ESTIEM Magazine I Autumn 2016 I Disruptive Technologies

51st Issue

TU/e DRONE CAFE PAGE 12

THE INTERNET OF MOVING THINGS PAGE 14

CREATIVITY IN PROJECTS PAGE 20

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management Issue 51 2016/2 | ISSN 0874-5242 | Price 0 Euro | www.estiem.org

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ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

38

8

57

INTRODUCTION

INSIDE ESTIEM

3

Project Leader’s Speech

36

Board Handover

4

President’s Speech

40

How Does ESTIEM Effect Its Members’ Skills

6

Introducing ESTIEM

42

The Impact of Multicultural Learning In

Professional and Personal Development

43

Local Group Minsk

44

ESTIEM Career Event

FOCUS TOPIC 10

In a 3D printing World

46 BetaGlyph.com

12

TU/e Drone Cafe

48

Opportunities as the ESTIEM Ambassador

14

The Internet of Moving Things

50

Each Summer Academy has a different story—

16

Interview with Uber

what about the last three in Helsinki?

18

Autonomous Driving

52

ASEM-ESTIEM Partnership

54

P/C/I Updates

57

Outcomes in Europe3D Events

SCENE

20

Designing Creativity-Based Innovations

22

A Short Introduction of ResQ Club

24

The Role of Hydrogen in Sustainable Energy

EXPLORE EUROPE 60 Peru

Systems

62

ESTIEMers with Special Hobbies: Beekeeping

26

64

How I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone?

IEM Students in Healthcare

CAREER 28

Career Planning

30

Working Abroad

31

Fiding Purpose in Work

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

3

INTRODUCTION Imprint

Project Leader’s Speech

Project Leader Melis Dönmez

Dear reader,

Design

People are able to see the impact of technology on our

Veronika Losonczy

daily lives and the change it brings, but are we aware

Ilze Šlukuma

of that which is awaiting us in the future? Every day,

Mariana Branco

new gadgets and tools come into our lives, some of which are so radical that they completely replace their

Editorial Staff

predecessors. Floppy disks, which provided a crucial

Dominik Rampp

digital storage solution so that personal computers

Claudio Codispoti

could become a success, were replaced by flash drives,

Sinem Yalnız

which were seen as THE revolution of digital storage,

Sebastian Hummel

yet are currently being replaced by the cloud.

Mark van Uden Smaranda Sgarciu

The Focus Topic of this issue was inspired by the recent changes in technology and the changes that

Proofreaders

the development of technology brings to our lives.

Sebastian Hummel

Disruptive technologies are the new ways of doing

Olaf Klooster

things that overturn the traditional business methods

pages of this issue, you will read about the the latest

Evdoxia Pantazi

and practices, such as e-mail in the age of post office

partnership we established with the American Society

Enrique Biosca

mail.

for Engineering Management (ASEM), an outcome of a collaboration with ESTIEM Alumni: ESTIEM Career

Mark van Uden Mert Elitok

In this issue, regarding the Focus Topic, you will have

Event, effects of ESTIEM on its members’ skills, and

Lea Lemberg

a chance to read more about the internet of moving

much more.

Alex Perez Diaz

things; as well as about how drones will have an impact

Fabian Schmidt

on our lives in the near future and a small implementation

Last but not least, you will have a chance to discover

Alexandru Florescu

of drones at Eindhoven University of Technology. You

Asia and Peru from the eyes of experienced members,

Ege Birol

will be informed about the developments in the 3D

and read curious things about beekeeping.

Anastasiia Plishkanovska

Printing industry and find out how close we are to

Pekka Huhtala

create autonomous cars. In addition, you will have a

The mixture of Academic and leisure-oriented articles

Dimitris Tsekos

chance to read about a disruptive company: Uber.

was prepared to inspire and to inform all of our readers about the current happenings in the IEM field and within

Marios Kiriakidis

Furthermore, inside the Scene section you can read

ESTIEM.

Advertisement Acquisition

about current trends in Industrial Engineering and

The ESTIEM Magazine team is proud to present to you

Mafalda Monteiro

Management (IEM), such as creativity in projects, IEM

the 51st issue of the ESTIEM Magazine. Enjoy reading!

Olaf Klooster

students in healthcare and the role of hydrogen in a

Sander Kroep

sustainable energy system.

In high ESTIEM,

With special thanks to

If you take a look inside the Career section you will be

Pedro Schuller and Mafalda

able to read about experiences of an entrepreneur and

Monteiro

find some tips and tricks on working abroad and career planning given by alumni.

Contact leader.magazine@estiem.org

Apart from those, you will also get insights on the last

Melis Dönmez

achievements and developments of ESTIEM. In the

ESTIEM Magazine Project Leader 2016/2017

ESTIEM Permanent Office Paviljoen B-6 P.O.Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven,T he Netherlands

Disclaimer

Fax: 0031-(0)40 2473871

The contents may not always reflect the opinion of the publisher. Any reproduction or copy is permitted only with

info@estiem.org I www.estiem.org

the permission of the editors.

4

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

President’s Speech

INTRODUCTION

Dear reader, The focus topic of this, the ESTIEM Magazines’ 51st issue, is disruptive technologies. Disruptive technologies, upon release, impact the entirety of our society and change the way we see the world. They can do that by transforming business, global economy or life itself. This issue of the magazine will delve deeper into this topic and explore how these particular technologies shape the industry and approaches to it.

ESTIEM and the ESTIEM Magazine have been around for a long time now, both of which have been greatly impacted by the emergence of different disruptive technologies. Both have had to be flexible and adapt to the changing environment around themselves.

Even right now the world is changing in a manner that neither can stay the same and flourish. The only thing

opportunities available for one. Therefore I invite all of

left to do is staying on our toes and taking action once

the ESTIEMers to take a proactive role in improving the

the time has come to unlock the potentials which the

network, because this is how you improve yourself and

said technologies bring to us. Being active in ESTIEM

your surroundings.

is the perfect way for a student to get a first hand experience in learning about how to deal with changing

With all this said, I invite You to keep reading this issue

circumstances and therefore have an upper hand when

of the ESTIEM Magazine and discover the content it

entering their professional life.

holds,

ESTIEM started in a time when the most common communication between the Local Groups was sending

In high ESTIEM,

a physical mail, which could take weeks to arrive at the destination, making even the smallest collaborations between Local Groups very challenging. It would be out of the question to have a large multi-national team working on a single project together successfully. Yet just a handful of years later, it is the everyday life for

Taavi Valgerist

an active ESTIEMer, greatly widening the spectre of

ESTIEM President 2016/2017

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

5

INTRODUCTION

All over Europe...

Back in 1990, students from five different countries founded an organisation, which they named ESTIEM: European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management.

After 24 years, it has grown into an organisation

The decision-making body of ESTIEM is the Council,

bringing together over 60 000 students from 79

which meets twice a year, in autumn and in spring.

universities in 31 European countries, and it is still

Each university, represented by its so-called “Local

growing. All these universities offer courses in IEM.

Group”, sends two student representatives. The six

Based on this structure, ESTIEM forms links between

members of the Board of ESTIEM are elected during

students, academia and companies in order to create

the spring Council Meeting. The Board is responsible

an Europe-wide, multi-level IEM network. ESTIEM has

for the management, coordination and administration

continuously increased the number of its activities,

of the association.

thus being able to offer a great variety of events to IEM students and an opportunity to experience

Besides taking leadership positions in the Board and

different cultures, take part in international projects

as Project or Committee Leaders, ESTIEM members

and become friends with other ESTIEMers from all

can also take up responsibilities by working in one of

over Europe.

the Projects, Committees or Initiatives. With lots of teams and tasks to choose from, there is a place for

Naturally, the backbone of ESTIEM is the European

everyone.

IEM student. The students involved in ESTIEM incorporate both the skills required for modern

For more detailed information about our organisation

business and an open-minded approach towards

and its activities, please visit our website at www.

other people and cultural issues.

estiem.org. ■

80

6 6

180+

3.000

Local Groups in 31

events are organised

travels are made

members and a reach

countries make ESTIEM

by Local Groups every

yearly by 2.000

of 60.000 towards IEM

a large network

year.

students.

students in Europe.

ESTIEM Magazine | 45th issue - Internet of Things ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

8.000

... Students involve themselves in various international Projects....

INTRODUCTION

ESTIEM is also a playground for great ideas developed by highly motivated students. If a student manages to convince ESTIEM’s Council of his idea, he can start his own international project. Currently, there are 10 projects running.

The

and

debate and private study under a senior Academic

Engineering Skills (TIMES) is the largest pan-

Tournament

In

Management

Leader. By talking, sharing thoughts and ideas and

European case study competition for the students

mixing with students from all over the world all

of Industrial Engineering and Management. This

participants gained new ideas and perspectives, not

prestigious, highly acclaimed event is the flagship

just on their profession but also on other cultures.

project of ESTIEM. It has successfully been organised since 1994 and attracts around 1000 top European

The ESTIEM Student Guide is ESTIEM’s guiding

students every year. After Local Qualifications in 75

service provided to any student who is interested in

different universities and 8 Semi-Finals in selected

studying Industrial Engineering and Management in

cities, the winning team of the Final is awarded the

Europe or in travelling to any of the ESTIEM Local

title of Europe’s “IEM Students of the Year”.

Groups: an online database filled in by students, sharing academic and practical information on

The Vision Seminar Series aim to improve the

universities, cities and countries.

personal skills and capabilities of the Industrial Engineering and Management Students in Europe.

