USI Alumni Award for Fabio Bossi

On the occasion of the 30th Dies academicus of the Università della Svizzera italiana, Fabio Bossi was presented with the 2026 USI Alumni Award. This honour, promoted by the Career and Alumni Service in collaboration with the Pro-Rectorate for Education and Students' Experience, celebrates the professional journey and impact of USI graduates who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

Laudatio for Fabio Bossi
Professor Giovanni Pica
Dean of the Faculty of Economics

Check against delivery

Ladies and Gentlemen, Academic Authorities, dear Alumni,

It is with great pleasure that the USI Faculty of Economics presents today's Alumni Award to Dr Fabio Bossi.

Fabio Bossi's journey is inextricably linked to Ticino and to our University; it stands as a compelling example of how personal growth and regional development can flourish in tandem.

After graduating in Economics from the University of Fribourg, he dedicated his 1997 Master's thesis to the role of universities in regional development, providing an analysis of USI and SUPSI in their early years—a choice of topic that would prove remarkably visionary.

In 2006, he earned his PhD in Economics from USI. In the years leading up to this, he conducted research at the Institute for Economic Research (IRE), collaborating with the City of Lugano and cantonal authorities.

His professional journey continued at the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino until 2011, when he joined the Swiss National Bank (SNB) as the Delegate for Southern Switzerland. Since 2021, he has also served as Deputy Head of the operational unit coordinating the regional economic relations delegates.

In this capacity, Fabio Bossi analyses the performance of the Ticino economy through constant dialogue with the business community, helping to inform the decisions of the SNB's Governing Board. At the same time, he performs vital outreach work, explaining monetary policy to institutions, associations, and the general public.

This award recognises an academic and professional career of great merit, which has seen Fabio Bossi hold a prominent position in an institution central to our country. His work combines expertise, rigour, and a deep sense of institutional duty, with a tangible impact on the region.

His profile clearly demonstrates how the education received at USI can translate into a meaningful contribution to economic and social development, and how economic research can be directly applied to public policy.

To this is added a steadfast connection to the University. Over the years, Fabio has contributed actively to academic life—speaking in courses and participating in public outreach initiatives—placing his experience at the service of our students and the wider community.

His commitment fully embodies USI's mission: to contribute to regional development through education and the production of knowledge. Dear Fabio, your journey is a source of pride for the entire USI community and serves as an example for the next generation. It is with great pleasure that we confer the USI Alumni Award upon Fabio Bossi for his successful career in the field of economics. Congratulations.

Fabio Bossi was born and raised in Viganello. He graduated from the Scuola Cantonale di Commercio in Bellinzona and, in 1998, from the University of Fribourg with a degree in Economics. His Master's thesis, titled "The Contribution of the University to Regional Development," focused on Canton Ticino and the then-emerging USI and SUPSI. He subsequently worked for SUPSI's Continuing Education Service and conducted research at USI Institute for Economic Research while completing his doctoral studies in Economics. From 2006 to 2011, he worked for the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino, contributing to the implementation of regional policy. Since 2011, he has been the Swiss National Bank's Delegate for Southern Switzerland. Since 2021, he has served as Deputy Head of the operational unit for the SNB's regional economic relations delegates.