A Week on the Road: Study Trip Across Europe

Company visits: Costamare, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Hellas), Piraeus Port Authority (OLP), Alba Graduate Business School, Minerva Marine Inc. (Athina Maritime Training Center), Allied Shipbrokers

Over the past week, together with Zara Berberyan, we had the opportunity to explore the heart of global shipping in Athens through company visits across various stages of the maritime supply chain, gaining valuable insights into shipping brokerage, ship management and port management. A key focus was sustainability in maritime logistics and the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Beyond the academic programme, social activities allowed us to discover Athens from different perspectives, including visits to the Acropolis, the Port of Piraeus and the island of Aegina.

Company visits: Anaeli Pecchio, Protofy, Barcelona XRLAB (Palo Alto), Barcelona & Partners, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)

Under the theme “AI Transforming Digital Business”, we visited SAP, Protofy (AI-driven process automation and industrial prototyping), Barcelona XRLAB (an innovation hub for freelancers and companies), Barcelona & Partners (supporting international businesses in location selection), and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, home to the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer.

Throughout these visits, it became clear that the successful implementation of AI requires not only software, but also computing power, energy resources, expertise, and the careful selection of appropriate technologies. Equally important for the success of AI projects is close and continuous collaboration with customers.

Barcelona stood out as a thriving innovation hub that is actively supported by both the city and the national government. Examples include the subsidized XRLAB and the national supercomputing centre, where researchers, companies, and start-ups work closely together to drive innovation.

Company visits: Shell Hungary, Graphisoft, Signal Iduna Hungary, Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA), Dreher Brewery

As part of our study trip to Budapest, our group visited companies of different sizes and from a wide range of industries, including long-established corporations, local subsidiaries of international enterprises, and export-oriented technology firms.

The programme highlighted Hungary’s position between East and West. On the one hand, the country has its own entrepreneurial potential; on the other, it remains an attractive location for both European and Asian companies, not least due to its favourable macroeconomic conditions.

Particularly memorable were our visit to Dreher Brewery, whose more than 170-year history reflects the development of the country, and to the software company Graphisoft, which succeeded in building a globally minded business despite operating behind the Iron Curtain.

Company visits: EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, I.C.S. "Steaua Reds" S.A., German Embassy Chișinău, Südzucker Moldova, National Bank of Moldova, InvestMoldova

During our excursion to Moldova, visits to political institutions such as the EU Delegation and the German Embassy provided us with valuable insights into German-Moldovan cooperation as well as the economic opportunities and challenges associated with a potential accession to the European Union.

In addition, visits to companies and organisations including I.C.S. “Steaua Reds” S.A., Südzucker Moldova, the National Bank of Moldova, and InvestMoldova gave us practical insights into local production processes, monetary policy, and the country’s investment promotion efforts.

These diverse experiences complemented the theoretical knowledge gained in our studies, for example in the Operations Management module, by connecting it to the real-world economic and political developments currently shaping Moldova.

Company visits: Aurubis, EY, Jungheinrich, OTTO and Hapag-Lloyd

During our study trip, we spent a week exploring the topic of sustainability and gained valuable insights into how different companies approach it in practice. Through visits to Aurubis, EY, Jungheinrich, OTTO and Hapag-Lloyd, we learned how sustainability is implemented across a range of industries, as well as the opportunities and challenges that come with it. 

Alongside the company visits, shared activities such as a group breakfast, a visit to a local market and an evening of billiards gave us the chance to connect with students from different degree programmes and grow together as a group.

Company visits: Ubiqisense, The Footprint Firm, Ørsted, Tivoli, Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping

Under the theme "From Fossil to Flagship: What Denmark Got Right", our study trip to Copenhagen focused on sustainability. By visiting companies and organisations from a range of industries, we gained first-hand insights into sustainable business models and innovative approaches to current environmental challenges. The programme also helped us develop a better understanding of current climate and sustainability developments, while highlighting issues such as geopolitics and technological change. Cultural activities complemented the visits and gave us a sense of how sustainability is embedded in everyday life in Copenhagen.

Company visits: Marlow Navigation Company Ltd., Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Cyprus) Ltd., Leon MFO Investments Ltd., Complyport EU and InterMaritime Shipmanagement Ltd.

As part of our study trip to Limassol, we focused on FinTech, AI, IT start-ups and venture capital. Through five company visits, we gained valuable insights into Cyprus as a business location and its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The academic programme was complemented by a variety of social and cultural activities, including a traditional Cypriot dinner, a museum visit, a boat trip, padel and a tour of a local park.

Overall, the study trip was a fantastic experience. Not only did we get to know Limassol and Cyprus better, but we also grew closer as a group and shared a memorable week together.

Company visits: DareData Engineering, Mercedes-Benz.io, Syone, Nova School of Business & Economics and Instituto Superior Técnico

During our study trip week in Lisbon, we explored the local AI ecosystem and discussed current challenges and innovative approaches in the field of artificial intelligence. Through visits to DareData Engineering, Mercedes-Benz.io and Syone, as well as the Nova School of Business & Economics and Instituto Superior Técnico, we gained valuable insights into generative AI, machine learning and the application of AI in both business and research.

