What have we been up to?

This research project promotes more decent, meaningful, and satisfying work for present and future generations. Using randomized controlled trials, it evaluates the impact of Career Life Design training on psychological resources, career development, and employment outcomes. The project studies both students entering the labour market and older unemployed adults, generating evidence to support new approaches to career development and professional well-being. It aims to inspire innovative programmes that strengthen career adaptability, well-being, and sustainable employability.  

Funding/Partnership: Supported by Fundação “la Caixa” through a research grant.  

Team: Samantha Sim, Amélia Monteiro, Radek Oros, Sebastian Kernbach.  

This research project examines how Communities of Practice can accommodate diverse interests and perspectives while enabling participants to collaborate on shared solutions. Over 13 months, it investigates how organizations navigate the tension between differentiation and integration within a Community of Practice focused on migrant integration. The project brings together a cross-section of civil society organizations to identify concrete challenges, exchange knowledge, and collaboratively develop practical responses. It aims to generate insights into how plural perspectives can be preserved without leading to extreme polarization or undermining collective action. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) under project 2024.16690.PEX. 

Team: Marco Berti, Rita Dias. 

This research project examines regenerative tourism as an alternative paradigm for the tourism sector. It seeks to understand how tourism can move beyond minimizing harm to actively creating positive impacts for communities, ecosystems, and local economies. Through literature reviews, international case studies, and stakeholder engagement, the project develops a framework to assess the relevance and feasibility of regenerative tourism in Portugal.  

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT2023.15769.PEX). 

Team: Graham Miller, Teresa Moana Mannebach.  

The Scaling Systemic Impact Initiative helps organizations tackle complex societal challenges using systems thinking. Through research, systems mapping, capacity building, and practical tools, it supports foundations, investors, family offices, and social organizations in moving from linear problem-solving towards a systemic understanding of change. The initiative promotes more coordinated and strategic approaches to impact generation and capital deployment. 

1. Action Plan for People Experiencing Homelessness in Madeira: Building a Systemic Response 

This project applies systems mapping to support the development of a regional action plan for people experiencing homelessness in Madeira. Through research, interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops, it engages public institutions, civil society organizations, private-sector actors, and people with lived experience to understand the ecosystem, identify reinforcing cycles, and determine priority leverage points. The project aims to translate this systemic diagnosis into an actionable roadmap, supported by clearly defined institutional responsibilities and a monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by “la Caixa” Foundation and the Regional Government of Madeira. 

2. Financial Literacy: A Pan-European Systems Mapping 

Developed with Cofidis Group, this project examined the structural, behavioural, and contextual factors shaping financial literacy across different European countries. Through expert consultations, comparative benchmarking, and a meta-analysis of academic evidence, it identified four recurring systemic vicious cycles, 18 reinforcing loops, and six areas with strong potential for intervention. The findings provided an evidence-based foundation for Cofidis Group’s long-term financial literacy strategy and the development of more effective, locally relevant initiatives. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Cofidis Group. 

3. Regenerative Tourism: A Systems Approach 

Developed in collaboration with Blink Impact, this project examined the systemic barriers preventing regenerative tourism from becoming more widely adopted and identified leverage points for change. Drawing on an interdisciplinary literature review, 25 interviews, and systems-mapping tools, it explored how investment, practice, and place can work together to support socio-ecological regeneration. The project generated a shared analytical framework to guide investors and practitioners in making more informed decisions and contributing to systemic change in the tourism ecosystem. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Blink Impact. 

4. Welfare Sector Payments in Portugal 

Commissioned by the Fast Forward Foundation, this pilot project assessed Portugal’s welfare payment system, including pensions, social benefits, and healthcare-related transactions. It combined desk research and stakeholder interviews to examine the system’s effectiveness, efficiency, security, and inclusiveness, with particular attention to digital payment solutions. As the first in-depth application of the Foundation’s assessment methodology, the project helped refine a framework intended for subsequent use in other European countries. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Fast Forward Foundation. 

