This course empowers you with the essential tools to conceive innovative business or scientific ideas for emerging technologies, teaching you how to articulate and present them persuasively. Moreover, you will assess the ethical implications and societal impact of your proposed ideas, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the responsible deployment of emerging technologies. The hands-on practical activities culminate in producing either a compelling Business Feasibility Study or a rigorous Scientific Paper.

• Understand Prompt Engineering and Urban Technologies • Identify and Develop Business or Scientific Opportunities • Master Persuasive Presentation and Writing Skills • Apply Innovative Thinking

• Foundations of Computer Science • Basic Programming Skills (Python preferred) • Understanding of Machine Learning Concepts • Familiarity with Data Mining Techniques • Proficiency in Scientific and Technical Writing

(Theory 1) Persuasive Presentations (6 hours): The upcoming lectures will require you to present two emerging technologies. In the first two sessions, we will briefly introduce the reading materials needed for your presentations and learn how to deliver persuasive presentations. Drawing insights from the book “Presenting to Win”, we will explore strategies for delivering powerful presentations, covering aspects such as content structuring, creating compelling visuals, and audience engagement. (Putting Theory 1 into Practice) Exploring Strategies for Prompt Engineering in LLMs (6 hours): All students will thoroughly read the provided technical material on prompt engineering. Working in groups of 2 or 3, students will prepare a 10-minute presentation on Key Aspects of Prompt Engineering, applying the presentation techniques learned in the previous lectures. Lab Activities on Prompt Engineering in LLMs (3 hours): This module immerses students in hands-on laboratory sessions focused on Prompt Engineering. Participants will delve into practical exercises that cover the application of prompt design techniques, exploring how to craft effective and nuanced prompts to guide the behavior of LLMs for various applications. (Putting Theory 1 into Practice) Exploring Emerging Urban Technologies (3 hours): Students will extensively read the provided technical material on urban technologies, covering the creative use of digital data, including social media and satellite data, to fuel innovative mapping tools, profile neighborhoods, and provide location-based services. Working in groups of 2 or 3, students will prepare a 10-minute presentation on Key Aspects of Urban Technologies, applying the presentation techniques learned earlier. (Theory 2) Innovative Thinking (3 hours): This lecture explores the concept of “thinking outside the box” and encourages you to use creative and innovative approaches to solve problems, drawing inspiration from the book “Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small.” We will provide examples of unconventional solutions from various fields and then dwell on a real use of innovative thinking for one urban technology. (Theory 3) Putting Your Idea to Business Test (6 hours): These two lectures explore the challenges of identifying and developing opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures, whether in a startup, small early-stage firm, social enterprise, or a larger established company. Covering Chapter 1 in the book “The New Business Road Test” and Appendices 2 (Market Analysis Worksheet), 3 (Industry Analysis Checklist), and 5 (Evidence-Based Forecasting), these sessions will equip you to write a Feasibility Study for a new idea. (Theory 4) Putting Your Idea to Scientific Test (6 hours): These two lectures explore the challenges of identifying and developing a new technical idea, including defining the problem you aim to solve, analyzing previous attempts, and proposing a solution. These skills will enable you to write a Scientific Paper for a new idea. (Theory 5) Putting Your Idea to Ethical Test (3 hours): In this lecture, we delve into the process of scrutinizing your idea through the lens of Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Much like the scientific examination of technical ideas, these lectures will guide you in identifying and addressing ethical considerations in your proposals. The acquired skills will empower you to articulate your ideas and findings in a manner that aligns with the principles of responsible AI, allowing you to write a Responsible AI Impact Assessment. (Theory 6) Business and Scientific Writing (6 hours): These two lectures delve into a communication method based on “The Pyramid Principle” book. This technique organizes ideas clearly and concisely, presenting information in a pyramid shape with the main point at the top and supporting details below. Widely used in business, it enhances logical thinking and improves the effectiveness of written and spoken communication, enabling the creation of organized and impactful presentations, reports, and documents. Final Practical Activities (24 hours): Working solo or in groups of 2 or 3, please identify and explore a new idea related to either Prompt Engineering or Urban Technologies. The idea can be either a new business opportunity or a new technological solution. If it is a new business opportunity, please submit a Feasibility Study providing analysis and evidence to support the conclusion your team has drawn about the attractiveness of your opportunity. If it is a new technological idea, please submit a Scientific Paper. Additionally, for both business and technological ideas, you will produce a Responsible AI Impact Assessment. Presentations may not exceed 15 minutes in length (or possibly 10-12 minutes, depending on course enrollment), and there will be a brief period for Q&A.

The course spans several modules, beginning with persuasive presentation skills and progressing through prompt engineering, urban technologies, innovative thinking, and testing new business and tech ideas. The course concludes with business and scientific writing sessions, along with practical activities where students explore and present their ideas, either as new business opportunities or technological solutions.

• Adams, Jerry. Presenting to Win. • Nalebuff, Barry J., and Ayres, Ian. Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small. • Mullins, John W. The New Business Road Test. • Minto, Barbara. The Pyramid Principle. • Prompting Guide. https://www.promptingguide.ai/

Slides;

Modalità di esame: Elaborato progettuale individuale; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;

Exam: Individual project; Group project;

... • Individual/Group Presentation (20%) • Final Project Report (in the form of either a business feasibility study or a research paper) (70%) • Final Presentation (10%)

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.