BEGIN:VCALENDAR PRODID:-//eluceo/ical//2.0/EN VERSION:2.0 CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:event-828 DTSTAMP:20260406T055307Z SUMMARY:European Study Research Spring: Lisbon DESCRIPTION:ESR Lisbon: explore the rise of a leading international busines s hub Lisbon has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic interna tional business and investment hubs. Thanks to its strategic Atlantic loca tion\, political stability\, strong infrastructure\, and highly educated w orkforce\, the city has become increasingly attractive to multinational en terprises\, 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 promoti ng foreign direct investment\, innovation-friendly regulation\, and compet itive tax policies\, combined with Lisbon’s high quality of life\, have played a crucial role in this transformation. Global events such as Web Su mmit and the development of innovation districts like Beato Creative Hub f urther underline Lisbon’s growing international relevance. Lisbon’s tr ansformation is not limited to technology and startups alone. Traditional industries\, international services\, finance\, tourism\, and creative sec tors 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 interna tional business and investment hubs. European Study Research: an unforgett able academic experience European Study Research (ESR) is an incredible op portunity for students to enrich their academic journey. It allows you to combine academic research with company visits\, international exposure\, a nd an unforgettable group experience. During ESR\, you will expand your pr ofessional network\, develop valuable research skills\, and gain insight i nto how theory translates into practice in an international business envir onment. Your ESR experience begins with an opening dinner\, followed by se ven weeks of lectures\, dinners\, and socials every Monday evening. Throug hout this period\, various academic topics\, research methods\, and perspe ctives will be discussed. After the research trip\, two additional weeks o f lectures will take place\, concluding with a final dinner to complete th e 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 attract ive destination for international business and investment. The research fo cuses on the policies\, strategies\, and economic conditions that enable L isbon to compete globally while maintaining sustainable and inclusive grow th. 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 comprehe nsive analysis of Lisbon’s transformation. Throughout the program\, you will develop essential research skills\, including: Building theoretical f rameworks Designing conceptual models Conducting academic and applied busi ness research You will regularly present your findings during lectures and receive feedback from professors and the ESR committee. The final deliver able will be a comprehensive research paper\, including recommendations fr om each subgroup\, which will be presented to the companies and organizati ons visited in Lisbon. Research subthemes Foreign Direct Investment and Ta x Policy Lisbon’s rise as an international business hub is closely linke d to its ability to attract foreign direct investment. Competitive tax reg imes\, investment incentives\, and a business-friendly regulatory framewor k have played a crucial role in drawing international firms and investors to Portugal. This subtheme examines how tax policy and FDI strategies cont ribute to Lisbon’s international competitiveness and long-term economic development. Sustainability Sustainability is increasingly embedded in Lis bon’s economic strategy. The city aims to balance growth with environmen tal responsibility\, focusing on renewable energy\, sustainable urban deve lopment\, and responsible business practices. This subtheme explores how s ustainability policies influence business decisions and how companies oper ating in Lisbon integrate environmental and social responsibility into the ir strategies. Human Resources and Talent A highly skilled and internation al workforce is essential for Lisbon’s success as a business hub. This s ubtheme focuses on talent attraction\, retention\, and development\, as we ll as labor market flexibility and education. Special attention is given t o Lisbon’s ability to attract international talent while addressing chal lenges such as brain drain and workforce integration. Innovation Innovatio n plays a central role in Lisbon’s economic transformation. A growing st artup ecosystem\, strong links between universities and industry\, and inc reasing venture capital activity contribute to a dynamic innovation enviro nment. This subtheme investigates how innovation policies\, entrepreneursh ip\, and access to capital support Lisbon’s position as an international business and investment hub. Infrastructure and Digital Business Modern i nfrastructure and digital connectivity are key drivers of international bu siness activity. Lisbon has invested heavily in transport infrastructure\, digital networks\, and smart city solutions. This subtheme examines how p hysical and digital infrastructure enable international business operation s and support the growth of digital business models. Practical information The total cost of participating in ESR Lisbon will be 250 euros and inclu des transportation to Lisbon\, accommodation and various group activities. Applications are open to bachelor students of the Faculty of Economics an d Business with at least 45 ECTS\, as well as (pre-)master students. The E SR experience is one that is unique\, and should not be missed! In order t o take part in this amazing project\, click on the register button here! A pplications open on the 10th of February and close on the 22nd of Febru ary\, 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 24 th 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 dinn er 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 presen tations will take place\, and workshops will be organized. In addition\, p articipants are expected to work on their research assignments with their subgroup. On average\, ESR requires approximately 6–8 hours per week. DTSTART:20260508T220000Z DTEND:20260515T220000Z END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD DTSTART:20260508T220000 TZNAME:UTC TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR