“I LIVE POLITO” - Co-Designing Policies for Inclusion : Shifting to a GEDI Perspective in Higher Education Governance

Abstract

The “I LIVE POLITO” workshop initiative at Politecnico di Torino highlights the role of design in shaping social policy by promoting Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) through participatory methodologies. Launched by the Vice-Rectorate for Equal Opportunities, Inclusivity, and Quality of Life, the initiative adopts a strategic and political approach to embedding diversity and inclusion into the university’s governance framework. Anchored in a co-design process, the workshop brought together approximately 50 representatives from across the university, including students, faculty and staff, to collaboratively explore key themes: “Equality”, “Accessibility” and “Well-being”. Facilitated by an interdisciplinary team and supported by an external communications agency, participants identified systemic challenges and proposed actionable strategies to foster inclusivity and enhance organizational well-being. Building on these outcomes, the workshop has initiated an ongoing process to define GEDI actions for the university’s next Strategic Plan. This process, structured around three parallel working groups, adopts a bottom-up approach that actively involves students, teachers, technical-administrative staff, and university governance. It seeks to establish clear objectives and implement feasible, shared, and measurable policies, ensuring Politecnico di Torino evolves into a more inclusive and accessible institution. The results of this participatory framework have informed a comprehensive report that will shape the forthcoming Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, aligning with Horizon Europe eligibility criteria. By integrating diversity into strategic planning, the “I LIVE POLITO” initiative demonstrates the potential of design to drive social innovation, fostering ethical and democratic policy-making while enabling sustainable institutional transformation in Higher Education.

Presenters

Giulia Beltramino
PhD Student, DAD - Dipartimento di Architettura e Design, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy

Claudia De Giorgi
Professor, Department of Architecture and Design (DAD), Politecnico of Torino, Italy

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design in Society

KEYWORDS

POLICY DESIGN, GEDI, INCLUSION, CO-DESIGN, PARTICIPATORY APPROACH, HIGHER EDUCATION, GOVERNANCE