Alongside the academic programme, we explored Lisbon through shared activities such as padel, a visit to the MAAT museum and discovering the city’s culinary scene.

Company visits: KLAK Icelandic Startups, Suðurver Bakery, Reykjavík Geothermal, Þingvellir National Park, Epli, Íshestar Icelandic Horse Farm

Throughout the study trip, we gained a wide range of insights into Iceland’s economic, social, and cultural structures. In particular, we learned how natural resources, innovative business models, and international economic relations can be leveraged to support the development of a geographically remote country.

The company visits helped us connect theoretical concepts from our studies with practical examples. They highlighted both the opportunities offered by a highly specialised economy and the challenges associated with limited markets and geographic isolation.

In addition, the cultural programme provided a deeper understanding of Icelandic society, everyday life, and the country’s broader social framework. Overall, the excursion was a valuable complement to our academic studies and enabled us to explore Iceland’s economic development from a variety of perspectives.

Company visits: Tor Vergata University of Rome, Roma Startup, INNOVA, Seedble, Jupither Group, Phluid Innovation Hub, LUISS Guido Carli University, EY Rome

During our study trip week, we gained insights into the Italian start-up, venture capital, and innovation ecosystem, as well as into current approaches to open innovation and corporate start-up collaboration.

To explore these topics, we visited universities, companies, and innovation hubs, engaging with experts from both academia and industry. The programme was complemented by a range of cultural activities that allowed us to experience Rome beyond the professional setting.

Company visits: Schutzstation Wattenmeer e.V. Büsum, Helgoland Tourismus-Service, Museum Helgoland, Molfsee Open-Air Museum, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and TH Lübeck

As part of our HSBA study trip to Schleswig-Holstein, we explored the management of cultural heritage sites and visitor attractions, gaining insights into nature conservation, cultural management and tourism management.

From Büsum and Heligoland to Kiel, it became clear how closely cultural heritage, regional identity, sustainability and economic management are interconnected. The many conversations with practitioners and experts provided valuable perspectives for our future academic and professional development.

Many thanks to Prof. Dr Dennis C. Ahrholdt for making this eventful week possible and for giving us valuable and fascinating insights right on our doorstep. As the saying goes: the best things are often closer than you think.

Company visits: HSH Railway, Port of Durrës Authority, Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria, DHL, Gebrüder Weiss SHPK and Diamant Logistics SHPK

Guided by the question “Unlocking Potential: Albania’s Port and Logistics Sector in a European Context”, a group of 20 HSBA students travelled to Tirana and Durrës together with Prof. Dr Jan Ninnemann. During the trip, we gained valuable insights into Albania’s logistics industry.

Visits to HSH Railway, the Port of Durrës Authority, Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria, DHL, Gebrüder Weiss SHPK and Diamant Logistics SHPK allowed us to experience first-hand the diversity and dynamism of the country’s logistics sector.

Beyond the company visits, the study trip brought us closer together as a group and lead to many interesting discussions about Albania’s economic potential and its and growing importance to the Southeast European business industry.

Company visits: Ernst & Young, AQA Capital, Bank of Valletta (BOV Bank), APS Bank, Chamber of Commerce, German Embassy Valletta, University of Malta, TAKEOFF Start-up Incubator

During our study trip to Malta together with Professor Philipp Zaeh, we explored how the venture capital strategies of European limited partnerships are shaped within an international business environment.

Visits to Ernst & Young, AQA Capital, the Bank of Valletta (BOV Bank), APS Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, the German Embassy, the University of Malta, and a start-up incubator provided valuable insights into financing, economic policy, and cross-border investment.

A great opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world perspectives and expand our international network. Many thanks to everybody who made this wonderful trip to Malta possible.

Company visits: Deutsche Bank, Cisco, Coeo, EY, LGT Bank, Vienna University of Economics and Business

As part of our study trip to Vienna, we explored the topics of sustainable finance, impact investing, and current developments in the financial sector in depth. Through engaging company visits to Deutsche Bank, Cisco, Coeo, EY, and LGT Bank, as well as a visit to the Vienna University of Economics and Business, we gained valuable insights into different perspectives from the business world, the financial sector, and international institutions.

The academic programme was complemented by cultural highlights, opportunities to explore Vienna, and valuable exchanges within the group.

Company visits: ETH, ETH Entrepreneur Club, Digitec Galaxus AG, Elaboratum, AWS

Our study trip combined summer weather with a beautiful and innovative city that is full of entrepreneurial spirit. We had the opportunity to explore Zurich’s academic landscape through visits to ETH and the ETH Entrepreneur Club, while also getting to know both large companies and smaller businesses that have chosen to pursue unconventional paths.

We were also able to experience the city’s high quality of life firsthand: swimming in Lake Zurich, visiting bars, and excursions into nature were all part of the experience.