We are delighted to share with our community the contribution by Alfonso Molina, Personal Chair in Technology Strategy at the University of Edinburgh and Co-founder and Scientific Director of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, published in the latest issue of the magazine La Svizzera. In his article, entitled Educating to build connections: young people and AI, Professor Molina addresses the challenges posed by the speed of technological transformation and the need to refocus on the social impact of innovation.
The magazine: La Svizzera
La Svizzera is the official magazine of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Italy, produced in collaboration with Cecoms at IULM University. The 2026 edition, entitled Tensions of the Present, Challenges of Tomorrow, aims to serve as a tool for in-depth analysis and a “positive lens” on conscious change. Through authoritative voices from the Swiss and Italian scenes, the magazine explores themes such as sustainability, innovation and human relations, seen as antidotes to the geopolitical, technological and demographic tensions of our time.
Abstract of the article: ‘Educating to build bonds: young people and AI’
In an era marked by social fragility and growing disorientation, Alfonso Molina analyses how artificial intelligence and robotics are redefining the nature of work and social organisation. The author proposes a radical paradigm shift: moving from the passive adoption of technologies to their construction as ‘relational and social assets’, designed through alliances between education, research and business.
Referring to the ‘Manifesto for Collective Action on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics’ presented at RomeCup 2024, Molina emphasises the importance of the ‘Education for Life’ model. By integrating technical knowledge with ethical and design skills, the aim is to embed AI within “socio-technical constituencies”, dynamic alliances between institutions and communities, so that technological progress becomes a genuine tool for cohesion and human development, capable of countering loneliness and inequality.
We invite the Mondo Digitale community to explore this vision further so that we may continue to shape a future together where technology serves to strengthen social bonds.
