Create a scientific center of reference for the development and strengthening of university research in the field of green finance, sustainable and responsible investments (SRI) and activities based on ESG factors (Environmental, social, governance). This is the goal of the “O-Fire” Observatory (“Impact finance and its economic implications”), born from a partnership between the University of Milan-Bicocca, Banca Generali Spa and Aifi – the Italian private equity association, venture capital and private debt. The agreement between the three institutions was presented today and will be valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal. The President of the Observatory will be Giovanna Iannantuoni, rector of the University of Milano-Bicocca. The theoretical and applied research programs will focus on forms of managed savings (Italian and international ESG funds distributed in Italy) and illiquid private equity and private debt instruments in the ESG sphere. In addition to outlining the characteristics and main trends, also in correlation with the European market, of these instruments, the Observatory will analyze their ability to finance Environmental, social and governance activities, creating long-term value for investors. Furthermore, “O-Fire” will investigate the current and potential contribution of “green” investments to achieving the climate-energy objectives set at national and supranational level, taking into account the strategies of the First Action Plan for sustainable finance presented in 2018. by the European Commission. Data, information and insights will be communicated through annual analyzes and will be used by the Observatory to develop a sector index and analysis (ESG Index), a tool capable of determining the overall market trend. An indicator that will be shared with the national and international financial community. O-Fire was also created with the aim of: promoting the participation of researchers in competitive research projects; organize seminars, workshops, conferences and other scientific dissemination initiatives; encourage collaborations with companies, institutions and research centers and encourage training programs on the issues of interest to the Observatory. ” I am particularly proud of the agreement signed with Banca Generali and Aifi to create a scientific structure that establishes itself as a source of information recognized and of primary importance in the field of “green” and “impact” finance. The Observatory will make it possible to combine the respective competences in research projects and training programs. And it confirms that sustainability is one of the themes that our university has chosen to place at the center of its action ”, says Giovanna Iannantuoni, director of the University of Milan-Bicocca. ” This initiative touches on one of the fundamental themes of the strategic plan of the university and responds to new needs expressed by the financial sector for the study of tools capable of supporting the ecological transition. Together with Banca Generali and Aifi, the University of Milano-Bicocca will make its multidisciplinary skills in the economic-financial, quantitative and environmental sciences available to the project to offer an integrated vision of the research topics and suggest the most appropriate policy interventions »Declares Lucia Visconti Parisio, scientific coordinator of the O-Fire Observatory and professor of Finance at the University of Milan-Bicocca. ” Sustainability has always been an integral part of Banca Generali’s DNA, so much so that we have been the first in Europe to launch a consulting platform that starts from the table of 17 Sustainability objectives promoted by the United Nations and allows customers to select those closest to them and to build a portfolio based on the prevailing contribution to the selected SDGs. For this reason, we are happy to work alongside the University of Milan-Bicocca and Aifi to create this Observatory which aims to turn a permanent spotlight on one of the most important macro-trends in the world of savings. Today, more than ever, it is evident that ESG criteria are the real compass that guides both the investments of large international managers and those of families. We believe that the contribution of academic research, combined with professionalism in the field of wealth management and private equity, can represent a driving force for a further evolution of the ESG world ” comments Andrea Ragaini, Deputy General Manager of Banca Generali. its activities sustainability. ” By bringing together private capital operators who invest in unlisted companies, we feel the responsibility to promote ESG issues in our targets in order to create lasting and sustainable value. For this reason, a working group is active that analyzes and promotes guidelines, comparing ourselves at an international level to have common practices ”, declares Anna Gervasoni, Director General of Aifi.