Study Tour to Lisbon 2026: Shaping the Digital Future at Nova SBE

Over the past few years, February has become an important month for internationalization and global engagement at our institution. It is when we hold our overseas study tours, offering inspiring, field-based business learning in environments that are often unfamiliar to many participants. For some, it is their first time visiting the host country — and for a few, even their first time leaving Japan.

This year saw the first Study Tour to Europe in recent memory, marking an important milestone for our institution. Lisbon, Portugal, provided an inspiring setting for a week of learning focused on digital transformation, analytics, innovation, and strategy, arranged and hosted by our friends at Nova School of Business and Economics, a trusted exchange partner and fellow PIM Network member school.

Under the theme “Shaping the Digital Future: Insights from Portugal,” participants explored how organizations are leveraging data, AI, and strategic transformation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Academic Sessions at NOVA SBE

The program featured distinguished faculty and industry leaders, including:

• João Salazar Dias – former CIO of Portugal and former President of the Agency for Administrative Modernisation
• Sara Candeias – Chief Data Officer at Banco Montepio and expert in Data & AI
• Nadim Habib – Strategy and innovation specialist
• Sérgio Ferreira – Partner at EY Consulting
• Michael Alf – Transformation Director at novobanco

Through case discussions, executive insights, and interactive sessions, participants gained first-hand perspectives on:

• National digital modernization initiatives
• AI and data governance in financial services
• Strategy and innovation in dynamic markets
• Large-scale organizational transformation

The sessions were rigorous yet highly practical, encouraging participants to connect European digital initiatives with the Japanese and Asian business contexts.

Business Safaris: Learning in Action

• At Novo Banco, participants explored “Analytics and AI in Action,” examining how one of Portugal’s largest financial institutions integrates advanced analytics into decision-making and transformation efforts.
• At Escola 42, the group experienced a radically different model of tech education — peer-to-peer, project-based, and tuition-free — designed to develop industry-ready digital talent. The visit sparked meaningful discussion on the future of management education and skills development.

A Truly Fruitful Experience

The program brought together Executive MBA and MBA participants from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka campuses, along with alumni and senior leadership. The group engaged actively in discussions, exchanged perspectives across industries, and strengthened their global networks. Participants not only enjoyed the academic content, but also the opportunity to reflect, connect, and learn together in a new international setting.

All thanks goes to the wonderful team at Nova SBE, and the companies and professors who hosted our participants. We look forward to building on this success with more collaborative programs bridging the gap between New Asia and the rest of the world.