Editorial

In this special issue, we want to focus on two main drivers of innovation that, in the last years, have emerged overwhelmingly from a plethora of equally prominent topics. Speci cally, we refer to (i) big data and (ii) cognitive com- puting. In more detail, (i) is the wide availability of heterogeneous data coming from both software applications and diffuse sensor networks, which can be pro tably managed by means of suited techniques, analysis tools, methodolo- gies, and storage systems; (ii) is the adoption of innovative systems based on cognitive computing principles, which enable them to interacting with humans in an effective way, fostering collaboration among people and machines and the adoption of innovative decision strategies as well as personalized support systems for many elds of application, ranging from heavy industry to health. Moreover, cognitive computing and big data are often considered as a whole. In conclusion, we argue that both big data and cognitive computing, indepen- dently or joined together, will have a leading role in de ning the directions for the future changes of IT systems and many other aspects of daily operations in people’s everyday lives, including education.