5. Women in Tourism Leadership: The Representation Gap 

Developed in collaboration with the Westmont Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, this project examines the structural barriers that contribute to women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions within the Portuguese tourism sector. Through literature review, interviews, systems mapping, and international benchmarking, it identifies the reinforcing dynamics that sustain the representation gap and the leverage points where intervention can generate meaningful change. The project translates these findings into recommendations for the wider tourism ecosystem and a targeted action plan for the Westmont Institute, supporting more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable leadership pathways. 

Funding/Partnership: Conducted in partnership with the Westmont Institute of Tourism and Hospitality. 

See the Final Report: here. 

More information: See our Annual Report 2025.

Team: Ricardo Zózimo, Daniela Afonso, Mariana Cabral, Ana Milhazes, Débora Pereira. 

Social Leadership for Managers strengthens governance and leadership within Portugal’s social economy by connecting senior private-sector executives with social organizations. Through executive education and advisory board placements, participants gain knowledge of the social sector while supporting organizations through strategic advice and governance expertise. The programme promotes cross-sector collaboration and develops leaders capable of generating positive social impact. 

Funding/Partnership: Part of the Social Equity Initiative, developed with Fundação “la Caixa”, BPI, Nova SBE, and Católica Porto Business School.  

More information: here.  

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Rita Diniz, Talita Feliciano, Rita Aragão, Pedro Furtado Mendonça, Miguel Alves Martins, Constança Santos. 

The Social Leapfrog Program is a three-year capacity-building and organizational transformation programme for social organizations. Through executive education, mentoring, coaching, consulting projects, workshops, and student engagement, it strengthens impact generation and financial sustainability. The programme helps organizations develop hybrid business models, professional management practices, and long-term resilience while fostering an ecosystem of collaboration across sectors.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed under the Social Equity Initiative in partnership with “la Caixa” Foundation and BPI. 

More Information: here.

Team: Carmen Lages, Talita Feliciano, Cláudia Pinhal, Carlota Montenegro, Sofia Magalhães, Madalena Oom, Ricardo López Páramo, Catarina Rooseboom, Inês Rola Pereira, Joana Castro e Costa.  

This research project studies stakeholder collaboration within the Sustainable Smart Cascais initiative. It focuses particularly on how public and private actors work together to address sustainability challenges and create public value. The project contributes to understanding collaborative governance models that support sustainable urban transformation.  

Funding/Partnership: Conducted in partnership with the University of Liège.  

Team: Marta Almeida, Nathalie Crutzen, Rita Aragão.  

The Women in Leadership Lab advances research and knowledge on women’s leadership, career progression, and inclusion. The initiative investigates barriers that affect women's leadership development and explores interventions that strengthen mentoring, leadership motivation, and career advancement. Its goal is to generate evidence-based recommendations for organizations and policymakers seeking more inclusive leadership systems.  

Funding/Partnership: Conducted in partnership with the Westmont Institute of Tourism and Hospitality. 

Team: Jenny Hoobler, Anna Jaffery, Yibo Chen, Joana Castro e Costa, Carina Autengruber.  

Cooperation for a Gender-Equal Social Economy 

This European project promotes gender equality and inclusion within the social economy sector. It develops tools, methodologies, and educational resources that help entrepreneurs, investors, trainers, and social economy stakeholders integrate gender perspectives into their work. The project aims to foster more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems and expand opportunities for women and gender minorities. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. 

Team: Carina Autengruber, Teresa Franco.  

Foundation Amélia de Mello – Social Innovation Award 

This initiative provides financial support to researchers developing projects with strong potential for social impact. The award focuses on projects addressing structural societal challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches. It aims to help transform promising research ideas into practical solutions capable of generating measurable societal value.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Fundação Amélia de Mello. 

More Information: here.

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Carina Autengruber.

Boutique – Acceleration Program for Regenerative Businesses 

The Boutique Acceleration Program supports regenerative businesses seeking to scale their impact and attract investment. Through a structured acceleration journey, organizations receive tools, mentoring, and strategic support to strengthen their business models and become investment-ready. The initiative seeks to grow Portugal’s regenerative economy by connecting mission-driven ventures with aligned investors and partners.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed with Verdágua and supported by PRR, NextGenerationEU, Banco Montepio, Casa Mendes Gonçalves, 3xP Global, Nova SBE Haddad Entrepreneurship Institute, Regenesis Institute, and Vieira de Almeida. 

