Innovation is not (just) technology. It requires a new kind of leadership—and at Zucchetti this capability is now scientifically proven.
This is demonstrated by a study recently published in the prestigious international journal European Journal of Innovation Management, conducted by Professors Alberto Ferraris and Dario Natale Palmucci of the University of Turin, members of Zucchetti’s Scientific Committee, the body that validates the STP Leadership model (Sustainability – Technology – People) within the Group.
The result is clear:
The “P” in People is the most powerful driver of innovation.
Technology and strategy are fundamental, but without truly empowered people—trained, engaged, and free to make decisions—innovation cannot scale.
Delegation alone is not enough: organizations must transfer trust, responsibility, and real decision-making power.
Innovative organizations do not just develop software—they develop people capable of thinking and acting like entrepreneurs.
The study also highlights four key skills required to lead innovation:
- Flexibility
- Authenticity (building and generating trust)
- Coaching (leaders who develop other leaders)
- Change management

The full version of the study is available at the following link.

The authors would like to thank everyone for their valuable contributions to the interviews: Alessandro Zucchetti (President of Zucchetti), Cristina Zucchetti (President of Z Holding and Head of Human Resources of the Zucchetti Group), Giorgio Mini (Vice President and Head of the ERP Business Unit at Zucchetti), Domenico Uggeri (Vice President and Head of the HR Business Unit at Zucchetti), and Gregorio Piccoli (CTO of Zucchetti).
A special thanks goes to Katia Fabene, Head of Zucchetti Academy & PeopleCare, for her constant commitment and deep belief in the value of this project and in the importance of investing in leadership.


#Zucchetti #Leadership #Innovation #PeopleFirst #STPLeadership