The official publication of ESTIEM provides the perfect

The seminars contain a balanced mixture of academic

platform to reach a target group of approximately

lectures, workshops and company visits which are

60 000 students of Industrial Engineering and

combined with cultural and free-time activities of

Management at universities all over Europe. The

the organising city. Through those activities the

ESTIEM Magazine is published twice a year and

participants of a Vision seminar develop themselves

distributed among IEM students, graduates and also

both personally and professionally.

professors and companies across Europe, through the ESTIEM network.

The goal of Academic Days is to share ESTIEM universities’ knowledge with the network. It supports

businessbooster aims at creating an environment

the personal and professional development of

where all needed information, experience and support

students across Europe willing to complete their

to excel in your future professional endeavours can

curriculum. In order to achieve this, each event

be found. The goal of this unique environment is to

provides participants deep insights into a specific topic

boost entrepreneurial spirit and engage ESTIEMers,

in which the organising Local Group’s university has a

Alumni and companies to collaborate with each other.

high expertise.

BrainTrainer is designed to develop leadership, Europe3D is a seminar series where participants

presentation, business and social skills of participants

get a deeper insight of the hosting country in three

through professional trainings lasting one or two

unique dimensions: politics, culture and economy.

days. Its aim is to coach and develop the participants

An environment with a blend of different cultures

to become more professional and successful in their

helps the participants get a better understanding of

organisation as well as in their own future career.

the basic local parameters existing in the European states. Lectures given by experts from these 3 fields,

The ESTIEM Language Programme aims to

combined with trainings about intercultural awareness,

raise awareness of the importance of multilingual

provide participants a theoretical insight.

communication between IEM students and to encourage language learning within the ESTIEM

The ESTIEM Summer Academy was set up to

framework. Through various language activities and

bring international students together during summer

intensive language courses it focuses on achieving and

holidays to engage in open discussion, group work,

following its vision – to foster understanding. ■

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

7

INTRODUCTION

... and Europe-wide Committee Work The committees support the Board in maintaining and developing the organisation ESTIEM further. Students from all over Europe engage themselves in various topics in one of our 9 committees.

The

Corporate

coordinates

the

Relations relations

Committee

between

The Knowledge Management Committee does

ESTIEM,

two things. First, updating & creating Best Practice

companies and universities jointly with the Board. The

Documents (BPDs) by documenting the collective

Committee’s work covers a number of fields with the

experiences of ESTIEMers throughout time - from

aim of improving and simplifying ESTIEM’s relations

organising a Project to how to be a Leader. These BPDs

with companies and universities, such as updating

are available online on the ESTIEM Portal. Second,

co-operation proposals, creating and gathering

managing the quality of ESTIEM events by collecting

results for different surveys or training people on

feedback from the event participants in order to make

how to approach companies and universities. The

Event specific and Project Specific Reports, showing

Corporate Relations Committee also plays an active

the development of ESTIEM’s Projects and events.

role in supervising and supporting Projects and other Committees with regards to sponsors and academic

The Members Committee supports the members

supporters.

of ESTIEM and supports students interested in joining ESTIEM by forming their own Local Group

The Financial and Legal Committee’s role is

(LG). It guides them through the whole process,

to ensure ESTIEM’s compliance with all laws and

starting from establishing contact, via the Guest and

regulations. It supports the Board, other Committees,

Observer period, all the way until their fully pledged

Projects and Local Groups in all financial and legal

membership. It takes care of the LG Requirements,

matters. On one hand, it consists of experienced

helps all LGs via the Regional Coordinators, and

ESTIEMers and ESTIEM Alumni, who are motivated

supports LGs and central ESTIEM in motivation and

to provide advice whenever requested. On the other

recruitment issues. It fosters connections between

hand, active Committee members work on creating

LGs, tries to figure out what they need locally and

and updating Best Practice Documents, trainings,

cooperates e.g. with the Trainers on Tour concept

templates, etc. for all related topics, giving advice

to fulfil the needs for training topics such as HR, PR,

on event budgets and proactively giving legal advice.

recruitment and fundraising.

Since many people are unexperienced with finances and regulations, the Financial and Legal Committee

The aim of the Public Relations Committee

aims at helping them to deal with them correctly.

is to take care of ESTIEM’s outer appearance. The Committee is responsible for communicating the

The Grants

Committee supports ESTIEM’s

brand of ESTIEM and increasing the awareness both

applications for EU Grants and aims to establish and

inside and outside of ESTIEM. The PR Committee

develop knowledge on public funding opportunities

works with several different tools to achieve this,

and their application procedures. It also wants to

for instance designing PR material, creating design

share the existing knowledge with as many ESTIEMers

templates and guidelines, as well as working on press

as possible and to support more and more Local

and social media visibility.

Groups in applying for an EU Grant for their events.

Personal development is a part of ESTIEM’s vision, as The

8

Information

Technology

Committee

are ESTIEM trainers a part of our network.

maintains the e-mail, intranet and web servers of

By passing on knowledge, skills and attitude in their

ESTIEM and coordinates all IT-related development in

sessions, ESTIEM trainers support ESTIEMers on their

the organisation such as the IT back-end system (.NET

path in ESTIEM and in life.

framework & C#). To complement the knowledge

The Trainers Committee provides our trainers

of ESTIEMers about ICT and IT systems, it provides

and enthusiasts all the support needed for them to

trainings in an open learning environment. In addition,

suitably give their trainings, additionally guiding them

ITC offers troubleshooting services and technical

to greater advances themselves with feedback and

advice to all ESTIEMers.

personal support as well. ■

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Our Mission

INTRODUCTION

ESTIEM’s Mission is to foster relations and mutual understanding among European Industrial Engineering and Management Students while supporting them in their personal and professional development.

Our Vision Developing the future leaders of society.

We believe that it is our responsibility as young European IEM students to challenge the status quo and interact with one-another in order to grow and develop into future leaders that share the same European Values and tackle society’s problems.

Our 4 Core Values

Embracing diversity

Striving for development

We see multiculturalism as a strength of ESTIEM.

We grow together by trying hard and learning from

We benefit from our cultural diversity by being able

mistakes, we are eager to go through a learning

to approach chances and challenges with different

process and see accessibility and freedom as highest

insights. Respect is not just something we strive for,

goals. ESTIEMers gain practical experience and

but part of the very basis of our network

important soft-skills needed in today’s world.

Encouraging participation

Aiming high

ESTIEM being a democratic organisation with a

We are not afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone.

flat hierarchy encourages the participation of all

ESTIEM’s members are proactive students that always

its members. We inspire each other to partake in

give 100%. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit

ESTIEM’s activities and develop new ideas.

among students and other stakeholders by gathering and exchanging experiences and best practices.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

9

In a 3D Printing World

FOCUS TOPIC

In the last 30 years, 3D printing has developed from being used primarily for prototyping to printing everything from jewellery to airplane parts.

3D printing will not only change the way we manufacture goods, but also change many industries as a whole new world is opening and it is waiting for you.

Louise Berglund

Local Group Stockholm

Summer Intern at Shapeways

In 1913 a moving assembly line was developed for the

3D modeling softwares, a 3D printer reads data from

Ford Model T, this would lay the foundation for an

a file and then lays down successive layers of materials

industrial change. The moving assembly line made it

to create a 3D object. There are various 3D printing

possible to assemble a car in 93 minutes instead of 12.5

techniques that can be utilised and consequently

hours, this would be the beginning of mass production.

various materials that products can be made of, from

However, in the early 1980’s a new technology was

plastics to metals to ceramics.

introduced that today is expected to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, within the industry it is referred

One of the 3D printing techniques is Selective Laser

to as additive manufacturing but most know it as 3D

Sintering (SLS). The SLS technique utilises a laser sinter

printing.

powdered material, such as different kinds of plastics.

A laser is aimed at points defined by a 3D model and

The technology started off as a tool for making

sinters (or melts) the material together and a solid

prototypes before taking the product to a factory for

structure is created. The laser scans a cross-section,

production. During the previous decades, 3D printing

which is generated from the 3D software file, on the

has evolved and is now being used to create end-use

surface of a powder bed, after a section is complete, the

products across multiple industries, from jewellery to

bed is lowered and a new layer of material is applied.

education to aerospace with ambitions to one day print

This process is repeated until the object is completed.

a functional wing for an airplane.

Once the object is completed it will need to be postprocessed, which includes cleaning the product from

About Shapeways

the powder and possibly polish and dye the model.

Shapeways combines serious technical chops with an inspiring vision of what the world could be. The mission of Shapeways is to make additive manufacturing accessible to

A new manufacturing era

everyone. Our factories house industrial-sized 3D printers that can print hundreds

3D

(sometimes thousands) of products at once, in the most efficient and cost-effective

manufacturers and customers. One of the major

manner. Additionally, we offer support for anyone interested in using the technology,

benefits is that manufacturers are able to move away

from large companies to small businesses to independent designers.

from the uniform mass producing and holding inventory

printing

offers

various

benefits

both

for

to produce high quality and customised products on demand. Consequently, customers are able to order The term additive manufacturing describes the

products fitted to their needs and desires with high

technologies that build a product by adding layer-upon-

quality.

layer of material to create a finished 3D object. Using

10

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Other benefits include:

Jonathan Gerhard – James Madison University,

More flexibility for the manufacturer, as you can 3D

Harrisonburg

print service components on demand, and consequently

Jonathan is transforming complex mathematical knot

costly inventory and space is no longer relevant.

studies from theoretical 2D problems into tangible

Lower entry costs enable new players to enter markets

objects mathematicians can hold in their hands.

FOCUS TOPIC

that previously were expensive due to barrier costs such as investing in a factory.

