Institutions celebrate deeper ties, focus on regional economic development
UBC Deputy-Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard and Dean of the Faculty of Management Roger Sugden visited the newly opened facility at KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux, France, signing an agreement for increased partnerships with the distinguished institution.
International Development Director at KEDGE, Professor Jacques-Olivier Pesme, who has consulted widely with UBC and the Okanagan wine community, is pleased the memorandum of agreement continues the process of building closer ties between UBC and KEDGE.
“While Bordeaux in many ways is an old established name in wine, the KEDGE Business School is a vibrant, young, and energetic partner for UBC,” said Pesme. “We are extremely pleased to start work on new projects. We see lots of interest in regional economic development, of course the wine industry, as well as other areas, and hope to see many students and faculty members share in this new partnership.”
Buszard had the opportunity to visit the KEDGE campus for a second time and pointed out many changes she noticed since a previous visit. Student interviews are underway at KEDGE and she is impressed with interactions, activities and initiatives led by second-year scholars.
“It is terrific to get new ideas and to share experiences with international partners,” said Buszard. “We see many possibilities in working with KEDGE. Innovation, entrepreneurship and international programs are key elements to education at KEDGE. We see great opportunities to integrate new programs, the innovation agenda and supporting the Okanagan wine industry, where we think KEDGE has great insight to offer and programs to share.”
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