Dear Friends and Readers,

The most recent evolution in work and production – stemming not only from the impact of technology, but also from globalization and demographic dynamics – opens a new and particularly attractive field of scientific debate. The traditional categories of work (not only from a legal perspective), the forms of wages and the organization of enterprises are put into question; this changes our idea of ​​work, as well as that of enterprise.

In all areas and sectors, and at all levels, we are witnessing a rediscovery of the qualitative dimension of work, due to the spread of new technologies and organizational models that require more knowledge, participation and autonomy on the part of the employee and call into question not only his/her technical skills, but also his/her personal, relational and social skills. On the other hand, there is a spread of professions that can be described in terms that are more concrete, which are characterized by services that literature recognizes as the main distinctive feature of a profession – namely, the intensity of knowledge. These dynamics are part of a general push towards social innovation arising from the recognition of a crisis.

It is in this context that we frame this year’s international conference, which deepens the reflection and discussion already started from the last conferences. “The Great Transformation of Work” (Bergamo, 6-7 November 2015), “The Future of Work: A Matter of Sustainability” (Bergamo, 10-11 November 2016), and “Industry 4.0: Triggering Factors and Enabling Skills” (Bergamo, 1-2 December 2017) proposed the analysation of the transformation of work from the perspective of professionality being seen not only as a set of tasks, level of qualification or a characteristic element of a specific group of occupations, but as an extension of one’s personal identity, reputation, and self-realization.

Professionality serves as a key to a modern organization of work and as a lever for its proper development and recognition. Accordingly, this year's conference aims to promote an interdisciplinary and comparative debate through the study of various fields (cultural, legal, organizational, economic, social, institutional, etc.) that the new and wider dimension of professionality calls into question, and it benefits from the contributions of participants from all over the world.

Participation in the conference is free. To register for the conference, fill out the online form.

Those interested in the foregoing topics are invited to have a look at the Call for Papers and submit an abstract via the following email address: sid@unibg.it.

The best papers presented at the conference will be selected and, depending on the topic, evaluated for publication in Formazione persona lavoro, Professionalità Studi, Diritto delle Relazioni Industriali, and E-Journal of International and Comparative Labour Studies. Editors will also consider for publication the papers by those who are unable to attend the conference but are willing to provide their contribution just the same.

We look forward to meeting you in Bergamo.

Giuseppe Bertagna
Coordinator of the Doctoral School in Human Capital Formation and Labour Relations

Michele Tiraboschi
ADAPT Scientific Coordinator