Tom

Rapid manufacturing makes it possible for entrepreneurs

Manchester, UK

to get their products quickly as it can be brought to the

Tom is creating scientifically accurate reconstructions

market in days instead of months.

of fossil humans for use in research and academics and

O’Mahoney

-

University

of

Manchester,

he is sharing his research via open source.

Design meets engineering The 3D Printing ecosystem is very different from

One of the recipients during the spring of 2015 was

the traditional manufacturing industry. Consumers

Andrea van Hintum, a fashion student from the

become the engineers of their own products, as mass

Savannah College of Art and Design. For her senior

manufacturing does not deliver on their desire for

thesis project, Hintum incorporated hand sewn

personalised items. One of the required skills to work

garments paired with her own 3D printed accessories.

at Shapeways is understanding that desire. Passion is at

For her designs, Hintum used inspiration from electrical

the center of employees, both for creating models and

and mechanical engineering. Structure, shapes, and

working with the technology itself.

materials for designs were reflected from a variety of mechanical and electrical machinery.

Working with 3D printing does require a certain level of technical understanding. No matter what design

The process of bringing a garment to life is long and

background one has, anyone can use 3D printing to

includes several steps. From the initial drawing to

bring new life to products they daily interact with.

scanning a dress, and then working in various softwares

‘Dita’ 3D Printed Gown

The world is filled with makers who solve problems

to get the right shapes and structures. Along the way,

Designed by Michael Schmidt

by creating unique items they could not find in regular

Hintum printed smaller prototypes to ensure that the

and Francis Bitonti,

stores. Unlike the traditional manufacturing line where

quality and thickness were correct standards.

Printing allows you to follow a product the whole way

Andrea van Hintum is just one of many students who

until it is finished. This means the effort you put into

used 3D printing to complete a project within fashion,

a product will define the final result the customer will

and 3D printing is expected to change the fashion

receive.

industry. With new materials being available more and

“

3D Printed by Shapeways.

Photo courtesy of Shapeways.

you are only one part of a large assembly process, 3D

Kinematic Petals Dress: Kinema

It is an environment where engineering meets design and the people in it are not afraid to learn from both sides. With a creative and open mind, anyone can be successful.

Shapeways Education Grant Programme

more designers are slowly beginning to use 3D printing

The team at Shapeways is excited to support the next

for collections. This is just one example of what 3D

generation of 3D printing innovation through the

printing can do to change industries and gives us a small

Education Grant Program. Twice a year Shapeways

preview of what to expect in the future. ■

awards printing credit, up to 1000 dollars in value, to select student projects that expand, enhance and push the boundaries of 3D printing. Through the years some very interesting projects have been supported and perhaps their stories will inspire you to come up with the next big idea!

Some of the spring 2016 recipients were: Shawn M. V. Jones - Northeastern University, Boston Shawn will be prototyping a SCUBA flipper for amputees that can also function as a prosthetic device on land.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

11

TU/e Drone Café

FOCUS TOPIC

Drones are becoming a hotter topic every day, we see them delivering pizzas or packages, maybe taking photos of your holidays or rescuing people as an ambulance drone.

But it all started with drones that were used for

help of drones, farmers are now able to detect diseases

military purposes. These drones are called unmanned

or droughts of their crops over hundreds of hectares

aerial vehicles (UAVs), and they can be even bigger

a lot faster and more easily. Drones give farmers more

than you. UAVs are small aircrafts that can fly using

accurate data of their crops than they are able to

a remote control or can fly autonomously (with on-

collect on their own.

Rebecca van der Ven

Bluejay Team Member

Eindhoven University of Technology

board computers). Because of the origin of the drone, drones got a frightening image, but thankfully there

The increase of interest in drones did not remain

were people who thought differently about drones.

unnoticed by the Eindhoven University of Technology.

They thought of drones that can be fun or smart.

A couple of students started thinking about how drones

There is a lot of innovation surrounding drones going

can be made more useful for humans. Eventually, this

on. To inspire people, there is even a ‘drones for good’

led to setting up a student team that started developing

award in Dubai where you can send in a video of your

a drone for use within the home environment. The

innovative idea for a drone. In case the jury believes

student team ‘Blue Jay’ officially started in September

your idea is the best, you can win one million dollars to

2015 and believes that drones are not only there

realise your dream.

for fun, but they can really help us inside the house, where the people are. The team consist of twenty

But why are there so many people thinking about ways

bright minds coming from different backgrounds that

to make drones more useful or fun? One of the biggest

all have a big interest in innovation and drones. To

advantages of drones is the fact that they can reach

realise the world’s first domestic drone, we thought of

places that are not easy to reach for humans, because

four basic principles that are core for this evolution. A

these places might be on a certain height or dangerous

drone within the home environment needs to be safe,

in another way. When adding certain devices to the

autonomous, helpful, and social.

drone, it is able to complete actions that are difficult

12

for humans. Think about inspecting the inside of a

Safe

silo, for humans this is not that easy and could even

You do not want a drone to bump into you by accident

be dangerous. It is not possible for a drone right now,

while walking upstairs, therefore, we made sure that

but with the right technology, a drone could easily take

the drone is safe by giving it a strong body. This way

over this kind of job. This is just one example, but

it is not possible to touch the propellers. Moreover,

there are more industries in which we can benefit from

sensors are used to detect whether there is an object

drones. Agriculture is one of these industries. With the

or person close by to fly in another direction if needed.

ESTIEM Magazine ||51 45stthissue issue--Distruptive Internet of Technologies Things

FOCUS TOPIC

Helpful

right location. Not only to show the potential of the

Not only did we want to eliminate the frightening

Blue Jay drone, but also to receive feedback and ask

image, the drone also needed to get a bigger purpose.

the end user for input, Blue Jay opened a drone café.

By adding a gripper to the drone, it becomes helpful.

On the 22nd of April, Blue Jay Eindhoven opened the

The gripper can be seen as a sort of hand that allows

world’s first drone café at the campus of the TU/e. It

the drone to pick up objects and bring them to you.

was the main attraction of the Dream & Dare festival of the TU/e that celebrated its 60th birthday. What is

Autonomous

a better way to trigger the end user to think about the

Did you know that flying with drones is hard? So what if

opportunities of domestic drones than to be served by

I told you that we are making our drones autonomous,

a drone? During this three-day festival visitors had the

which is not so easy either. We believe that this way

chance to interact with a drone by ordering drinks from

drones can be even more helpful. Eventually we want

it. A couple of minutes later the drone came back with

the drone to be voice-activated and respond to your

your drink, which was then poured into a glass by one

demands to help with your domestic tasks.

of our waitresses. This was a way of showing that the drones are not there to replace us, but to help us.

Social By making a drone autonomous and intelligent, you might give it a certain character to your own taste.

What about a drone that is teasing you, or one that is always trying to make you laugh? We believe that it is important for a drone to interact with you, that the drone knows what you want and how it can help you.

Moreover, we want the drone to react to the different needs of family, young and old. This way we can reach its full potential.

Besides serving drinks with drones, we also asked our Giving the drone these four basic characteristics

guests to tell us what they thought would be a nice

enables you to train the drone and teach it how to

implementation of the drone. More than 400 ideas were

think. With your knowledge we can even create a

shared in the experience hall of the drone café. This all

bigger purpose for the Blue Jay drone. A fun fact; the

gave Blue Jay the push to continue the development of

name Blue Jay is originated from the Blue Jay bird. This

the domestic drone. Therefore, next September a new

bird is a very intelligent and can mimic the behaviour

student team will start with the development of a new

of human speech, crows or order birds. Moreover,

improved Blue Jay drone. What the finish line will look

they are very protective of their nests. In our eyes the

like is still unknown, maybe drinks will be served again

characteristics of the Blue Jay bird match the features

by a drone in a drone café. Either way, we’re not done

of the Blue Jay drone.

yet, the best is yet to come! ■

As you might have noticed, robots, and therefore drones, are starting to show up. In a couple of years, there might be a Blue Jay drone greeting you at the entrance of a hospital or airport to guide you to the ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

13

The Internet of Moving Things

FOCUS TOPIC

Interview with the Founder and CEO of Veniam, Inc.

João Barros

Founder & CEO of Veniam

What can you tell me about the story of

Chase and Roy Russell, founder and CTO of Zipcar,

Veniam? Where did the idea come from?

respectively—and Susana Sargento, my colleague from

Veniam is a typical university spin-off. It is the product

university, which rendered a very complementary team.

of a huge R&D effort, counting hundreds of Master-

Robin and Roy come from the transportation sector,

and PhD students and postdocs exploring, essentially,

Susana and I come from the wireless communications

the

and

area. Transportation is going through a huge disruption

transportation. We look at vehicles, not just machines,

right now, and we had the right set of people at the

but also people, not as something that goes from some

right time.

intersection

between

communication

point to another, but as active elements of the internet, In which place do you see Veniam in the

it was a technology looking for a market; today, what

Internet of Moving Things ecosystem?

we do is turn vehicles into Wi-Fi hotspots, and connect

The disruption I mentioned before is mainly due to the

them to each other and to the internet. This allows us

fact that mobility is changing from the product concept

to offer a wide range of services, such as fully managed

to the service concept, something you receive on

mobile Wi-Fi hotspots—to extend wireless coverage,

demand where you need it, when you need it. Whereas

the ability to take a lot more data from the vehicles to

today, 25% of vehicles are fleet vehicles, soon, this

the cloud, for fleet management and, last but not least,

number will be much higher, and autonomous guidance

to use the vehicles as mobile sensors, gathering urban

systems will even replace drivers. This type of service

data for a wide range of smart city applications.