More Information: here.

Team: Ricardo Zózimo, Joana Castro e Costa.  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Program 

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program provides advanced training to organizations committed to becoming more inclusive workplaces. Developed from the Inclusive Community Forum ecosystem, the programme combines theory and practice to help organizations strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. It supports companies in moving from commitment to implementation.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed jointly by the Inclusive Community Forum, Nova SBE Leadership for Impact, and Nova SBE Executive Education.  

Team: Jenny Hoobler, Milton de Sousa, Joana Castro e Costa, Carina Autengruber. 

Irmãs Hospitaleiras – Strategic Journey 

This project supports Irmãs Hospitaleiras in developing a future-ready strategy to strengthen its mission and long-term sustainability. Through a structured process of diagnosis, reflection, co-creation, and strategic recommendations, the initiative addresses challenges related to growth, partnerships, talent retention, and organizational development. The project creates a roadmap that helps the institution adapt to changing realities while increasing its societal impact.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Irmãs Hospitaleiras. 

Team: Nadim Habib, Joana Castro e Costa, Rita Diniz.

Mastering Conscious Capitalism 

Mastering Conscious Capitalism is an executive study tour that helps participants understand the role and responsibility of organizations in society. Through experiential learning and direct engagement with sustainability challenges in Portugal, participants explore conscious capitalism, responsible leadership, and business impact. The programme encourages future leaders to integrate long-term societal value into organizational decision-making.  

Funding/Partnership: Organized with Nova SBE Executive Education for Warwick Business School students.

Team: Ricardo Zózimo, Milton de Sousa, Rui Coutinho, Rodrigo Tavares, Catarina Soares.

Transition to Retirement & Its Impact on Individual Identity 

This research project explores how retirement affects personal identity and professional transition. It examines how individuals navigate the loss of work roles, accumulated experience, and social identity associated with employment. The project aims to generate knowledge that helps organizations and society support more humane and productive retirement transitions.  

Team: Rita Cunha, Filipa Rodrigues, Manuela Faia Correia. 

Choosing a Business Model in Social Entrepreneurship 

This research project examines how social entrepreneurs design and select business models to address societal challenges. It investigates the factors that influence decisions regarding funding, governance, market-based activities, and partnerships. The project aims to enrich academic knowledge while also providing practical guidance to social entrepreneurs.  

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) e Católica Lisbon.  

Team: Carmen Lages, Filipa Lancastre.

FIA-TE 

FIA-TE addresses one of the main barriers faced by refugees and migrants in accessing housing in Portugal: the requirement for a guarantor when renting a home. The project brings together social organizations, legal experts, insurers, and other stakeholders to identify practical alternatives that facilitate access to housing. In 2024, the consortium identified and promoted an insurance-based solution that protects both tenants and landlords while supporting migrant integration. The project demonstrates how collaboration across sectors can generate innovative responses to social challenges.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed by Nova SBE Leadership for Impact in partnership with NGOD Pão a Pão, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), CRESCER, Lisbon Project, Vieira de Almeida, Fidelidade, Fernando Horta e Costa and Ageas Foundation.  

More Information: here.

Team: Miguel Pita, Teresa Franco, Joana Castro e Costa.

IFERA: Family Firms Leading for Impact 

IFERA: Family Firms Leading for Impact was an international academic conference hosted by Nova SBE in partnership with the International Family Enterprise Research Academy (IFERA) and Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics. The conference brought together academics and practitioners from around the world to explore how family businesses contribute to addressing social and environmental challenges through long-term leadership and responsible business practices. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, research dissemination, and discussion on the role of family firms in creating positive societal impact. The event took place in June 2024 and welcomed approximately 300 participants.  

Funding/Partnership: Organized in partnership with IFERA (International Family Enterprise Research Academy) and Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics.  

More Information: here.

