Attilio Celant (Polcenigo, 28 December 1942), 2nd Class / Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, is an Italian economist, geographer and academic.
He is currently the President of the “Alumni Association of Graduates in Economics“ at Sapienza University of Rome, which includes some of the most illustrious members of the Italian economic intelligentsia.
In 1968, he graduated in Economics at "Sapienza" University of Rome. From 1969 to 1972 he was editor at the Enciclopedia Italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti – Treccani (“Italian Encyclopaedia of Science, Letters, and Arts”) and from 1972 to 2000 he was the head of both Geography and Map-making publishing units.
Attilio Celant began his university teaching tenure in 1971 and was assistant professor a year later. He was promoted to associate professor in 1982 and in 1986 he became a tenured professor. In 1989 Celant was granted full professor.
In June 2005, he was appointed “Grande Ufficiale” (Grand Officer) of the Order of Merit of Italian Republic.
Academic career
“Sapienza” University of Rome” Member of the Academic Senate as Dean of the Faculty of Economics (2002–2011) Chairman of the Board of Department Directors (1997–2002) Member of the Board of Directors (1998–2002) President of the federated faculties of Science Humanities, Law and Economics (2007–2008)
“Sapienza” University of Rome – Faculty of Economics
Assistant Professor of Economic Geography (1971–1983). Professor of Economic Geography for the academic year of 1971/72 and the academic years from 1973/74 to 1982/83. Associate Professor of Economic Geography (1983–1986). Tenured Professor of Economic Geography (1986–1989). Full Professor of Economic Geography (1989–present). Director of the extended learning course in "Economics of Tourism" (1998–2000). Director of the Master in "Economics and Tourism Management" (2000–2010). Director of Geoeconomic Studies, Linguistics, Statistics, History for Regional Analysis Department (1994–2002). Dean of the Faculty of Economics of "Sapienza" University of Rome (2002–2011).
”LUISS” University – Faculty of Economics
Tenured Professor of Political and Economic Geography (1985–1986).
University of Udine – Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Tenured Professor of Political and Economic Geography (1986–1989). Full Professor of Political and Economic Geography (1989–1991).
University of Pennsylvania – State College – Dept. of Geography
Visiting Professor (1982).
Tbilisi State University – Faculty of Economics
Visiting Professor (2012).
Membership and Associations
Celant currently serves as President of the “Alumni Association of Graduates in Economics“ at La Sapienza University of Rome. The association serves as a catalyst for the diffusion of economic knowledge and best business practices by many Italian and international leaders on a worldwide stage (among the most noted members: Mario Draghi, Ignazio Visco, Federico Caffè, Enrico Giovannini, Nicola Acocella, Pier Carlo Padoan, Ezio Tarantelli, Marcello De Cecco, Claudio De Vincenti, Vincenzo Polillo, Cesare Romiti, Andrea Guerra, Luigi Spaventa).
Celant also serves as the Director of Territory Research Unit at ItaliaDecide, an Italian think tank which links institutions, politicians, administrative offices and scientific and cultural world.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the “Società Geografica Italiana” (Italian Geographical Society).
He is also a member of the management board of the Italian Centre for American Studies.
Research
Attilio Celant developed his expertise on several research fields, including regional development and territorial imbalances issues, with particular focus to the “Questione Meridionale” (“Southern Issue”). He also conducted research on developing countries with focus on the Indian region and the area of Sahel.
He addressed issues concerning geographical methodology and the quantitative tools used for its study. He contributed to the evolution of geographical thought and tourism development including its impact with the local economies and territories. He also dealt with issues of international trade, with particular attention to regional competitiveness factors.