The research activities of the doctorate are highly multidisciplinary. The Industry 4.0 paradigm has eliminated the traditional boundaries between "industrial" and "information" engineering, making it necessary to have an engineer capable of managing complex processes and products that combine skills in mechanical, energy, electrical, electronic, computer, process and telecommunications engineering. 

The doctorate promotes collaborations with companies, also through funded scholarships or positions reserved for employees. Periods of stay in the company are foreseen, under the guidance of a company co-supervisor, to implement the "learning by doing" model, offering practical training alongside theoretical training. 

Great attention is given to internationalization: company growth, based on innovation and the development of new technologies, requires an openness to the international scene. The doctorate path favors international collaborations, exchanges of teachers and doctoral students with foreign universities and research institutions, in line with the strategic objectives of the University.