The ESADE Institute for Data-Driven Decisions (ESADEd3), Zurich Spain and ServiZurich have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen the institute’s research in the areas of data science and artificial intelligence. The partnership will also promote the development and collaboration of a network of expert managers to share challenges and success stories in implementing strategies aimed at enhancing their decision-making through the use of data analytics and mining.

Through challenges posed by Zurich Spain and ServiZurich, the partnership is also intended to enrich the knowledge and practical experience of ESADE Business & Law School students, whilst at the same time helping the companies identify and recruit new talent.

The activities to be held as a result of this agreement include, amongst others, participation in the Designing Data Products hackathon to take place in late March 2019 at ESADE, as well as Zurich’s participation in ESADE MBA and Executive Education programme classes.

For Manu Carricano, director of ESADEd3, ‘Zurich and ServiZurich are two prominent players in the world of data. We are proud to be able to partner with their teams on analytics challenges. Our agreement consolidates a quality relationship that was forged years ago and encompasses a wide range of activities. It will accelerate the evangelisation of a data-driven approach to decision-making.’

According to Jordi Calbet, COO of the Zurich Group in Spain, ‘The development of advanced analytical models is one of the main areas of innovation that Zurich has firmly embraced. In Spain, we are at the forefront of our Group, both because the European Big Data and Analytics Hub is in Barcelona and because we are already using these methodologies in our business unit.’ ServiZurich CEO Xavier Tuduri said, ‘Talent and innovation are two of the most important pillars at our centre, which employs more than 400 professionals. This agreement offers us a major opportunity in the field of data-driven decision-making, where there is a growing demand for experts.’

Inaugurated in May 2018, ESADEd3 aims to become a global leader in enabling data analytics and mining to allow buyers and sellers in any market to develop and enhance their decision-making. ESADEd3 further aims to help organisations in the complex process of their transformation and in leveraging data, equipping them with advanced skills, new ideas, tools, methodologies and training.