Team: Alexandre Dias da Cunha, Miguel Pina e Cunha, Carina Autengruber, Mariana Costa, Liliana Dinis.

Inclusive Community Forum (ICF) 

The Inclusive Community Forum promotes a more inclusive society for people with disabilities by bringing together companies, educators, families, institutions, and community leaders to co-create solutions. The project focuses on employability and education through initiatives such as the Commitment to Inclusion, Journey to Inclusion, Peer2Peer, ComPIT, Empower to Employ, and Higher Education Inclusion. It supports organizations in adopting inclusive practices while increasing access to education, employment, and participation for people with disabilities. In 2024, the forum engaged a network of more than 75 committed companies and continued expanding its national inclusion initiatives.

Funding/Partnership: Founded by Rui Diniz and developed through partnerships with companies, schools, donors, families, and community organizations. 

More Information: here and on Spotify.

Team: Margarida Castro Caldas, Joana Teixeira Lopes, Frederico Oliveira Pinto, Carmo Ferreira Martins, Isabel Almeida e Brito, Maria Castro e Almeida, Silvia Lopez Herrero.

Study on Expectations and Perceptions of Third-Country Nationals 

This study explored the perceptions and expectations of Third-Country Nationals residing in the Diocese of Lisbon regarding existing integration services and support mechanisms. The project sought to identify gaps in current responses, better understand migrants’ most pressing needs, and provide recommendations for improving service effectiveness. The findings supported the alignment of integration activities with the real needs of beneficiaries and helped strengthen the broader migrant integration ecosystem. 

Funding/Partnership: Developed in collaboration with Cáritas and immigrant associations accredited in Portugal. 

Team: Rita Nascimento, Ricardo Zózimo.  

Digital Maturity Study in Cascais 

The Digital Maturity Study assessed the digital readiness and transformation challenges of social organizations within Rede Social de Cascais. Through surveys and interviews, the study identified barriers such as funding, digital skills, and technology adoption while providing recommendations for future development. The project contributes to strengthening the capacity of social organizations to successfully navigate digital transformation. 

Funding/Partnership: Conducted with social organizations from Rede Social de Cascais. 

Team: João Castro, Rita Aragão Ramos, Amélia Monteiro, Teresa Franco.

ERA Chair in Social Innovation (SOCIALinNOVA-HUB) 

The ERA Chair in Social Innovation strengthens Nova SBE’s position as a European reference in social innovation research and practice. The project combines research, education, and community engagement to address major societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It develops academic excellence, promotes experiential learning, and builds partnerships with social innovators and community stakeholders.  

Funding/Partnership: Funded through a €2.5 million European Commission Horizon 2020 grant. 

More Information: here.

Team: Anne-Laure Fayard, Rita Nascimento, Paolo Leone, Alison Holm, Yulia Vachevskikh, Cláudia Pinhal, Filipa Lancastre, Beatriz Bento.

Leadership & Well-being Observatory 

The Leadership & Well-being Observatory conducts research on leadership, organizational change, burnout, flexible work arrangements, and workplace well-being. The project generates evidence-based insights to support leaders and policymakers in navigating evolving work environments. Particular focus is placed on topics such as technostress, remote and flexible work, leadership, change management, and employee well-being. In 2024, the Observatory also launched the first edition of the Organizational Behavior Dialogues, strengthening collaboration between researchers and practitioners working on organizational behaviour and leadership challenges. 

Funding/Partnership: Supported by the Haddad Foundation.  

More Information: here.

Team: Pedro Neves, Filipa Castanheira, Inês Dias da Silva, Inês Rasteiro, Lara Pico, Teresa Aires, João Sousa, Margarida Truninger, Tomé Salgueiro.

Learning and Impact Framework on Systemic Change 

This project was developed in collaboration with Blink Impact to create a framework and practical tool for understanding and managing systemic change. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, the initiative helped organizations assess their portfolios through a systems-change lens and identify opportunities for greater impact. The project contributed to the development of methodologies that later informed the Scaling Systemic Impact Initiative. 

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Blink Impact.  

