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Sep. 08, 2015
For the third year, MBA students from BGU recently returned from Ceará in Brazil marking the completion of a seminar titled Entrepreneurship and Innovation in an Emerging Economy: Brazil. Sponsored by the Bengis Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation of the Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management GGFBM, this seminar is offered at the Entrepreneurship and Innovation track within the MBA program at the faculty. The visit was conducted in cooperation with the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR) and the Federation of Industries of the State of Ceará (FIEC), Brazil.  

Students participating in this semester long seminar had the opportunity to analyze existing models, measures, and advanced business activities in these markets while gaining an in depth understanding of Brazil. According to Prof. Raphael Bar-El of the GGFBM Department of Businerss Administration, who leads the seminar “The objective of the international seminar is to allow students a first-hand exposure to the business environment in growing markets, particularly in one of the four BRIC countries. The seminar in Brazil consisted of three major components: meetings with key figures involved in local economics; educational fieldtrips; and presentations of innovation plans prepared by students for Brazilian companies”.  
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While in Brazil, students were presented case studies and examined the potential for innovation advancement in Ceara. In addition, they met with members and leaders of the FIEC, industrialists, entrepreneurs, students and researchers. One activity included a meeting with Mr. Carlos Matos Lima, a member of the state parliament. Mr. Lima, a main leader of innovation in the state, presented his perspectives on innovation. Students also met with young entrepreneurs and start-up founders to discuss their experience, the conditions under which innovation can be developed, and the lessons learned throughout the process. 
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The itinerary also included visits to local firms such as: 3 Corações, the biggest Coffee company in Brazil (a joint venture of the Strauss group from Israel and a Brazilian family company); Biomatika Cosmetics Company, where an experiment of Open Innovation was implemented; the research and innovation labs at the University of Fortaleza; and Banco do Nordeste (BNB) a Brazilian regional development bank to discuss Venture Capital Funding. They also participated in the “Innovation in Health” conference. During the final portion of the visit student delivered presentations involving four tools for innovation advancement: support of start-ups; entrepreneurship and innovation centers; open innovation; and the role of industrial associations in the promotion of innovation. The presentations were made to local leaders including: entrepreneurs, FIEC directors, university researchers, representatives of BNB and representatives of the Government of Ceara. A productive discussion followed the presentations. 
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Prof. Dafna Schwartz, chairperson of Bengis Center and the head of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation track commented, “This program follows the understanding that in today’s world the ability of firms and countries to compete is based on their ability for innovation and entrepreneurship from a global prospective. Mr. Arnold Bengis’ support offered through the Bengis Center enables practical experience for students in growing markets - particularly the Brazilian economy, thus increasing their abilities and future opportunities presented throughout their careers. For these reasons, and out of a desire to improve knowledge and skills in dealing with global markets particularly in emerging markets, the Bengis Center has chosen to support this seminar.”

Prof. Oded Lowengart, GGFBM Dean said: “This seminar is part of our faculty efforts to increase the examination of international aspect in our general study program offered to our students.” 

Prof. Michael Bar-Eli, Chair of the Department of Business Administrationreiterated, “We are pleased to have received Mr. Bengis’ support for this seminar. Thanks to his generosity, our students were granted an incredible opportunity to experience global entrepreneurship and innovation.”