INSEAD, the leading international business school, announced the Lebanese Alumni Association hosted an event in Beirut, Lebanon at the Biel conference centre, in downtown Beirut. Through a series of thought-provoking sessions, leaders from business, government and academia discussed strategies for driving innovation in the Middle East, as well as how Lebanon navigated the economic crisis.
The event commenced with morning registration and an opening dialogue. A series of sessions followed which were led by experts from INSEAD and the region:
Soumitra Dutta, The Roland Berger Chaired Professor of Business and Technology and Director of eLab at INSEAD'Innovation in the Middle East'
Spyros Makridakis, Emeritus Professor of Decision Sciences at INSEAD'Dance with Chance'
Mr. Riad Salamé, Governor of Lebanon's Central Bank'Lebanon through the Global Economic Crisis'
Georges Hatem, Chairman and CEO, CDS 'Lebanon: A Case Study for the World'
INSEAD's Professor Dutta examined how the definition of innovation has changed in recent years and become more widespread to emerging markets such as the Middle East. He looked at specific strategies for enhancing innovation and competitiveness in the region.
Following the Innovation session, INSEAD professor Spyros Makridakis explored the paradox of control and how this influences the future.
Mr. Salamé then provided an overview of how Lebanon navigated through the world economic crisis, highlighting the role that the Central Bank of Lebanon played in minimizing the impact of this crisis on the country.
Lastly, Georges Hatem analyzed various components of the Lebanese entity, and assessed the performance of Lebanon, at home and abroad. "We were delighted to have this opportunity to host international INSEAD speakers who updated us on the latest developments and trends faced by the business world and who challenged our thinking. The local speakers also added depth to the event; the audience was provided with a clear insight of where Lebanon stands in today's dynamic world". Hatem further added: "The outcome of the event was a refreshing perspective on the exciting changes being observed worldwide and at home."
A gala dinner was hosted by INSEAD's Lebanese alumni association the same evening which included international attractions and was attended by more than 400 professionals from the business community.
