Francesco Zurlo

Francesco Zurlo, Full Professor of Industrial Design, is Dean of the School of Design at Politecnico di Milano. His research interests focus on the strategic, systemic, and creative dimensions of design, with particular attention to the sustainability of its impacts on innovation, business, and human development. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Design Thinking for Business Observatory at Politecnico di Milano and of the ADI Index, which selects innovative products and services. Together with Stefano Micelli, he curated the exhibition “Design UP”, an in-depth exploration of the Compasso d’Oro, held at the ADI Design Museum (June 2024 – September 2025). He is co-curator, with Carlo Martino, of the traveling exhibition (2023–2025), promoted by ADI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Italia Geniale”, as well as of the exhibitions promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy: “Identitalia” (13 February – 6 April 2024) and “L’Italia dei Brevetti” (November 2024 – January 2025).