As part of lectures and company visits, we discussed how mature businesses go beyond economic performance and increasingly focus on creating sustainable value — for people, communities, and the environment. This is the business context in which purpose — the mission, intention, unifying goal — aligns with core values. This way of thinking defines strategic decisions within companies and influences broader systems. We share a diary of the international module: Day One The module began with a lecture by POLIMI GSoM professor Enrico Bellacechi titled “Sustainability as a structural necessity: Purposeful Innovation, Impact and Profit.” Afterwards, participants visited PHOENIX Pharma Italia — a leading Italian distributor of pharmaceutical products. As part of the European PHOENIX group, PHOENIX Pharma Italia ensures a sustainable and efficient medication supply system and implements innovative solutions. During the visit, the focus was on creating long-term value for the customer. Day Two We visited the MADE Competence Center — an innovation hub for digital technologies specializing in the development, testing, and automation of production processes, as well as the integration of robotics in industry. We took part in two lectures by POLIMI GSoM professors: “Industry 4.0: Genesis and Evolution” by Prof. Irene Roda “Sustainability & Smart Manufacturing” by Prof. Roberto Rocca The day concluded with a meeting at Teatro Franco Parenti with Iryna Grusha — a Ukrainian journalist, publicist, and translator, as well as a professor at the University of Milan. We discussed political and cultural ties between Italy and Ukraine. Day Three We continued our studies at the POLIMI GSoM campus with the following lectures: “Supply Chain Management 4.0” by Prof. Giovanni Miragliotta “The Italian Way to Internationalization” by Prof. Giorgio Fiammenghi Day Four We visited SEW EURODRIVE Italia — the Italian branch of a company specializing in the production of industrial gear units, electric motors, and automation systems. SEW EURODRIVE Italia is an example of how Industry 4.0 principles are being implemented. At the company’s plants, you can see how data, robots, and people work together as a unified system. Day Five The final day at POLIMI GSoM featured a lecture by Prof. Lelio Mondella titled “Brand Strategy for Luxury Food and Wine,” focusing on how brand strategies are built for premium products in the gastronomic sector. After the lecture, participants visited Acetaia Giusti — the oldest balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, founded in 1605. Today, the 17th generation of the Giusti family manages the company, which operates based on principles of sustainability and preserves its unique recipe across generations. We thank our partners and all speakers for this experience and for their openness!