The numerous contracts stipulated between the University and regional and provincial governments, corporations, service and heavy industries are proof of the interaction between the university and the neighboring business community. Industry in Lombardy is very heterogeneous. It is oriented towards innovation, open to all international markets, and geared to face the challenges of globalization.

The most important business sectors are: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, synthetic textiles, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, mechanical and electrical appliances etc., while the service sector is dominated by financial brokerage, and IT. The service industry is in full expansion: logistics and transport, commerce, IT and data processing, engineering, research and development. The agriculture industry and its accompanying research and technology sector are also of primary importance.

One third of Italy's privately funded research and development expenditure is in the Region of Lombardy. This kind of private sponsorship constitutes seventy-five per cent of the total (public included) regional R&D expenditure.

In Lombardy, there is an extensive network of protocols and institutions for technology transfer: 500 industrial innovation services of which 200 work on research and technology transfer. The academic world spurs on the business community and consists not only of individual efforts, but is also governed by agreements with chambers of industry and other public agencies, and their participation in science and technology parks. Another very interesting element is the extensive IT network.

Innovation and Creative thinking in Lombardy:

- Adaptability, dynamism, flexibility, and 'regenerativity' of the business sector.

- Development of important research in hi-tech sectors such as optics, semiconductors, telecom, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology, and mechatronic engineering.

- A large number of qualified professionals who facilitate the adoption and development of new technology.

The University of Milano - Bicocca is at the center of this economic system and in just a few years has established working relationships with companies interested in developing their technological capacities and international competitiveness. The University is an active partner in the regional government's effotts to promote its strategic economic sectors. It plays an active role in the drive to reinforce the production sector and work on special projects aimed at converting disused industrial sites.

The strong interaction between the university and its surrounding territory is evident in numerous studies on the social and organizational aspects of the region's development and its impact on the environment. These are two areas of study that were fundamental to the University's establishment (1997-98).

The University of Milano - Bicocca is committed to developing knowledge in social and environmental impacts of development, as well as in various aspects of the new economy such as Life Sciences, Materials Science, ICT - sectors that offer new possibilities for scientific and economic growth.

The largest investments are made in research on Biotechnology and Bio-Sciences (including Bioinformatics), Medical Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Sociology.