The University of Padua explores the future of books and literary prizes in the age of AI

Thursday, 11 December 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m. in Room 2 of the Beato Pellegrino Complex, the University of Padua will host the event “Literary Prizes and Books: Strategy and Future”, a morning dedicated to the transformations that are reshaping literary awards, publishing, and libraries in a context increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
Promoted by the Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies (DiSLL), the event brings together institutional representatives, cultural foundations, publishers, writers, scholars, and professionals in the library sector, fostering an authoritative and interdisciplinary discussion.

Adding prestige to the initiative will be the directors of the two major Italian literary prizes:

• Stefano Petrocchi, Director of the Maria and Goffredo Bellonci Foundation and of the Premio Strega
• Carlo Stilli, Secretary General of the Il Campiello Foundation and of the Premio Campiello

Their presence will provide an opportunity to examine the role of literary awards in supporting cultural production, identifying new talent, and enhancing Italian publishing at a time of rapid change within the sector.

Also speaking will be:

• Giulia Arnoldi, student, writer, and winner of the 2024 Premio Campiello Giovani
• Giovanni Francesio, Editorial Director of the publishing house Neri Pozza
• Attilio Motta, Professor of Literature at DiSLL

The second part of the programme will be devoted to the round table “Libraries and Books: What Changes with the Advent of AI?”, focusing on the role of new technologies in library systems and cultural access practices.

Speakers will include:

• Monica Salvadori, Vice-Rector with responsibility for the University Library System
• Mirella Cisotto, Board Member of the Cariparo Foundation
• Barbara Vanin, Director of the Venice Library Network – City of Venice
• Bruna Coscia, Artistic Director of the Fiera delle Parole

Moderated by Gioia Grigolin (Communication and Marketing Office, University of Padua).

The discussion will offer a strategic perspective on the future of cultural institutions, which are called upon to integrate humanities expertise, emerging technologies, and new service models.

Opening remarks and conclusions will be delivered by Alessandro Di Paolo, Professor of Strategy and Marketing at DiSLL and Scientific Director of CreaLab, the event’s promoter.

The event is open to the public and to anyone interested in the topic.

Press contacts:
Prof. Alessandro Di Paolo – alessandro.dipaolo@unipd.it – +39 328 96 84 481