Twenty years that have transformed the field of international communications

In this context, international communication has taken on a different role compared to the past. It is no longer limited to providing information about organisations, but has become a political and strategic tool, helping to interpret the context in which organisations operate. It does not merely manage the flow of information, but helps to understand and manage the risks, opportunities and implications arising from increasingly interconnected economic, social and geopolitical dynamics.

The labour market also reflects this transformation.

Whilst, up until the early 2000s, the most sought-after skills centred on institutional relations, press offices and media relations, organisations today are looking for professionals capable of combining multidisciplinary skills. Global reputation, international public affairs, sustainability, intercultural communication, crisis management, combating disinformation, corporate geopolitics and the use of artificial intelligence have become central elements in the training of new communications professionals.

The evolution of the skills required is particularly evident in advanced training programmes dedicated to international relations and strategic communication. Among these, the Master’s degree in Communication for International Relations at IULM University provides an interesting vantage point from which to analyse the changes that have taken place over the last two decades.

Since 2006, the Master’s programme has trained over 550 professionals who are now working in European institutions, international organisations, multinational companies, consultancy firms, NGOs and the media. In recent years, the employment rate has consistently exceeded 90 per cent, confirming a growing demand for professionals capable of operating in highly complex international contexts.

The careers of our alumni reflect a transformation that extends far beyond the scope of traditional communications. Increasingly, these professionals operate at the intersection of institutional relations, contextual analysis, reputation management, public affairs and decision-making support. This trend reflects the evolving needs of businesses and organisations faced with increasingly unstable and interdependent global scenarios.

In a context characterised by geopolitical and technological competition between states and major imperial networks, companies and institutions no longer need merely communication specialists. They need professionals capable of navigating the complexities of a fragmented world with a critical eye. In a world characterised by growing polarisation, volatility and technological competition, the ability to foster dialogue and build trust is just as much a strategic asset as innovation or economic competitiveness.

The real challenge in the coming years will not merely be to manage the digital transformation or to integrate artificial intelligence into organisational processes. Above all, it will be to train professionals capable of mastering complexity, bridging different worlds and translating global phenomena into informed decisions. Developing these skills therefore represents not only an educational challenge, but also a strategic lever for the competitiveness of the country as a whole.

(*) Scientific Director of MICRI and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.