News

Day 1 Highlights: In-Depth Exploration and Networking

The conference opened with pre-conference activities that set the tone for the event. Attendees had the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into local industry successes through company visits to MED-EL and Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where the integration of technology and creativity was showcased.

A Poster Session moderated by Zoltan Buzady of Corvinus University of Budapest, CEEMAN Board Member, provided a platform for faculty and researchers to present cutting-edge findings. This session spurred vibrant discussions and set the stage for deeper engagement throughout the conference.

The first day also featured individual Dean2Dean Meetings, fostering personal connections and discussions on potential collaborations within the CEEMAN network. The day culminated in an Interactive accreditation and quality assurance Session, where Derek Abell, CEEMAN President of IQA Committee, Živa Žmavc Thongvanh, head of IQA CEEMAN, and Olgun Cicek, Board member, The International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), led discussions on maintaining excellence and dynamism in academic quality assurance.

The evening’s Opening Ceremony, graced by welcome addresses from Danica Purg, CEEMAN President, and Andreas Altmann, Rector of MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, officially launched the conference, followed by a warm and welcoming reception that allowed participants to network in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2 Highlights: A Deep Dive into Digital Transformation

The second day was marked by thought-provoking keynote speeches and panels. Valters Kaže, Vice Rector for Research & Development at RISEBA University of Applied Sciences, delivered an impactful opening keynote, setting the stage for the day’s discussions on digital transformation in academia.

The panel on "Harnessing AI for Transforming Education," moderated by Andreas Altmann, Rector of the host school MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, explored the intersection of AI and education, with insights from industry leaders. The discussions highlighted how AI is reshaping educational practices and enhancing the learning experience, a theme that resonated throughout the conference.

The CEEMAN Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony was a significant event, recognizing outstanding contributions to management education. It was a moment of celebration and reflection on the collective achievements within the CEEMAN community.

Another key panel, "Next Generation Business Models and AI-Innovation Leap through Value Co-Creation Ecosystems," moderated by Gerhard Kormann-Hainzl, Professor, IMC Krems & Co-founder of the Digital Champions Network, Austria, delved into practical applications of AI in business innovation. Contributions from speakers offered attendees actionable insights into the future of AI-driven business models.

Day 3 Highlights: Focusing on Future Trends and Best Practices

The final day began with a keynote by José Parra Moyano, Professor of Digital Strategy at IMD Switzerland, who provided a compelling narrative on the strategic role of digital technologies in business evolution. His insights set a high bar for the sessions that followed.

A panel on "Best Practices from the CEEMAN Network," moderated by Nicola Kleyn, CEEMAN Board member, Former Dean and Extraordinary Professor, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, showcased how institutions are cultivating entrepreneurial spirit within management education. Speakers from across the globe shared successful case studies, providing a roadmap for others to follow.

In a much-anticipated keynote, Hermann Erlach, CEO of Microsoft Austria, discussed the future of AI and digitalization, providing a forward-looking perspective on the changes that lie ahead. Thomas Monz, CEO of Alpine Quantum Technologies, followed with an insightful talk on the quantum revolution, shedding light on emerging opportunities in quantum technologies. Another keynote speaker Ben Shenglin has offered insights into the role of academic entrepreneurship, how global business schools are setting the bar in the digital age, and giving excellent examples from China.

The day also featured an interview with Hermann Simon, Founder & Honorary Chairman of Simon-Kucher & Partners, led by Danica Purg. This session, followed by a panel on Hidden Champions in entrepreneurship, provided a deep dive into the strategies of successful yet often overlooked companies.

Closing Reflections

The 32nd CEEMAN Annual Conference concluded with final observations from the Conference Chair, marking the end of an event filled with valuable insights, collaborative opportunities, and forward-thinking discussions. The event underscored the importance of embracing digital transformation in entrepreneurship and education and set the stage for future innovations in these fields.

The optional cultural program on the final day offered attendees a chance to experience the rich history of Innsbruck’s Old Town, providing a perfect close to a successful and impactful conference.