requires a different kind of communication and data

What about the more human part of Veniam’s

infrastructure, precisely because all the nodes are

upbringing? Which hardships did your team go

moving, and it won’t only be vehicles—drones, robots,

through?

all kinds of mobile assets might be involved, being

As a professor, I was always intrigued by how we could

connected and sharing information, which need control

expand wireless coverage to as many people and gather

in real-time with very low latency. We already see this

as much data as possible, but what we didn’t realise is

happening in another area in which Veniam is also active,

that it’s actually a lot more about finding the right value

which is industrial spaces, such as ports and container

propositions for the different partners in the ecosystem

terminals; cities are becoming more and more like that

than just the technology per se. The tech is hard, but it’s

as well. It is a huge opportunity, because I believe we

even harder to find the right motivation—for a fleet to

will be able to provide the same level of mobility with

place onboard units, for telecom operators to connect

much fewer vehicles, which frees up public space.

to those fleets, and then make sure that the whole

This is exactly Veniam’s place, as a key enabler of such

ecosystem comes together to provide this disruptive

progress, solving the problem of gathering, sharing and

type of infrastructure for an entire city. That’s the key

using massive amounts of data

Pedro Schuller

ESTIEM Vice President of Finance

Local Group Porto

where smart city infrastructures are included. Initially

aspect that Veniam has been able to solve, besides the

14

actual deployment and management of these large

What do you consider to be the organisational

fleets of interconnected vehicles. Today, in Porto, more

culture of Veniam? What competences are you

than 400,000 people have free Wi-Fi on buses thanks

looking for?

to our solution, while simultaneously generating data

We are a very young company, in both senses of the

for environmental reports, traffic data and people

word; we started in 2012, but also the average age

counting. I was very fortunate to start the company

of our engineering team is late twenties, and overall

with two very experienced entrepreneurs—Robin

in the thirties. We are quite diverse—all age groups,

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

FOCUS TOPIC João Barros is Founder and CEO of Veniam, Inc. and Professor with tenure (on leave) of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Porto, Portugal. He was Founding Director of the Telecommunications Institute in Porto, which grew from 8 to 100 researchers during his six-year tenure. João Barros was also a Fulbright scholar twice and has held visiting appointments at MIT, Stanford, Cornell and Carnegie Mellon.A

marital statuses and we also try to have more than 25%

You were also the founder of the Local BEST

female members on the team, which is above average

Group in Porto. What impact did it have in your

for the tech industry. At the end of the day, we are

life and what is the role you see for student’s

very influenced by the millennial generation, which is

organisations in society?

very value-oriented; people are not only looking for

Student’s organisations are fundamental for allowing

intellectual challenges and professional opportunities,

students to go outside of the strict formal education

but also actively contributing to a better world. We are

and acquire extremely important skills. I find, today,

a very tight group of people, with a strong university

that those skills are as important or maybe even more

and research background, product knowledge and

important than the formal training students receive.

customer orientation, but also an incredible sense of

Students associations, especially the international

humor. I think that’s really important, it’s pervasive,

ones, help students create a network which is strongly

in the sense that people don’t take themselves too

encouraged in today’s world. I tell my students that the

seriously, while being professional. Right now we are

sooner you have a web of people you love and trust,

a very international team, we have our HQ in Silicon

that can teach you things and help you grow up, the

Valley, offices in Singapore and New York—I find it

better you will be as a professional and as a person. It

dear that we keep our Portuguese virtues, and combine

allows you to understand that there are many different

them with the best of what our foreign colleagues can

stances you can assume and ways to solve problems,

do.

basically giving you a level of mental flexibility you

What we look for in applicants is multidisciplinarity.

wouldn’t achieve otherwise. Most importantly, it’s just

We hire mostly electrical engineers and computer

tremendous fun. I dare to say that this is the way to

scientists, but now also industrial engineers, people

establish peace in Europe, by allowing to know each

related to logistics and supply chain, as we manufacture

other and by working together. ■

and distribute hardware as well.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

15

Interview with Uber

FOCUS TOPIC

Mustafa Sezgin

Site Engineering Lead

Uber Amsterdam

How would you describe Uber in a few lines?

transportation as reliable as running water. This

Uber’s mission is to make transportation as reliable as

mission and the values it carries are best integrated

running water—everywhere, for everyone. We started

by employing the best talent and people who have a

in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get a

real passion for technology and transportation as well

ride at the touch of a button? Six years and over two

as finding new ways to get cities moving in the most

billion trips later, we’ve started tackling an even greater

affordable, safe and reliable way.

challenge: reducing congestion and pollution in our cities by getting more people into fewer cars.

How do you see the role of disruptive companies in today’s society? What do you think the future technologies will bring?

I think we are at the beginning of a fundamental change in our society. When you look at the developments

Enrique Biosca

Local Group Madrid

happening for example in transportation, AI and

The company was established in San Francisco,

augmented or virtual reality, we are experiencing the

California. What are the challenges that

opening of a new range of possibilities made possible

Uber is facing now as a successful worldwide

by technology. When we first launched Uber, seeing

company?

people use the app for the first time—it was fascinating.

The future that we’re working towards has less cars on

Up until then the ability to order a car at any time a day,

the road, less congestion and pollution and provides

receive information on your driver and track progress

more time for individuals living in cities. Currently,

on the app was barely imaginable. This has significantly

private cars are still the primary way for people to get

shifted the way how, for example, young people go

around, and that’s a problem for cities, today and in

out at night, impacting drunk driving in many cities.

the future. 80% of people globally drive alone and park

There certainly are more technological opportunities

their car when they arrive at their destination. That’s

up ahead which can help us impact society in a positive

a lot of waste of space and contributes to an increase

way.

in congestion and pollution. We try to tackle this with services such as UberPOOL, which allows people going

What would you say that it was, or is still is,

in the same direction to share a ride, thereby drastically

the key of the success and the growth of the

reducing the amount of cars on the road. Today, the

company?

service is available in 18 cities globally and has allowed

The simplicity and customer satisfaction. All you need

us to match over 100 million pool trips, with shared

to do is tap a button and get a ride, a system which

journeys having already saved more than 1.3 million

has proven life changing for many people. At the same

miles being driven, 98,000 litres of petrol and 231

time the service is available across more than 400 cities

metric tonnes of CO2 for London alone.

in over 70 countries which means you can always get a safe, reliable and affordable ride at the touch of a

As you can imagine, however, city infrastructures and

button. For example, over the past three months,

cultures can vary quite widely. Regulations in some

people from across 74 countries have used our local

countries at times prohibit services such as uberPOOL,

Uber services in London alone.

meaning matching people to have fewer cars on the road cannot yet be offered in those cities. This challenge,

Uber offers its services in 70 countries across

however, is something we have deeply integrated into

the globe, how did you manage to adapt your

our culture and mission as we continue to work hard to

mission, vision and values to thousands of

educate policymakers and make technology work best

employees in more than 400 cities all over the

for everyone.

world?

16

When we first launched our service in San Francisco

In terms of corporate social responsibility, in

in 2011, we focused on allowing anyone to request

which ways does Uber help communities in

a private driver in a premium vehicle. As we opened

which it offers its services?

our service up to a greater number of people across

We’ve organised a number of campaigns but one

the globe we have changed our mission—making

I’m incredibly proud of is UberGIVING. This was a

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

refugee crisis in Europe. This crisis has moved a lot of

your city. Through UberEATS, restaurants can leverage

people in Europe and so we decided to help in a way

that same technology to deliver more meals to more

we knew best. For a couple days we allowed Uber users

customers in minutes, creating reliable and flexible

to donate supplies which were collected by drivers at

earning opportunities for more people in more places.

the touch of a button. The supplies were then passed

This helps restaurants reach new customers, offers

on to local charities who were best equipped to help

drivers new opportunities to earn money and allows

refugees on the ground. The response was amazing

hungry Uber users to connect with their city in a new

with thousands of donations pouring in from across

way.

Europe.

How do you see Uber in ten years from now?

What is an improvement point you would like

Our company was first established in 2011 and has

to see regarding Uber’s service?

changed so much since then, so it’s hard to imagine

One aspect we are constantly working on is making

what we’ll look like in ten years. What I can say for sure

Uber rides as safe as possible. We have a team of

is that we’re facing different challenges than we were

engineers dedicated to predicting, preventing and

five years ago and they will be even different in the next

reducing the number of crashes on the road. Most

couple of years. Today, for example, 1.3 million people

recently we launched a feature which, if the phone

are killed every year in traffic accidents and in the US,

detects movement, reminds drivers to mount their

traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for people

phone rather than hold it in their hands. In early testing

under 25. Clearly, this is a tragedy that self-driving

we saw a reduction in on-trip-phone-handling of nearly

technology can help solve but we’re still very much at

5%, and a near 10% reduction in unsafe indicators such

the beginning of launching self-driving cars. Hopefully

as harsh braking through our weekly email reports.

this is something we will be able to tackle soon.

FOCUS TOPIC

Melis Dönmez

a ride and connects you to hundreds of restaurants in

Local Group Istanbul-ITU

pan-European initiative during the early stages of the

This is definitely something we will try to improve on even further.

