Innovative start-ups for sustainable development were presented by participants of the Autumn School

15:41, December 16, 2020

International students took part in creating new ideas for a more sustainable world economy

The XII International Autumn School "Sustainable Business Development: Smart future for all" organized by Graduate School of Economics and Management and developed by the project team of the International Economics and Business programme has ended. Foreign participants from international business schools and the IEB students practiced business development in accordance with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals through interactive lectures, workshops and virtual corporate visits to the largest international and Russian companies in the region for 2 weeks.

«The school was attended by students of 17 nationalities: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain, Croatia, China and other countries. For the first time, an international educational programme was held in an online mode. The unique content of the programme allows us to transform annually the ambassadors of responsible business of the University and the Urals as a whole. The analytical component makes it possible to introduce final startups in the real sector of the economy», said Zhanna Belyaeva, Academic director of the project, Head of the educational programme “International Economics and Business».

Participants virtually visited Coca-Cola HBC plants and saw how different types of beverages are produced in a live broadcast format. Participants proposed creative ideas for the implementation of external and internal sustainable development projects for Coca-Cola HBC Russia. Students virtually visited the Ekaterinburg plant of Unilever Russia and together with Irina Antyushina, Head of Sustainable Development and Corporate Relations, reviewed cases related to the company's sustainability strategy, practiced methods for involving customers in waste separation activities, and covered certain topics of sustainable development.

Further, international students saw MEGA shopping center in Ekaterinburg, which has become a special meeting space that sets trends, including social and environmental ones, and forms a new culture. Aishe Agekyan, Meeting place manager of MEGA Ekaterinburg, spoke about the specifics of the operating activities and the strategy of sustainable development.  

International ambassadors developed digital solutions for the banking industry together with Ural Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Experts of the audit and consulting company Deloitte CIS taught students to evaluate impact investments. Moreover, students took part in an imagination game about the Sustainable Development Goals together with Yeltsin Center.

Russian and foreign professors gave interactive sessions about international interaction and teambuilding, business models, innovation, project activities and startup creation. Dolores Sanchez Bengoa, Vice President of the University of Applied Management Studies in Mannheim (Germany), told the school participants about effective cross-cultural communication. Zhanna Belyaeva, Head of the IEB programme, and Ekaterina Demchenko, Head of International Affairs Office, held content sessions on sustainable and digital business models of ecosystems, as well as project management, decision-making techniques. Professor of the University of Turin Alberto Ferraris told students about unique opportunities that can be opened due to new technologies. He also gave examples of different types of startups and successful cases in the various industries. Vitaly Nedelsky conducted an interactive lecture on the implementation of changes in a world of growing complexity. Dmitry Zakarlyukin, with the support of Sberbank, shared his experience in creating ESG projects and secrets on organizing social business.

«All the lectures were interesting and engaging. I liked how all the lecturers figured out nice ways to interact with us virtually (the questions and the games). I personally never felt bored» - Aicha Bouira (Italy, Morocco)

Five international teams successfully presented their creative startups aimed at sustainable transformation of the world. Participants pitched ideas for social and environmental startups, presenting the vision through sustainable development goals, business model, business plan and communication strategy with key stakeholders. Some teams presented the working prototype applications.

The professional jury included business partners, lecturers and tutors of the School from Russia, Italy, Germany and Cyprus. The corporate and academic jury noted the high level of the presented works and expressed their readiness to contribute to the practical implementation. The teams received the following nominations: Startup of the Year, Global Economic Startup, Best Eco-Friendly Startup, Most Creative Idea, Best Social Impact Startup.

All School participants received certificates with 5 ECTS, as well as a wealth of useful knowledge, many unforgettable virtual experiences and useful contacts.

Francesco Fenzi (Italy) shared his impressions:

«All the lectures were very interesting and stimulating, I personally enjoyed group works and creative activities. It was amazing to feel this sense of “team” even through a screen».

Lars Schäffner (Germany) expressed gratitude to the organizers:

«I also would like to give a huge shout out to the people behind the scenes. I never attended a seminar which was so well organized. There was never a delay or miscommunication. Also, from a technical perspective it was just perfect. I really would like to thank all the people who made this possible».

The project activities of international economists are an obligatory part of the implementation of the IEB programme, while much attention is paid to the development of a sustainable mindset. The IEB programme office is actively involved in sustainable development projects of the Graduate School of Economics and Management, involving students.