic network, in order to manage relations between countries.’ Finally, that ‘corporate communication and advocacy are essential elements for modern interconnected economies. Indeed, to paraphrase Keynes’s words about economic theories, they are more powerful than is commonly believed.’
With great clarity, Bemporad addresses the topic and helps listeners (or readers) to understand the realities of relationships that often remain hidden from view, yet which can be decisive for the future of entire social and economic systems. He achieves this by drawing on his experience as both a journalist and a successful businessman. ‘Companies,’ writes Bemporad in one of the pivotal passages, ‘can contribute to more informed diplomatic and political decisions by sharing the extensive knowledge they generate through their activities, offering a unique and innovative perspective.’
Simone Bemporad
Lectio Magistralis, University of Trieste, 30 May 2025, on the occasion of the awarding of the Honoris Causa Degree
A Lectio magistralis (master’s lecture) on the ability of companies to be positive actors in the economy and society
Businesses can play an important role in terms of political relations and the common good. It’s not just about sound accounts and product quality; it’s also about playing an important role in social relations, local areas and politics in general. This is a highly important issue that needs to be properly understood. One way to gain a better understanding is to read the Lectio magistralis delivered by Simone Bemporad at the University of Trieste last May.
In his lecture, ‘L’impatto delle aziende sulle relazioni politiche e sul bene comune’ (The impact of companies on political relations and the common good), Bemporad lucidly addressed the topic, drawing on his experience as a journalist and businessman. In his own words, over the years, this experience has led him to work in ‘key institutions and companies that have always shown a vocation for innovation and the future.’ The Lectio aims to highlight three key aspects of Bemporad’s worldview: the economy, social relations, and politics. Firstly, the fact that ‘considering the trajectories of private business interests separate from those of public interest is a view already surpassed by reality, and attempting to divide them will not help achieve either one or the other.’ Secondly, ‘businesses play a bridging role between distant places, with forces and means that almost no government can rival. It is essential for governments to collaborate with businesses, particularly through a highly competent diplomatic network, in order to manage relations between countries.’ Finally, that ‘corporate communication and advocacy are essential elements for modern interconnected economies. Indeed, to paraphrase Keynes’s words about economic theories, they are more powerful than is commonly believed.’
With great clarity, Bemporad addresses the topic and helps listeners (or readers) to understand the realities of relationships that often remain hidden from view, yet which can be decisive for the future of entire social and economic systems. He achieves this by drawing on his experience as both a journalist and a successful businessman. ‘Companies,’ writes Bemporad in one of the pivotal passages, ‘can contribute to more informed diplomatic and political decisions by sharing the extensive knowledge they generate through their activities, offering a unique and innovative perspective.’
Simone Bemporad
Lectio Magistralis, University of Trieste, 30 May 2025, on the occasion of the awarding of the Honoris Causa Degree