University of Genoa awards honorary degree to Stefano Barrese

The University of Genoa has awarded an honorary degree in Computer Engineering to Stefano Barrese, the head of the Territory Bank Division at Intesa Sanpaolo. The ceremony included institutional greetings from Rector Federico Delfino, Dean of the Polytechnic School Patrizia Perego, and the Director of the Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering, Sergio Martinoia.

During his keynote lecture, titled ‘Technology in banking and its relationship with people: yesterday, today and tomorrow’, Barrese discussed the evolution of technological innovation and its human dimension within the banking sector. He emphasized that technology should enhance rather than erode human interaction, serving as a tool to create shared prosperity.

Barrese noted that while digitalization has fundamentally changed how clients interact with banks, customer loyalty remains largely driven by human relationships, trust, and the perception of being understood. He expressed his commitment to fostering closer dialogue between academia, business, and innovation.