One of your company policies is “let builders build”. What do you expect from your

get wherever we are going, but there is also

to Industrial Engineering and Management

another service you produce that some people

students who want to work with you in the

have not heard of: UberEATS. Can you inform

future?

us a little bit about it and explain what kind

The cultural value you mention is a key component of

of benefits it provides to Uber users and the

Uber’s success and something we encourage people

company?

at Uber to do on a daily basis. This means taking

UberEATS is an on-demand meal delivery service

ownership of tasks and giving things a try. This is one

powered by the Uber platform. We partner with the

of the key attitudes that define employees at Uber

best local restaurants to get you the food you want,

and establishes the working environment. I’m always

delivered faster. The service is currently available in 29

amazed at the energetic and proactive nature of many

cities across six countries and we’re hoping to launch it

of the colleagues I work with. Everyone is always

in more cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa

incredibly keen to play their part in contributing to an

very soon.

improved service. There’s no doubt that this has played

Ordering through UberEATS is just as easy as requesting

a key role in the success we experience today. ■

Danijel Pavlica

employees and what would you like to advise Local Group Novi Sad

Uber is one of the most innovative ways to

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

17

Autonomous Driving, The Future of Traffic

FOCUS TOPIC

Ever since Henry Ford used assembly lines to commercialise automobiles back in 1908, cars have grown to be a crucial and unmissable part of modern societies all over the globe. Today, a world without cars is unthinkable, as industry and economy thrive on them. Many people enjoy driving their car, but for others it is considered a necessary nuisance, this explains the hype around the concept of ‘autonomous driving’, although many don’t know exactly what this means or how far we really are in achieving this dream.

Earlier this year, the US government announced to

yet, the driver has to continuously monitor the system

budget 3.9 billion dollars for research in this field over

and takes care of most of the driving tasks.

the next ten years, so what better time to take a look

Sebastian Hummel

Local Group Eindhoven

at what autonomous driving is, what the current state

We enter the non-monitored driving stages at level

of the technology is , and which problems are currently

three, where the car has the same control as in level

being worked on.

two, but can now monitor its own performance limits and gives the driver a signal to take over when the

First we need to understand what it means to drive

traffic situation exceeds the system limits. This might

autonomously. The US Department of Transportation’s

seem insignificant, but it’s the first level where the

National

Administration

driver doesn’t have to assume a vigilant position at

defined five levels of automation, each with their own

all times, heavily influencing the driving experiencing.

incrementally characteristics, as illustrated below.

Texting while driving is possible at this stage! However,

At level zero , the driver does all the work; this is what

the driver has to be able to resume control at any

we are used to today. Level one introduces minor

moment.

Highway

Traffic

Safety

features such as cruise control (longitudinal) or line

18

drive (lateral). At this level, the driver is still in full

Level four introduces us to fully automated use cases,

control of the car, but there is automation in place that

where cars can handle defined use cases without

supports the driver in his driving behaviour, providing

any driver interference. At this level of automation,

a safer driving environment. Important to note is that

the driver is merely required to direct the car when

at this level either longitudinal or lateral control can

switching between use cases. The last level, level five,

be automated, not both. At level two, they can be

removes this requirement; the car can now drive fully

combined in certain use cases, giving the driver an easier

autonomously, without human interference at all. Here,

and more relaxed driving experience. A use case refers

the car doesn’t have a driver anymore, only passengers.

to a driving situation, or case. Examples are driving on

Before we reach such driving automation, a lot

the highway, passing another vehicle or parking. Until

of problems need to be solved. There are many

this point, the car can’t function on its own in any way

technological challenges that are currently standing

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

in the way from moving to the higher levels of

That brings us to another major discussion point:

automation, as well as necessary changes in society

harbouring safety. Drivers have been taught what

and human behaviour. Luckily, progress is being made.

to look out for and how to respond to dangerous

According to Dr. Ir. Van der Sande, currently doing a

situations. This intelligence of the driver needs to be

post-doctorate on this topic at Eindhoven University of

flawlessly programmed into the system, with no room

Technology, there is a good possibility that we will reach

for error. Because this is a new technology that changes

level four in the next ten years. Currently, cars exist

our lives radically, the public needs to be convinced

that can perform on the second level of autonomous

that the technology is trustworthy, the reputation of

driving, having lateral and longitudinal control in certain

autonomous driving should be kept in consideration at

use cases, but with driver regulation.

all times in order to ensure a successful diffusion into

FOCUS TOPIC

society. Generally, people are less accepting of failure So what are some of the major problems that need

of such a machine than that of a human driver.

to be solved? There are many. For starters, the car needs to be able to do everything that a person is able

In May 2016, the first fatal crash involving a car on

to do, only better. This is accomplished by a system

autopilot already occurred. The sensors were unable

of sensors that complement each other. In perfect

to distinguish a white van from the lit sky background,

conditions, this is quite possible, but on certain types

failing to apply the brakes in a situation where it was

of infrastructure it is a bigger challenge. The sensors

necessary. This type of incident can greatly harm the

help the car to find its position on the road, this can be

public opinion of this young but promising technology.

seen on the picture below. This becomes more difficult

It’s exactly because of this that researchers are putting

if the road is of very low quality and doesn’t provide

great focus on the safety of the systems they are

any recognition points at the sides and in the middle

designing, often having multiple systems in place to

of the width of the road. This means that structural

check for risks.

improvements need to be made before autonomous driving becomes a viable option. Other complicating

The interaction between the autonomous system and

factors can be various environmental factors such as

human traffic users must also be analysed. On one

the changing weather.

hand, the technology must keep in mind the expected behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists and anticipate correctly. On the other hand, people will also have to change their behaviour to comply with what the technology can and can’t do. This becomes a twoway street between system designers and the general public, where both parties must be willing to make changes to make a future possible where cars can drive without any human interference.

It looks like our future does contain fully autonomous driving, with the potential to reduce travel times and the amount of accidents. However, there is a long road

How the car identifies where it is

ahead for this technology to become a successfully diffused innovation, and many traffic lights on this road

Communication with other vehicles is another challenge

are still showing yellow or red. This is a unique kind

of autonomous driving. The car must not only know

of disruptive technology because although it definitely

its own position on the road, what other vehicles and

promises to change our lives in a major way, it will do

objects are close and their relative velocity, it must also

so in small steps over a rather long period of time.

be able to communicate with those vehicles what its

This means that you might soon be able to prepare

next move is and must anticipate correctly based on

for meetings while driving to work, but it will take

signals it gets from them. In this area, a lot of research

significantly longer before you will be completely duty

and testing needs to be done to assure a smooth and

free as a driver. ■

safe driving experience.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

19

Designing Creativity-based Innovation Processes:

FOCUS TOPIC SCENE

Adopting the Double Diamond model to develop successful innovations

Carlo Giglio

University of Calabria

Why is creativity worthy of being brought to

What is the role of creativity in the innovation

stage?

process?

Creativity is recognised as the starting point of many

Creativity mainly acts in the first stage of the innovation

knowledge advancements and innovations, and plays

process, which is the concept generation phase (Fig. 1).

a key role in the development of the knowledge

Creativity is a necessary condition to innovate, since

economy. Moreover, knowledge advancements are

it is impossible to generate an innovation without

applied to several technological innovations in different

determining a new and useful concept compared to the

fields. Therefore, creativity represents an emerging

existing ones.

topic in the knowledge era and plays a key role in

The level of creative effort and effectiveness in the

the fields of technology and innovation management.

starting phase also affects the degree of radicality of the

Creativity also implies an economic relevance, which further outlines its significance in the business and innovation fields as well as in the social one.

What is creativity?

Creativity is a complex and multi-faceted concept and it is difficult to provide a comprehensive definition that considers all possible different perspectives of analysis

upcoming innovation: the more creative the concept,

(e.g. corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, psychology

the more radical the resulting innovation is likely to be.

and aptitudes).

The appearance of creativity in a subsequent step, by contrast, is influenced by existing knowledge; the more

From a strategic and entrepreneurial point of view,

consolidated the knowledge utilised in the starting

it concerns to what degree a creative output can be

of the process, the more incremental the resulting

considered as a novelty, but also to what degree such

innovation is likely to be.

a novelty is valuable for customers and stakeholders lato sensu. The value of novelty is one of the

How does the Double Diamond Design Process

determinants playing a key role in consumer behaviour

Model work?

and stakeholder belief, thus affecting the success of the

The

end result of an innovation process. In short, it is not

(DDDPM) has been developed by The British Design

Double

Diamond

Design

Process

Model

only a question of distance to the creative output from the existing products/processes (in terms of difference

DEFINE STRATEGY Understand why & define ho

among the old and the new ones); also the value of such a difference does matter. As a matter of fact, whatever the degree of novelty, a creative output (i.e. an idea) should not be an end in itself. It should allow to produce something new, but also something useful.

trigger

From an attitudinal and psychological perspective, the creative output is affected by some features and qualities of thinking like flexibility, tolerance and acceptance of unpredictability. In this context, the focus is on idea generation processes geared to solve problems with an alternative approach. Creativity is intended to be an original way to observe reality, thus leading to unprecedented, innovative solutions.

