European Study Research Spring: Lisbon

date:

DownloadSave to calendar (ICS).

ESR Lisbon: explore the rise of a leading international business hub

Lisbon has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic international business and investment hubs. Thanks to its strategic Atlantic location, political stability, strong infrastructure, and highly educated workforce, the city has become increasingly attractive to multinational enterprises, venture capital firms, startups, and digital entrepreneurs.

Over the past decade, Lisbon has actively positioned itself as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Government initiatives promoting foreign direct investment, innovation-friendly regulation, and competitive tax policies, combined with Lisbon’s high quality of life, have played a crucial role in this transformation. Global events such as Web Summit and the development of innovation districts like Beato Creative Hub further underline Lisbon’s growing international relevance.

Lisbon’s transformation is not limited to technology and startups alone. Traditional industries, international services, finance, tourism, and creative sectors are also adapting their business models to compete in an increasingly global and interconnected economy. This makes Lisbon an ideal case study for examining how cities can successfully reposition themselves as international business and investment hubs.

European Study Research: an unforgettable academic experience

European Study Research (ESR) is an incredible opportunity for students to enrich their academic journey. It allows you to combine academic research with company visits, international exposure, and an unforgettable group experience. During ESR, you will expand your professional network, develop valuable research skills, and gain insight into how theory translates into practice in an international business environment.

Your ESR experience begins with an opening dinner, followed by seven weeks of lectures, dinners, and socials every Monday evening. Throughout this period, various academic topics, research methods, and perspectives will be discussed. After the research trip, two additional weeks of lectures will take place, concluding with a final dinner to complete the research process.

Main research theme

The Transformation of Lisbon into a Leading International Business Hub

As a participant in ESR Lisbon, you will conduct research on how Lisbon has transformed itself into an attractive destination for international business and investment. The research focuses on the policies, strategies, and economic conditions that enable Lisbon to compete globally while maintaining sustainable and inclusive growth.

Participants will be divided into five subgroups, each focusing on a specific subtheme related to Lisbon’s international business environment. These subthemes will guide your research questions and ensure a comprehensive analysis of Lisbon’s transformation.

Throughout the program, you will develop essential research skills, including:

  • Building theoretical frameworks

  • Designing conceptual models

  • Conducting academic and applied business research

You will regularly present your findings during lectures and receive feedback from professors and the ESR committee.

The final deliverable will be a comprehensive research paper, including recommendations from each subgroup, which will be presented to the companies and organizations visited in Lisbon.

Research subthemes

Foreign Direct Investment and Tax Policy

Lisbon’s rise as an international business hub is closely linked to its ability to attract foreign direct investment. Competitive tax regimes, investment incentives, and a business-friendly regulatory framework have played a crucial role in drawing international firms and investors to Portugal. This subtheme examines how tax policy and FDI strategies contribute to Lisbon’s international competitiveness and long-term economic development.

Sustainability

Sustainability is increasingly embedded in Lisbon’s economic strategy. The city aims to balance growth with environmental responsibility, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable urban development, and responsible business practices. This subtheme explores how sustainability policies influence business decisions and how companies operating in Lisbon integrate environmental and social responsibility into their strategies.

Human Resources and Talent

A highly skilled and international workforce is essential for Lisbon’s success as a business hub. This subtheme focuses on talent attraction, retention, and development, as well as labor market flexibility and education. Special attention is given to Lisbon’s ability to attract international talent while addressing challenges such as brain drain and workforce integration.

Innovation

Innovation plays a central role in Lisbon’s economic transformation. A growing startup ecosystem, strong links between universities and industry, and increasing venture capital activity contribute to a dynamic innovation environment. This subtheme investigates how innovation policies, entrepreneurship, and access to capital support Lisbon’s position as an international business and investment hub.

Infrastructure and Digital Business

Modern infrastructure and digital connectivity are key drivers of international business activity. Lisbon has invested heavily in transport infrastructure, digital networks, and smart city solutions. This subtheme examines how physical and digital infrastructure enable international business operations and support the growth of digital business models.

Practical information

The total cost of participating in ESR Lisbon will be 250 euros and includes transportation to Lisbon, accommodation and various group activities.

Applications are open to bachelor students of the Faculty of Economics and Business with at least 45 ECTS, as well as (pre-)master students.

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 10th of February and close on the 22nd of February, 23.59. This is also the deadline for sending your CV and motivation letter to esrspring@ebfgroningen.nl. 

ESR Timeline

  • Application deadline

  • Sunday the 22nd of February 23:59

  • Interviews and selection

  • Tuesday the 24th of February until the 5th of March

  • Introduction dinner

  • Monday the 9th of March

  • Weekly lectures, dinners, and socials

  • Research trip to Lisbon

  • 9th until the 16th of May

  • Lectures and socials after the trip

  • Closing dinner

ESR Workload

In the weeks prior to the research trip, participants are expected to attend a lecture, dinner, and social every Monday evening. During the lectures, research methods will be discussed, subgroup presentations will take place, and workshops will be organized. In addition, participants are expected to work on their research assignments with their subgroup. On average, ESR requires approximately 6–8 hours per week.

Login and register