Antonio Aloisi
From growing up in a rural part of southern Italy that was full of delicious food and beautiful art, to my diverse academic and professional journeys, I’m grateful for all of the enriching experiences I’ve had. Today, as a full-time professor of labor law at IE University, I’m excited to pass on to my students the same passions that my mentors have shared with me. When I’m not working, I enjoy photography and all kinds of outdoor activities. These hobbies allow me to take a break from my professional life while continuing to do what I love.
"The most durable successes are not the result of one-man shows. We should avoid being self-reliant: communities, where authenticity is the norm, are the only thing that matter in uncertain times."
From Italy to around the world: The future of work with Antonio Aloisi
Professor Antonio Aloisi grew up in a small village in Salento, rural Italy before moving to Milan to study law at Bocconi University. Just like many of his students today, Antonio went to college far from his hometown. But thanks to the support he got from his university, he ran for a seat on the school’s board of directors, which not only helped him make new connections, but spurred on his future academic and professional life.
While studying, he discovered his passion for understanding the dynamics of collective action and the social dimensions of modern society while beginning his professional journey at an international law firm. Then, during a gap semester in London, he realized that he wanted to dedicate his professional life to shaping the future of work. The guidance he would later receive from his mentors while doing his doctorate in business and social law at Bocconi University fueled his passion for socio-legal studies.
Today, Antonio focuses his research on the impact of digital transformation on labor markets—specifically in terms of platform or gig economy. Through his diverse project portfolio, he’s had the opportunity to work in top institutions like the European University Institute where he gained important educational experiences and high-quality guidance from mentors and colleagues. Antonio has also collaborated with the Italian Ministry of Education on policies to reform education. Working to turn the bureaucracy-filled ministry into a source of innovation was difficult but also brought him incredible insights about how to drive change. His academic and professional successes have also taken him to the United States where he made lasting connections and gained experience working in criminal law.
Before he joined the IE University faculty, Antonio collaborated with IE Law School on his ongoing professional endeavors. His drive paid off as he won a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, and was awarded a research grant by the European Commission. But Antonio’s projects do more than just nurture innovation in the job market—they allow him to share up-to-the-minute insights and tools with his students. He says that the creative spirit and diversity of the university help him create the best educational experience in his classes. He also adds that he appreciates IE Law School’s emphasis on comparative methodology which ensures students can tackle the challenges of today’s globalized legal systems.
He says that his students keep him on his toes. Their intriguing input and thought-provoking questions fuel his motivation to dive deeper into his field while challenging him to always adapt his teaching to their needs. Encouraging students to look at legal concepts with a critical eye, Antonio makes sure that he prepares his students for success in today’s ever-changing labor market. Just as IE University empowers Antonio to continually strengthen his practice, he says that teaching ensures that he never gives up on learning.
Antonio’s passions extend far beyond the worlds of law and education. He loves hiking, cycling, and exploring new places—whether it’s a new spot in the city, or an undeveloped island with volcanoes. Antonio also enjoys capturing the nature of people and landscapes with his camera. His Instagram feed is filled with pictures that he says offer a glimpse into the potential of people and places. But no matter where his hobbies take him, this Italian native always goes back to his roots. Antonio says that spending time in the countryside with his dog or snorkeling in the sea allows him to find an inner peace and feel alive.