Esade and the University of California, Berkeley have signed an academic agreement to expand their research cooperation and develop both focused and comprehensive joint programs. The aim is to foster and enhance synergies between the two institutions that provide faculty, researchers, and students with unique opportunities for immersion in two of the most dynamic ecosystems in terms of innovation and creativity: Silicon Valley and Barcelona.

“Cooperating with world-renowned universities is not only aligned with Esade’s vision but also indispensable in today’s dynamic landscape of constant innovation,” said Esade dean Joan Rodon. “These types of agreements are an opportunity to promote and strengthen academic excellence and to cultivate the ability to apply knowledge in real-life transformative scenarios.” 

”Berkeley Haas and the Institute for Business Innovation are strongly committed to building global partnerships that provide new research collaboration opportunities for our faculty and learning engagement for our students,” said the Institute for Business Innovation’s executive director, Chris Bush. “Creating a new innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem that draws on the strengths of both universities is an opportunity for us to expand our impact.”

The agreement signed by Esade and UC Berkeley through its Institute for Business Innovation (IBI), part of the Haas School of Business, defines several possible avenues for cooperation, including joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, the exchange of scholarly publications, or the preparation of workshops and talks. Direct access to innovation leaders and the transfer of their capacity for change are the cornerstones of the alliance. 

Esade’s academic alliances in North America

The agreement is part of Esade’s strategic commitment to internationalization and reinforces its ties with North America. The institution has signed 62 agreements with universities and academic institutions in the region, including strategic alliances with partners such as the McDonough School of Business (Georgetown University, U.S.A.), the McIntire School of Commerce (University of Virginia, U.S.A.), and Smith School of Business (Queen’s University, Canada). Additionally, nearly 600 North American students are enrolled at Esade in the 2023/2024 academic year, including 284 from the United States.