20

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

UNDERSTAND

DEFINE

Council. It is based on a kind of randomised controlled

concepts by means of brainstorming, visualisation,

trial on the analysis of successful innovation design

prototyping and testing activities;

FOCUS SCENE TOPIC

processes adopted in several leading companies operating in different industries worldwide. Therefore,

Deliver: the last phase is a convergent phase, since

it considers different ways and perspectives regarding

its main goal is the launch of the resulting innovation

the innovation design process, and is able to capture

into the market. A final testing before the launch is

key factors and characteristics that different highly

performed together with evaluation and feedback

skilled process designers have in common. Hence, such

sessions in order to inform future projects.

a process model is very flexible, since it can be applied

The DDDPM describes a linear process and emphasizes

to different contexts. The design process suggested by

the relevance of design in innovation processes. The

the Double Diamond consists of four phases (Fig. 2)

British Design Council started working on industrial

mapping a double cycle of divergent-convergent stages:

design objects, thus developing a model related to

Discover: this is the starting point of the innovation

physical products, which should not be changed after

process and is triggered by novelty ideas. They typically

public release. Additional changes to tangible products

emerge when group members look at things from

would be expensive and may be unfeasible.

a new perspective, look for inspiration and collect

Intangible innovations (e.g. services and software), by

information. The discovery phase is characterised by

contrast, represent a very relevant quota of today’s

exploratory efforts and divergent thinking of group

innovation process outcomes. Therefore, the need

members. The design team must be open-minded and

for adapting the DDDPM emerges. Feedback sessions

adopt a broad perspective in order to achieve the main

between the four phases (Fig. 3) would make changes

goal, which is understanding and satisfying customer

easier and cheaper to be realised. â–

needs; Define: this phase is geared to align the output of the previous phase to business objectives. In particular,

Carlo Giglio

creative concepts are prioritised and filtered, hence

Carlo

only the most useful ones are taken into account and

2012, he mainly works in the innovation management, creativity and education, and

developed. It is a convergent stage where actionable

innovation & design fields. He was responsible for social innovation R&D projects

tasks are detailed (e.g. sign-off of the final concept,

funded by the Italian Ministry of Research and was a visiting researcher at the

approval of design and development goals, and

Technical

definition of project management activities);

committee

Giglio

is

a postdoc researcher at the University of Calabria. Since

University of Denmark in Copenhagen. Currently, he is a program member of international conferences, lecturer on innovation

management

and project management, and co-principal investigator for the

Develop: this phase is linked with the development

international research project GUESSS(Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit

and testing of design-led activities defined in the second

Students’ Survey).

stage. This is another creative and divergent phase relying on the adoption of an open-minded and multidisciplinary approach, which is geared to refine existing

ow

EXECUTE SOLUTION Create the outcome

vision & plan solution EXPLORE

CREATE

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

21

A Short Introduction of ResQ Club

FOCUS TOPIC SCENE

Some things in life are too good to be wasted...

With ResQ you can save time and money, while helping the planet!

Anniina Heikkila

Local Group Tampere

The ResQ service reduces unnecessary waste by

What kind of impact is ResQ Club creating in

allowing consumers to ‘rescue’ unsold food from

the society and environment, and how?

restaurants, cafés, delis, bakeries and hotels. That

We are preventing valuable food from going to waste

is, they can buy the food as portions directly on our

and, hopefully, also helping to create discussion about

mobile app or web browser interface and then fetch

the systemic causes of the massive amounts of food

the food during a pre-set time period for dinner or a

waste that we currently see in Western countries

late afternoon snack.

(such as agricultural subsidies that encourage constant overproduction). We can’t promise that our service

Our focus is on getting valuable resources to a valuable

causally reduces food production; in a free market

use while it is still fresh. This requires getting the right

economy it should, but with the currently, heavily

information to the right people very fast. Of course,

subsidised production system, it might just move the

the service also acts as a price ‘discrimination channel’

waste elsewhere. At least we are preventing the energy

to allow selling away the surplus without endangering

used at the restaurant and the huge efforts of skilled

regular sales.

chefs from going to waste.

We are a very location-based and time-critical market

Also, we are granting access to great restaurant food

making service.

for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it regularly.

Six months after our public launch in January, we

How do you believe that entrepreneurship and

already have:

innovation can provide an alternative to tackle

■■

over 30,000 registered users

societal and environmental problems?

■■

over 150 provider partners

Entrepreneurship is about devising new solutions to

■■

over 300 portions sold per day via the service.

problems, providing people with new alternatives. Most broadly, entrepreneurship is about creating and trying to sell; help people to see the value in anything new and act on that perceived value. Companies are competing

Make your order with a simple touch via app.

22

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

for arranging production and other processes. If you

Can you copy the ResQ model easily to other

know a better way of doing something, a market

countries/regions?

economy allows you to offer that alternative by

We are currently experimenting with different entry

establishing your own company, starting to do things

strategies and models for new countries and regions.

better, and letting consumers and employees have their

The restaurant and café industries are disparate in

choice.

different countries. Hence, the business can’t be

FOCUS SCENE TOPIC

transferred exactly as it is. For example, in many smaller, and the biggest prospect might be in cafés,

something we have been doing for a long time

delis, bakeries, or hotels. There are many cultural

already, but just didn’t call it like that?

differences that need to be taken into account in the

If we had a perfect market where consumers always

marketing as well. Also, local regulators might have

had choices and they knew how to make choices in

slightly different interpretations of the safety guidelines

their best interest, all entrepreneurship would improve

and self-surveillance requirements, even if they would

the society. If you didn’t create something better,

all be based on the same EU directives.

serving people and the society, you couldn’t succeed.

Nevertheless, we believe that the service can be very

Unfortunately, rent seeking opportunities exist; it is

valuable for all the stakeholders in many different

possible to make a bigger income by actually providing

countries. ■

entrepreneurship?

Isn’t

less value to the society around you. There are also

Tuure Parkinnen

it

regular

CEO

countries the restaurant lunch scene is relatively much

from

ResQ Club Oy

What differentiates social entrepreneurship

projects where a lot of the benefits are ‘positive externalities’, creating an environment in which it is

About Tuure Parkkinen

hard to capture a notable part of the created value for

Currently he is the CEO of ResQ Club Oy.

yourself. So, I see social entrepreneurship and ‘impact

Previously he had successfully turned around a

entrepreneurship’ as different in the sense that with the

shell company for leasing student labor into a

former the entrepreneur directly values the benefits,

consultative sales organisation and innovative HR

or impact, that the business has on the society or

services company (atalent.fi) as well as written a

environment, not just the direct financial return (e.g. a

couple of books hacking our economic system

‘triple bottom line approach’).

(rootbug.org). He his Master of Technology, Industrial Engineering and Management by Aalto

Entrepreneurs and people, in general, have always

University and has completed a post-graduation in

been motivated and driven to great initiatives by other

an Australian University.

things than a monetary profit, so, no, it’s not a new thing as such.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

23

The Role of Hydrogen in a Sustainable Energy System

FOCUS TOPIC SCENE

One of the most important challenges of humankind is the sustainability of our energy system. Without energy, the metabolism of our society stops, as can happen with our body without nutrients. Our primary energy resources should be kept available in the long term to provide a stable, continuous input to the system to support our activity and social development.

Alberto AbĂĄndes

Technical University of Madrid

A long-lasting energy system (theoretically even almost

baseload energy source requires a high storage capacity

perpetual in our human history time scale) can only be

to support at least some daily consumption of the

achieved with the input of renewable energy sources.

system. The chemical storage shows clear advantages

Nevertheless, renewable sources nowadays have an

versus other options. Chemical storage in the form of

intermittent production as its original resources depend

hydrogen, for instance, has a capacity in volume similar

on fluctuating ambient conditions. This intermittency

to natural gas that is now stored in large quantities

should be made compatible with the satisfaction of the

providing strategic energy supplies for weeks. In

energy demand that depends on human activity. The

addition, hydrogen utilisation does not produce CO2

decoupling between energy availability and its demand

emissions, contrary to the case of hydrocarbons

implies the need of a powerful storage capability to

that would require a previous decarbonisation or a

manage the system in a satisfying manner. That storage

downstream capture process.

capability is inherent to fossils, as they are, in fact, a chemical storage charged from the accumulation of

There are different storage options for their application

sun/biomass along the geological lifetime of the earth.

in an energy system based on renewables. Among those, hydro-pumping is the most developed, and

The Achilles heel of renewable energy technologies and

it is effectively integrated in those countries with a

approaching economic competitiveness is the baseload

suitable geomorphology for hydraulic energy stations.

energy management. The management of a fluctuating

Its capacity is large, but depends on the availability of

Born in Madrid in 1970, Industrial Engineering Ph.D since 2002, specialised in Energy Technologies by the ETSII of the Universidad PolitĂŠcnica de Madrid, staff professor of the Department of Power Engineering of the ETSII-UPM. He has collaborated with Nobel Laureate Prof. Carlo Rubbia since 1996 when he was involved in the TARC experiment regarding the Energy Amplifier project at CERN. Later, he was project leader at the LAESA company, established in Zaragoza (Spain) for the development of a proton accelerator laboratory and an Energy Amplifier prototype (1998-2001).

He starts his academic career in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Fluid-Mechanics of the University of the Basque Country in 2001 involved in Fluid-mechanics analysis. At present time he develops academic and research activities in the field of thermal systems, concentrated solar technology, hydrogen production and transmutation of nuclear wastes, being invited to specialised seminars and conferences in those fields, with a background that has produced 14 patents, 35 international publications in highly cited journals, 80 papers in international and national conferences, and 6 doctoral Phd theses.

He has participated in international projects from the 4th until the 7th European Framework Program, and become senior fellow of the Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies, in Potsdam (Germany) from 2011 to 2013 and technical collaborator in the Sub-direction of International Projects of the Ministerio de EconomĂ­a y Competitividad (MINECO) since late 2015.

24

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

FOCUS SCENE TOPIC

water resources that are shared with other critical

its energy density. Its storage at large scales is under

human activities such as agriculture and population

development, overcoming a number of technological

needs, being sensitive to long drought periods.

issues, as safety and volumetric energy density.