Team: Ricardo Zózimo, Daniela Afonso.

Management and Digital Transformation Training Program 

Developed through a partnership between the Municipality of Cascais, Nova SBE Leadership for Impact, and Nova SBE Executive Education, this programme supports the digital transformation of social organizations. Participants receive training, mentoring, and practical tools that help them design and implement digitalization strategies aligned with organizational goals. The programme strengthens management capabilities and supports long-term organizational resilience in the social sector. 

Funding/Partnership: Developed with the Municipality of Cascais and Nova SBE Executive Education.  

Team: João Castro, Rita Diniz, Amélia Monteiro, Teresa Franco.

Paradox & Plurality Annual Conferences  

Paradox & Plurality explores how paradoxes, tensions, and competing perspectives shape organizations and society. Through annual meetings, research collaborations, publications, and educational initiatives, the project advances knowledge on paradoxical thinking and organizational complexity. The sixths edition in 2023 focused on the relationship between paradox, the arts, and management, bringing together academics and practitioners to discuss new forms of expression, resistance, and organizational learning. 

Funding/Partnership: Supported by Fundação Amélia de Mello and developed through international academic collaborations. 

More Information: here.

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Carina Autengruber, Aníbal López, Inês Dias da Silva.

Bootcamp for Refugee Integration 

The Bootcamp for Refugee Integration brings together refugees, students, practitioners, and community stakeholders to co-create solutions that support refugee integration in Portugal. Participants identify key challenges and collaboratively design initiatives focused on education, employment, information access, mental health, and inclusion. The bootcamp promotes community-led innovation and practical responses to refugee needs.  

Funding/Partnership: Organized in partnership with IES Social Business School and the Municipality of Cascais.  

Team: Cláudia Pinhal.

Education Market Study 

The Education Market Study examines the Portuguese education sector to better understand the aspirations, needs, and future expectations of teachers, future teachers, and families. Covering different educational systems and levels, the study provides insights that support educational strategy and future programme development.  

Team: Miguel Pita, Rita Aragão, Teresa Franco.

European Forum on Paradox & Pluralism (EUFORPP) 

The European Forum on Paradox & Pluralism is a research and knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to advancing paradoxical and pluralistic perspectives in organizations and society. The forum brings together leading European business schools to generate innovative research and foster dialogue between academics, policymakers, businesses, and wider society. Through conferences, publications, communities of practice, and educational initiatives, it promotes new approaches to addressing complex organizational and societal challenges. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by the European Commission through a Twinning mechanism and developed with Nova SBE, Bayes Business School, University of Geneva, LUISS Business School and Rotterdam School of Management. 

More Information: here. 

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Aníbal López, Inês Dias da Silva.

Future of Work Initiative 

The Future of Work Initiative explores how individuals, organizations, and society can adapt to changing work environments. Through research and stakeholder engagement, it investigates future competencies, organizational tensions, and workforce trends. The initiative supports organizations in preparing for emerging workplace challenges and opportunities. 

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Grupo Ageas Portugal. 

Team: Milton de Sousa, Luciana Pires, Paula Maio Marques, Amélia Monteiro.

Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship & Innovation 

The Master’s in Impact Entrepreneurship & Innovation prepares students to launch social enterprises or drive innovation within existing organizations. Through experiential learning, entrepreneurship training, and real-world projects, the programme equips future changemakers with the skills needed to tackle societal challenges. Students develop solutions that can contribute to impact across a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals.  

Funding/Partnership: Supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation through scholarships and awards. 

More Information: here.

Team: Pedro Oliveira, Rita Nascimento, Rita Aragão.

Paradigm Shift 

Paradigm Shift is an executive education programme that helps leaders place sustainability at the centre of organizational strategy and decision-making. The programme equips participants with knowledge, tools, and networks to identify sustainability challenges and transform their organizations accordingly. It promotes sustainable leadership and encourages organizations to integrate societal impact into their business models.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed through the partnership between Nova SBE and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.  

Team: Rita Nascimento, Pedro Oliveira, Constança Santos.

