European Study Research: Barcelona

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ESR Fall Barcelona: join for an amazing week full of companies, culture and clubs!

From the 22nd until the 29th of November, a group of 25 students, 2 professors, 6 committee members and 1 board member will join together for an international study trip to conduct research. The trip will consist of a combination of cultural activities, company visits with the aim of finalizing the research, and chances to experience the amazing nightlife the city has to offer.

European Study Research is an incredible event for students. It is an opportunity to add something unique to your university experience, a chance to broaden your network, diversify your (international) skill set, meet new people, and an amazing way to create unforgettable memories. 

Your ESR experience begins with an opening dinner, followed by 7 weeks of lectures, dinners and socials every Monday night. A variety of different topics, lecturers and points of view will be discussed each week. After we return, there will be another 2 weeks of lectures before the final dinner in order to put the finishing touches on our work.

The total cost of joining the trip will be €250,-, which includes transportation to the city, accommodation and transportation during our stay, as well as various other activities to take part in.

The ESR experience is one that is unique, and should not be missed! In order to take part in this amazing project, click on the register button here! Applications open on the 3rd of September and close on the 14th of September, 23.59. This is also the deadline for sending your CV and motivation letter to esrfall@ebfgroningen.nl. 

The applications are open to bachelor students of the FEB with at least 45 ECTS and (pre-)master students.

For any other remaining questions about this trip, feel free to contact us at esrfall@ebfgroningen.nl.

ESR TIMELINE

Application deadline

  • Sunday the 14th of September, 23:59

Interviews and selection

  • Monday the 15th until Wednesday the 24th of September

Introduction dinner

  • Monday the 29th of September

Weekly lectures, dinners and socials (7 times)

Every Monday at 18:00 from the 6th of October until the 17th of November

Theme party

  • Monday the 17th of November

Research trip

  • Saturday the 22nd of November until Saturday the 29th of November

Lecture, dinner and social after the trip (2 times)

  • Monday the 1st of December and Monday the 8th of December

Closing dinner

  • Monday the 8th of December

ESR WORKLOAD

In the 7 weeks prior to the trip there will be a lecture (6-8pm), dinner (8-10pm) and a social (10pm onwards) every Monday which you will be expected to attend. In the lectures we will discuss how to conduct research, there will be presentations by the various subgroups and several workshops. The dinners and socials are a great way to get to know everyone. Next to these activities you are expected to actually prepare your specific research together with your subgroup, which will mostly be done during the preparatory phase of the trip. In total, ESR will cost you about 6-8 hours per week.

MAIN RESEARCH THEME: DIGITALISATION IN BARCELONA – TRANSFORMING BUSINESS MODELS AND COMPETITIVENESS

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, plays a crucial role in Europe’s ongoing digital transformation. As one of the continent’s leading innovation hubs, the city offers a supportive environment where digital technologies reshape both traditional and emerging industries. Its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast, combined with strong infrastructure and a skilled workforce, enhances its global connectivity and attractiveness for international business.

The city’s commitment to becoming a smart city has led to the implementation of advanced digital infrastructures that improve both urban living and business operations. Public-private collaborations, such as the DFactory Barcelona initiative, demonstrate how Barcelona fosters innovation by connecting tech companies, research centres, and government institutions. These initiatives not only improve competitiveness but also reinforce Barcelona’s leadership in digital transformation.

Barcelona’s strong emphasis on digital talent, its thriving startup ecosystem, and its integration into European and global innovation networks make it an ideal case study for examining the impact of digitalization. The city offers a real-time view into how digital tools, business models, and technologies are being deployed to navigate current economic and societal challenges.

This research theme examines how digitalization affects the performance and competitiveness of companies in Barcelona, and how businesses adapt their models to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

As a participant in the ESR program, you will be divided into five subgroups to research the theme “Digitalization in Barcelona: The Transformation of Business Models and Competitiveness.” Each subgroup will focus on a specific subtheme related to Barcelona’s digital economy. These subthemes will guide your research questions and ensure a thorough exploration of the main theme.

Throughout the program, you will develop essential business research skills, including creating theoretical frameworks and conceptual models. Working closely with your subgroup, you will have the opportunity to discuss your findings during lectures and receive feedback from the committee and professors.

The final deliverable will be a comprehensive research paper, including recommendations from each subgroup, which will be presented to the companies and organizations we will visit in Barcelona. To provide a detailed examination of the main research theme, we have established the following five subthemes:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability

2. Innovation and Digitalization

3. Risk Management

4. Business Environment

5. Marketing and Customer Engagement

Each subgroup will delve into these subthemes to provide a comprehensive understanding of Barcelona’s strategic position in the digital economy.

  1. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

In Barcelona, CSR and sustainability are increasingly integrated with digital strategies. Companies utilize digital tools to monitor and mitigate their environmental impact, increase transparency, and foster stakeholder engagement. Smart energy solutions, green digital infrastructure, and responsible data practices contribute to both environmental goals and corporate credibility, aligning with Barcelona’s wider vision of sustainable innovation.

  1. Innovation and Digitalization

Innovation is a crucial component of Barcelona’s economic strategy. The city’s dense network of tech startups, incubators, and collaborative platforms supports rapid experimentation and digital adoption. Businesses in Barcelona are leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, IoT, and blockchain, to enhance efficiency and create new value propositions. This subtheme investigates how these technologies are transforming business models.

  1. Risk Management

With the rise of digitalization comes new risks. Companies in Barcelona are adopting proactive strategies to manage threats related to cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience. Regulatory compliance, technological redundancy, and business continuity planning are critical components of their digital risk management frameworks. This theme explores how organizations anticipate and respond to digital threats.

  1. Business Environment

Barcelona’s business environment is shaped by its innovation policies, infrastructure, and regulatory framework. Support from regional and city governments, combined with EU funding and strategic planning, creates a favorable environment for digital business development. This subtheme explores how institutional support, economic incentives, and legal frameworks influence the competitiveness of digital enterprises.

  1. Marketing and Customer Engagement

Digitalization has fundamentally changed the way companies in Barcelona interact with their customers. From data-driven marketing to omnichannel strategies, businesses utilize digital tools to enhance the customer experience, increase engagement, and personalize their offerings. This subtheme examines the role of digital platforms and technologies in fostering strong customer relationships within a competitive landscape.

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