Other storage concepts might be based on flywheels,

Moreover, new sustainable energy systems, such as the

compressed air systems, and other electrical storage

‘power to gas’ concept, in which hydrogen constitutes

systems as supercapacitors and batteries. Those

a basic intermediate material for the production of

concepts have not demonstrated their ability and

synthetic natural gas (the real storage medium) from

economic competitiveness for a very high capacity as

CO2, are gaining momentum. In those cases, the

is required for the management of baseload electricity.

generation of hydrogen from renewables, as solar and wind is envisaged via water electrolysis, while

Hydrogen has been postulated as a vector that could

thermochemical processes may be used from solar

be fundamental in a sustainable energy system for

thermal or biomass. â–

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

25

IEM Students in Healthcare

FOCUS TOPIC SCENE

Facing increasing financial pressure, the healthcare industry seeks operational improvement. Thus, the demand for data-savvy IEM professionals is increasing. Do you have what it takes to develop the quality of healthcare?

We all know that lean has its origins in Japan, right?

disease patients was reduced by 30%. On a high level,

Actually, one of the key concepts of lean, waste

the results in Jönköping were achieved by focusing on

reduction, has been topical even before the 1940s

the process as a whole rather than individual functions,

outside of Japan. In 1917, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth

and patient flow rather than professionals.

published a study called “Applied motion study”. The Jukka-Matti Turtiainen

Local Group Lappeenranta

study aimed to increase the efficiency of brick laying

Healthcare as an industry

to build walls; a centuries-old industry with a lot of

Increasing financial pressure (e.g. because of a

potential for improvement. In addition to bricks, the

rapidly aging population) has forced hospitals to seek

Gilbreths applied the improvement methodologies

improvement in operational efficiency. IEM students

to healthcare. Back in the 1950s already, a physician

rarely consider the magnitude of healthcare costs for

challenged their methods: “Now all right, that system

the economy; according to the World Bank, the EU

of yours might be OK in factories…”. Gilbreth cut him

spent approximately 10.0% of its GDP on healthcare

off and said “... and medicine too!”.

in 2014. Furthermore, the costs have been on the rise, growing from 8.3% in 1995. Facing low economic

Operational efficiency in healthcare

growth, the operational improvement in the European

This phrase is still common nowadays and hospitals

healthcare industry is likely to gain even more traction

around the world have embarked on a mission to

in the future.

improve their efficiency and reduce costs. Hospitals have adopted different improvement methodologies

The authors, Mikko and Jukka-Matti, both conducted a

in search of excellence, one of the most common

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt project focused on operational

being lean. These methodologies have led to significant

improvement in healthcare. The key learnings from

savings in several hospitals. One of the successful

those experiences, along with their implications for IEM

cases has been in Jönköping, Sweden; among other

students, are described below.

improvements, the time spent in the hospital by heart Mikko Rajala

Local Group Helsinki

In Jünköpig, Sweden:

30% less

>50% less

time spent in hospital

waiting for referral appointments

References [1] Pioneers of Industrial Engineering and Heath Care:Part 1 by Mark Graban http://www.iienet2.org/SHS/Details. aspx?id=18454 [2] Health expenditure, total (% of GDP) http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.XPD.TOTL.ZS?locations=EU [3] Population ages 65 and above (% of total) http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS?locations=EU [4] Master of International Health Care Management, Economics and Policy http://www.healthcarestudies.com/ Master-of-International-Health-Care-Management-Economics-and-Policy/Italy/SDA-Bocconi/ 26

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Mikko worked at a private healthcare

Jukka-Matti conducted a patient flow

company

analysis

Wanting to work on improving the efficiency of

I heard about Lean Six Sigma during Summer

healthcare, I joined a private Finnish healthcare

Academy Helsinki. While working as a trainee

company in early 2016. Taking a Lean Six Sigma

in the development department of a regional

training from Gregory Watson, a project manager

hospital, I got a chance to do a project while

position was offered in an invoicing improvement

attending the training. In my project, I analysed

project. With a team comprising a diverse set of

patient flow from the emergency department all

expertees, the main problems were analysed with

the way to the medical centers. The emergency

data, complemented with qualitative experiences

department has a fifteen-bed ward which was

from the hospital staff. With the help of several

planned to be closed for a certain period of time

meetings and Lean Six Sigma tools, root causes

during renovations. I conducted a what-if analysis

were identified and solutions implemented for

of the patient flow to assess the effects of closing

remedying the most common causes.

the emergency department ward.

FOCUS SCENE TOPIC

See the process as a whole To start with, we didn’t have a strong background in

Use qualitative tools to complement data

healthcare. The lack of background knowledge enabled

While IEM studies offer a solid background for data

us to take an outside-in view on the processes; to ask

analysis, the data should be complemented with

stupid questions rather than assuming crucial details.

qualitative tools seeking to understand how the real

We both identified several old ways of working,

work is performed. In our experience, the data should

which existed mainly because ”we have always done

be used as a ‘guidepost’; where, when and which factors

it like this.” In healthcare, the processes usually involve

caused the problems. The qualitative understanding

several different units and stakeholders. If stakeholders

of the process should then drill down to the details;

(e.g. doctors, nurses or support functions) optimise

what actually caused the problem or was the de facto

their own work, the efficiency of the whole might

problem caused by preceding steps in the process?

be lost in translation. Thus, one of the biggest value

Though getting a sound qualitative understanding

additions from IEM students is to seek to understand

requires going to the real worksite to discuss with the

the interfaces between different stakeholders and how

workers. In understanding the process, we found Lean

the overall patient flow goes through the process.

Six Sigma tools as helpful ways to organise our thinking throughout the project.

Success with data-driven approach In Summer Academy Helsinki, Gregory Watson said:

So what does this mean for IEM students?

“The job of an industrial engineer is to solve problems

In addition to pure medical knowledge, the healthcare

that other people are not even able to perceive.” To

industry needs more data-savvy people who can

prove the point, both of our projects started with

create a systemic view of processes. However, strong

saying that no data is available on the exact topic. Going

analytical skills alone are insufficient in healthcare, as

deeper into the topic, both of us were, however, able

success requires effective teamwork with people from

to find or build access to relevant data. Relentless

very different backgrounds and professions. Thus,

pursuit of finding the right data helped us focus on a

developing interpersonal skills should be on every IEM

few, crucial problems, rather than a long list of small

students’ agenda; a skill learned mostly by practicing

ones. As Stephen Hawking stated: “the greatest enemy

in real-life rather than by solely reading books. Our

of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of

advice, if you ever considered working in healthcare, is

knowledge”. In other words, rather use time to seek

to go for it! It is a great opportunity to develop yourself

relevant data than make hasty decisions based on data

while having a real impact. ■

which is not on topic or verified with data as a sound proxy measurement.

“

IEM students should, thus, seek to strengthen their interpersonal skills with people from different backgrounds.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

27

Career Planning

CAREER

At the beginning of June 2016, the first ESTIEM Career Event took place in Eindhoven. I was asked to hold a session on career planning.

It all starts with the word ‘career’, because in the

the university, companies one has been working for

Anglophone world, it just describes the job or the

and friends, even friends of parents might be good

sequence of different jobs or occupations throughout

discussion partners to talk with.

one’s working life, not always a step up in the hierarchy.

Harald Ulf Janert

ESTIEM Alumnus

In the German-speaking world, it is always connected

When this is done, some logical sequences of future

to job promotion or occupational advancement.

positions to reach that goal need to get defined, which

Therefore, it always has something to do with stepping-

makes it easier to find a starting point after graduating,

up hierarchical levels and finally, more money and

or to look for an internship already during studies in the

prestige.

future business field.

Instead of giving a lecture on how successful career

Often, by knowing potential positions and industries,

planning may work, it was preferable to start with a

these may require specific skills (e.g. languages,

series of questions each individual should ask him/

techniques), capabilities (e.g. the way of working,

herself to start the planning. In working groups, the

presenting), or attitudes (e.g. being an extraverted

participants of the event discussed on the following,

person). To get those identified, either an assessment

and presented their results:

center or honest and open feedback from one’s environment may be the right approach to find out if

1.

Please define the word: “career”.

your future journey will have the potential to be turned

2.

What are indicators to measure a successful

into a success.

career?

3.

What are ‘symbols’ of a successful career?

In conclusion, here is some general advice,

4.

(e.g. big house/car, time for family/friends,

which has been proven by empery:

doing charitable activities, holding a PhD) ■■

There is a period of time to ascend till

5.

What do you want to achieve personally?

6.

Describe your career targets.

the end of the forties. Later on, general-

7.

Describe how you will measure those.

ly only a stabilisation of the existing level

8.

(because we know from experience that

in the hierarchy will be the main target.

only what can get measured, should be

Usually in the past, employees retired with their

called a target/goal)

highest salary level in life—but this will change. I

How much money do you want to earn

expect that a lifecycle curve of the income cor-

after finishing your studies in 5, 10, 15, 20,

respondingly will become the standard, rath-

25 or 30 years’ time?

er than the exception. In other words: one’s

9.

salary earned at a peak of his/her career will As everybody can imagine, there are no simple answers

decrease afterwards, like a professional sports-

to those questions, because depending on the personal

man, who will play in second or third league,

profile, personal vita, personal ambitions and personal

after becoming obsolete in the premier league.

beliefs the answers vary significantly. Therefore, it doesn’t make any sense to write down the content of

■■

Make sure to find a balance in life if

the results of the working groups, because they are

your goal is stepping up the hierarchy.

precise answers which are not valid for everybody.