Public-Private Social Partnership Investments 

This project analyses innovative financing instruments for social organizations and explores new approaches to supporting the social economy. The work examines financing mechanisms aligned with European and national public policy priorities and develops recommendations for strengthening long-term sustainability in the sector. The project contributes to improving access to funding and investment tools for social organizations. 

Funding/Partnership: Funded by Crédito Agrícola. 

Team: Filipe Alfaiate, João Sáágua, Teresa Franco.

Social Innovation & Reflective Leadership 

Social Innovation & Reflective Leadership is an executive study tour designed to strengthen entrepreneurial mindsets and reflective leadership capabilities. The programme encourages participants to become enablers of social entrepreneurship within their organizations and communities. Through practical experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of social innovation and societal impact.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Nova SBE Executive Education and delivered for students from Warwick Business School. 

Team: Ricardo Zózimo, Milton de Sousa, Catarina Soares, António Pedro de Sá Leal, Euclides Major, Lígia Gomes, Alisson Ávila.

Business Memory Initiative 

The Business Memory Initiative preserves and makes accessible the historical archive of the CUF Group, one of Portugal’s most significant industrial groups of the twentieth century. Nova SBE and Fundação Amélia de Mello organized, classified, and archived approximately four kilometres of corporate documentation over a three-year period. By opening the archive to public consultation, the initiative supports research, leadership education, and organizational learning through historical insight.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Amélia de Mello Foundation.  

More Information: here and on Youtube.​

Team: Álvaro Ferreira da Silva, Inês Dias da Silva.

Leadership Chair Annual Conference (evolved into Paradox & Plurality activities) 

The Leadership Chair organized annual conferences that brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss organizational tensions, paradoxes, and plurality. The initiative aimed to advance leadership research while connecting academic insights with real-world challenges. It also supported the publication of biographies of notable Portuguese leaders and fostered discussion on leadership in changing organizational contexts. In 2020, the conference focused on family businesses through both academic and practitioner sessions.  

Funding/Partnership: Supported by Fundação Amélia de Mello. 

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Inês Dias da Silva.

Marketing with Purpose International Colloquium 

The Marketing with Purpose International Colloquium brought together academics, practitioners, and civil society to discuss the role of marketing in addressing societal challenges. The event explored themes such as responsible consumption and production, poverty reduction, inequality, and climate action. It encouraged organizations, marketers, and consumers to reflect on how marketing can contribute to a more sustainable and purpose-driven future.  

Funding/Partnership: Organized in partnership with Fundação Amélia de Mello.  

More Information: here.

Team: Carmen Lages, Pedro Gardete, Inês Dias da Silva. 

Academy of Purpose 

The Academy of Purpose promoted purposeful careers and lives through talks, podcasts, leadership conversations, and inspirational events. The initiative encouraged participants to reflect on personal purpose, resilience, and meaningful leadership by sharing experiences from recognized speakers and changemakers. It engaged thousands of participants through Purpose Takeovers, podcast episodes, and resilience-focused discussions.  

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with Fidelidade and Randstad.  

More Information: here.

Team: Laurinda Alves, Pedro Furtado Mendonça.

Impact Lab 

The Impact Lab was created as the focal point for master’s theses focused on social impact at Nova SBE. The initiative connected students with real organizations and practical societal challenges, enabling them to apply consulting methodologies in areas such as strategy, governance, implementation, and organizational development. It provided experiential learning opportunities while generating practical solutions for social organizations.  

Funding/Partnership: Initially focused on organizations participating in the Social Leapfrog Program and later expanded to additional Leadership for Impact initiatives.  

Team: Miguel Pita, Carmen Lages, Filipa Castanheira, Marta Almeida, Susana Peralta.

Leadership & Society

Leadership & Society explored organizational tensions, plurality, and paradoxes through research, conferences, publications, and public engagement. The initiative connected academic knowledge with practical leadership challenges and promoted new perspectives on leadership and organizational development. It contributed to thought leadership through conferences, publications, and the development of biographies of influential Portuguese leaders.  

Funding/Partnership: Supported by Fundação Amélia de Mello.

