Transatlantic educational excellence

Last Friday, the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin) and Wichita State University (WSU) in the USA celebrated the 20th anniversary of their successful partnership.

The special event highlighted the longstanding collaboration, student exchanges at the undergraduate level, and the close cooperation between the Berlin Professional School (BPS) of HWR Berlin and the Barton School of Business at WSU.

The celebration focused on the successful collaborative project "MBA Strategic Consulting Project," integrated into the Berlin Part-Time MBA programme, between the Berlin Professional School and the Barton School of Business. For two decades, students from both universities have been working during this project on innovative market entry strategies for German and American companies, each aiming to expand into the foreign market. More than 90 companies have already benefited from the results of this transatlantic collaboration, underscoring the relevance and success of this cooperative project.

In his speech, Prof Dr Andreas Zaby, President of HWR Berlin, emphasized how impressed he is by this vibrant and long-standing partnership. He particularly thanked Prof Dr Sven Ripsas (Head of MBA Strategic Consulting Project, HWR Berlin) and Dorothy Harpool (Executive Director of Engagement and Prominence, Senior Marketing Lecturer, WSU), the initiators of the project, for their contribution to this great success.

Subsequently, Prof Dr Ripsas and Dorothy Harpool reflected on the two decades. Both highlighted the added value that the project has created for both students and the involved companies, as well as the valuable intercultural experiences gathered over time.

Those who contributed to the project's success over the years were also honoured during the celebrations for their outstanding achievements. Special thanks were extended to Prof Dr Michael Tolksdorf, the former First Vice-President for HWR Berlin, who established the partnership with WSU.

The panel discussion on "Preparing the Market Entry to the USA and Germany - Experiences, Opportunities, Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Companies" facilitated a deeper discussion on the challenges and opportunities companies face when entering the markets of the USA and Germany, bringing together former project participants.

On the panel, Sonja Jost (Vice President, IHK Berlin), Ulrich Misgeld (CEO, Motzener Straße Business Network e. V.), Karen Claire Ulmer (Business Development Manager, Xylem, and alumna), and Dorothy Harpool lively discussed the significance of multinational teams and the potential of collaboration between start-ups/ SMEs and universities.

The event also provided former and current participants from both universities the opportunity to share valuable memories and experiences over a glass of wine.
We look forward to the continuation of this successful university partnership and the upcoming transatlantic success stories that will emerge from this inspiring environment.