Exploring Business and Innovation in Portugal: Daniele De Nardo’s Journey to Lisbon

We were extremely happy that we were able to organise the Course Abroad to Portugal this year,” said Evelina Kramer, manager of the MAS MTEC programme. “Various talks and presentations at the Nova School of Business and Economics and the Swiss Embassy brought our students fresh insights and still left plenty of room for socialising and networking.”

The trip kicked off with a welcoming dinner, setting a warm and engaging tone for the days ahead. The following morning, the students headed to external page Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), where they were introduced to the vibrant academic environment. "The Business School visit helped me compare my management degree experience with another institution, providing new perspectives on similar concepts discussed from different angles," Daniele pointed out.

One of the significant academic highlights was the "Next Legacy Workshop" conducted by external page Rui Coutinho, Executive Director of Nova SBE Innovation Ecosystem. The workshop focused on the concept of future-driven organisations and the accelerating pace of creative destruction in modern business landscapes. “As I come from Italy, it was interesting to compare Portugal not only to Switzerland but also to Italy, particularly in terms of country strategies and the forward-looking business approaches in Portugal," Daniele mentioned about the workshop.

Social innovation was another key theme of the trip. A masterclass by external page Silvia Herrero from Nova SBE delved into systemic innovation and its applications in various sectors. The students appreciated the practical exercises and the opportunity to see how social innovation can drive significant societal changes. This session underscored the importance of integrating social values into business strategies.

A visit to Carcavelos Surf School offered a refreshing break from the intense academic schedule, allowing students to experience the local culture and unwind by the sea. This balance of work and leisure was a crucial aspect of the trip, providing a holistic experience of Lisbon's offerings.

Another standout event was the panel discussion at the Swiss Embassy, featuring Embassy Ambassador Daniel Knobel, General Secretary of the Chamber, Commerce external page Gregor Zemp and CEO Nestle Portugal external page Anna Lenz. The insights shared during this session on global commerce and industry trends were invaluable for the students. Daniele was particularly impressed by Anna, who shared her journey and the strategic moves in leading a multinational in a different cultural context. He remarked, "Her way of critically reflecting on issues and maintaining an overview to solve problems was very inspiring."

The study trip also included a visit to the Port of Sines, the largest artificial port in Portugal and a significant industrial and logistics hub. Daniele was surprised by the port's scale and its forward-thinking projects. “I didn't expect it to be so big with many ongoing projects. Their openness to change and strategic planning for future developments was impressive," he commented.

Reflecting on the entire trip, Daniele emphasised the diverse experiences and insights gained from the different sessions and visits. He appreciated the blend of academic learning, industry exposure, and cultural immersion.