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha, Inês Dias da Silva.

ENABLE 

European Network for the Advancement of Business and Landscape Education (ENABLE) is an Erasmus+ co-funded strategic partnership that develops innovative business education programmes focused on sustainable land management, landscape restoration, and ecosystem regeneration. Bringing together universities, businesses, NGOs, and public institutions, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between business and environmental management by equipping current and future leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to address land degradation and promote long-term landscape resilience. Through educational content, applied learning, and international collaboration, ENABLE contributes to the advancement of sustainable business models that support environmental restoration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), through its Leadership for Impact Knowledge Center, participates in this international network and contributes to its mission of connecting business education with landscape restoration and sustainability challenges.  

Funding/Partnership: Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and developed by a consortium of academic institutions, businesses, NGOs, and public-sector partners, including Nova SBE.

More Information: in Nova SBE and in Rotherdam School of Management.​

Team: Nova SBE Leadership for Impact Knowledge Center.

ISM-KA 

International Security Management Knowledge Alliance (ISM-KA) is an Erasmus+ co-funded international partnership that brings together universities, businesses, public authorities, and security-sector organizations to advance education and knowledge-sharing in international security management. The project focuses on developing innovative learning programmes, tools, and collaborations that strengthen leadership, innovation, and cross-sector cooperation in addressing complex security challenges. Nova School of Business and Economics participated in the alliance alongside several European academic and institutional partners.

Funding/Partnership: Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and developed through a consortium of European higher education institutions and security-sector organizations.  

More Information: in Universidade Nova de Lisboa and in Rotherdam School of Management.

Team: Nova School of Business and Economics and partner organizations of the ISM-KA consortium.

Organizational Model of the Campo Maior People's Festival 

This project aimed to document and analyze the organizational model behind the People’s Festival of Campo Maior (Festas do Povo de Campo Maior), one of Portugal’s most remarkable community-led cultural traditions. The initiative explored the hidden preparation process behind the festival, during which thousands of residents voluntarily collaborate to decorate the town’s streets with handmade paper flowers and other artistic creations. The project focused on understanding management and leadership dimensions such as the creation of a shared purpose, the leadership styles of street coordinators, the role of women in the organizing process, conflict resolution, and the long-term sustainability of the event. The knowledge generated supported the development of the Casa das Flores museum by creating both public-facing exhibition content and educational materials for the museum’s Leadership Training Center. 

Funding/Partnership: Developed in partnership with the Municipality of Campo Maior to support the creation of the Casa das Flores museum. 

Team: Miguel Pina e Cunha , Filipa Rocha Rodrigues, Pedro Sena-Dias.

Summer School: The Lisbon Experience

The Nova SBE Summer School offered students an immersive learning experience combining the academic expertise of Nova SBE faculty with the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Lisbon and Cascais. Over ten intensive days, participants attended masterclasses, workshops, and field visits focused on entrepreneurship, social innovation, and responsible leadership. Through action-based learning, they worked on real-world challenges, engaged with entrepreneurs and investors, and explored their own leadership potential. The program aimed to strengthen their understanding of entrepreneurial processes and innovative responses to social challenges while supporting informed choices about their future education and careers.

CEMS Responsible Global Leadership Challenge

The CEMS Responsible Global Leadership Challenge was a two-day experiential seminar involving students, professors, and representatives from CEMS corporate and social partners. It encouraged future leaders and managers to examine their personal values, understand how these values shape decision-making, and consider the consequences of their choices for other people and society. The program aimed to foster more responsible, self-aware, and socially conscious approaches to global leadership.

University Development and Innovation – Africa (UDI-A) in Cooperation 

Developed in partnership with the NOVA University Lisbon Rectorate, this programme strengthened the capacity of four African universities to respond to the social and economic challenges facing their regions and contribute to sustainable and inclusive local development. It brought together 32 faculty members from Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda, Universidade Katyavala Bwila in Benguela, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo and Universidade Lúrio in Nampula. Participants represented the fields of economics, social sciences, health and engineering and developed knowledge intended to be shared with students and colleagues within their institutions.