Italian Universities have begun to progressively apply an integrated system of Self-assessment, Periodic Evaluation, Accreditation (AVA) starting from 2013, with the issuance of Ministerial Decree 47/2013 (amended by Ministerial Decree 1059/2013) which has incorporated the requests promoted by the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System (ANVUR). The aim is to strengthen the self-assessment of the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and research activities of universities.

The evaluation of departmental knowledge enhancement activities (third mission) is an integral part of the AVA system, and in particular, the elements for the evaluation are described in the Department's three-year Development and Programming Plan.