The period in which someone will be able to spend a lot of time and effort into a career will be

28

Nevertheless, career planning will accompany all

during the same phase, when he/she may want to

individuals during their whole professional life, because

start a family. This is during the late twenties and

it is an ongoing process to recalibrate oneself on the

thirties—during the most productive and power-

personal path of development, and all will start with

ful period of one’s life. During this span of time a

answering questions four and five. As these will be very

healthy relationship is key, to get a well-adjusted

difficult questions to answer for most of us, everybody

work life balance which supports you during your

should start discussing them with fellow students from

personal development.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

CAREER

Dipl.-Ing. oec. Harald Ulf Janert is an ESTIEM alumnus graduated in 1993 in Hamburg at University of Technology, University and University of Applied Sciences. He also got an LL.M. degree with a major in Merges & Acquisitions from the University of Münster. Currently, he holds a position as Market Controller for Central & Eastern Europe at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions in Germany. Still he supports the ESTIEM spirit by being a member of the “Club of 100” and has acted as a mentor for the program “Growing Together”

■■

Every five years there should be a next

Alumni Mentors). From time to time, it is use-

step in life or a change in the position,

ful to step back and do a reflection on what has

to remain attractive to the job market.

happened, what is the current situation and what

If nothing happens for more than ten years, then

might be one’s options for the short– and mid-

it might become difficult to find something new

term. Are there no decisions due now, or do you

outside the current organisation, because the job

need to hurry up? Do you need to make a correc-

market may recognise you as an inflexible person.

tion, or is everything fine for you at the moment, and you may stay where you are?

■■

The job you start with will have an influence on your future career path, especial-

Again, these are more general remarks and directions,

ly concerning the type of activities and

rather than rules to be followed. There are also a

the industries you will be attractive to.

number of very successful people and celebrities who

Starting in the Research & Development field at

have made it extremely well—regardless of being in

university may not lead to a successful Sales Man-

politics; public organisations; or small, medium or big

ager Career; working in finance won’t take one to a

corporations—and haven’t ever followed something

position as a successful Head of Manufacturing etc.

structured and consequent, but they are rather an exception than a majority.

■■

Take time to sit down every now and then and reflect on what you want in life.

Lastly, it all comes back to finding a balance between

Do this exercise in writing (e.g. by using a

professional life and success, private relationship and

decision tree) and discuss with friends, colleagues,

family, as well as private interests in whatever field. This

former university mates, mentors (e.g. at your

is the foundation which will allow you to look back on

company, professional associations, or ESTIEM

a satisfying life. ■

Career Planning lecture during the ESTIEM Career Event in Eindhoven

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

29

Working Abroad

CAREER

“Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery.” This quote by Amy Chua, a Chinese woman living and raising her kids in the States, very nicely summarises what it means to be an expat. It is about being outside of your comfort zone.

I grew up in St. Petersburg, and after finishing a

enriching the experience is going to be for you.

Bachelor’s degree, I moved to Finland for my Master’s

The reason for this is that you are going to be out-

studies. After graduating three years ago, I stayed in

side of your comfort zone, just like I was in Brazil,

Finland to work for an international forest industry

and this is, as we all know, essential to grow as a

company. Participating in a global trainee program gave

person.

Eleonora Nazander

ESTIEM Alumni President 2015/2016

Local Group Saint Petersburg

me a chance to also see another part of the world; I

■■

spent three months working in Brazil.

Other issues to consider are whether speaking the local language is a necessity for getting a job (and whether you can actually speak it) and how easy it

Already when travelling or studying abroad, you get to

is to obtain a visa (for example, the US has been

learn about foreign cultures. But working abroad brings

quite notorious in relation to this).

it to an entirely new level; you have to act according to the norms of that culture. Coming from a culture with high importance of status, it was shocking for me at first that in Finland it is relatively unimportant; you call your professor or boss by their first name, can make jokes with them, or even about them, and can easily raise a question or give a suggestion to your boss.

Working in Brazil was a totally different story; I was surprised to find many similarities with Russian culture.

Once again I was in a high power distance environment.

The boss is expected to wear expensive brands to show his status and my direct to-the-point questions were sometimes inappropriate.

How? In addition to learning about another culture, working abroad makes you challenge your beliefs (your leader

■■

Knowing the local language helps at least by show-

has to be a man, right?), learn to deal with all kinds

ing you are serious about integrating into the so-

of people and easily adjust to new circumstances.

ciety. Meanwhile, it isn’t always necessary to be

Living in São Paulo, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and managing daily routine, shopping

fluent (I found a job in Finland after all).

■■

Doing your Erasmus or a Master’s degree abroad

and travelling with just a few Portuguese sentences

is a great way to improve your chances among

definitely made me braver as a person.

companies in that country. This is especially true if the university is well-known.

And now, a few words on what to do in order to

■■

If you start working for an international company

gain such an experience. I believe there are two main

in your own country, sooner or later you might

questions: where to go, and how?

get opportunities for an international assignment.

Also, if the company opens a permanent position

Where?

■■

You might go to an exotic country with a very

To sum up, working abroad is not easy, but it can be a

different culture, or to a ‘safe’ place (e.g. another

very rewarding experience. I truly recommend you to

European country or the States). No matter what

go for it without doubts if you see any chance. ■

you choose, you will have a great time and learn a lot, but the more difficult the place is, the more

30

in another country, you might have a good chance.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Finding Purpose in Work

CAREER

Interview with an Enterpreneur How did you start with entrepreneurship?

in two of them. We generally segment companies

After my studies I worked in Indonesia and wanted

into six impact segments: 1) cleantech, greenhouse

to stay there, but my wife wanted to come back so I

gas emission reductions; 2) biosystems, bio-based

joined her. When I returned to the Netherlands, I had

economies; 3) economic development, redistribution

two things on my mind: I wanted to be an entrepreneur

of wealth towards the beginning of the value chain; 4)

in a field that would allow me to go back to Indonesia,

civic engagement, allowing people who are distant from

and I didn’t want to do it on my own. Firstly because

the labour market to become active; 5. education; and

it’s not as much fun doing it alone and secondly because

6) health and well-being.

I have a lot of shortcomings, so I needed people to fill be an entrepreneur in a growing market than in a non-

projects?

growing market.

We are an impact fund. We are neither an impact first fund nor an investment fund. This means that we

At the time, it was all about green energy. There’s a lot

believe that it’s equally important to generate financial

of green stuff in Indonesia and there’s a big demand

return as it is to generate an impact return. The first

in European power companies. I knew the power

thing we do is define whether we think the company

companies from prior work as a consultant so that sort

is a social enterprise. It’s not a strict definition but if

of came together naturally.

I had to summarise it in one sentence, I would say it is a company that solves a societal issue in a purely

I was invited to go and see Al Gore and there was one

commercial and measurable manner. Let me give you

thing that resonated with me: he said that it’s not about

an example: We invested in Taxi Electric, which is an

money, it‘s really about how you invest your time. Are

all-electric taxi company that primarily hires drivers

you going to spend it on the next generation of oil

who are over 50 years old and have been unemployed

drilling, on super fast glass fibre so you can trade faster,

for a long time. There are two impact levels: on one

or do you want to invest your time in something that’s

hand we reduce fine dust emissions in the city by driving

going to make you proud when you’re a grandfather?

electric cars and on the other hand we give a job to 40

Helmer Schukken

How do you measure the success of your Founder of Social Impact Ventures

those. From textbooks I had learned that it is easier to

people who have been long-term unemployed. It’s very You said that you had shortcomings and

difficult to get a job in the Netherlands if you’re over

needed people to fill them. How important do

50 years old.

you think that self-awareness is when you want to be an entrepreneur?

How do you raise money for your company?

I think there are two answers to that. One is that it is

It’s very different for an investment fund than for a

very important because nobody can do everything that

company. To be honest, I was much more confident

needs to be done in a company. The other one is that

raising money as an entrepreneur because I knew the

if you start to think about all the things that need to be

team that I was managing. I also knew the market I was

done in advance you probably never get started. You

in and the clients who wanted my product, whereas as

also have to ignore a couple of things and just work

an investment fund you’re basically selling trust.

it out. When I started I didn’t know anything about finances. I was an engineer and I ended up doing all the

Before Social Impact Ventures you co-founded

finances so I basically learnt as I went along.

Zonline. What was your incentive to do this?

Was it your previous career?

You’ve co-founded Social Impact Ventures.

This was weeks after my Al Gore moment, so I decided

What projects are you currently investing in?

to stay in cleantech because I knew a little bit about it

We’ve been preparing Social Impact Ventures for two

and I thought it was the right thing to do. As you do in

years and are operational since last summer. We’ve

the Netherlands when you want to do something new,

looked at about 850 companies and we’ve invested

you start drinking coffee with people you know might

“

...if you start to think about all the things that need to be done in advance you probably never get started.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

31

CAREER

have contacts to people who are relevant, so I started

write concisely; to write and present properly, which

doing that. There were three or four people running

as an engineer is not the most important thing during

around with this idea—it was not my idea, the biomass

studies. I think it’s extremely important, for whatever

was not my idea either, it was never my idea. This

you’re going to end up doing in life, to be able to write

investment fund was not my idea either, I always come

and communicate very clearly.

in just after somebody else had a great idea. Zonline, which is now part of Sungevity, claims they are part of the rooftop revolution; every rooftop in Europe, or in the world for that matter, should be covered with solar panels, because we’ve got an unlimited source of energy and all you need to do is stick it on your roof and it works for 25 years. The question was why everybody with a roof doesn’t have solar panels on it. They did Federico Bley

Local Group Brussels

some market research and one reason was that it’s too complicated and the other reason was financial; it’s too expensive. So the basic concept of Sungevity and Zonline was to make it easy, fun and affordable. They had an offer for the customer with an edited picture of their house with solar panels on it including information about guaranteed cost savings. The second step is that we don’t only guarantee it, we also finance it. Instead of paying for electricity to a utility company, you pay us the same amount and you start saving and paying less. That’s the promise in the US, but in the US you have bigger roofs and more sun so it works better. It’s

What was it like going through bankruptcy

also about service, being able to create a community of

with the biomass factory in South Africa?

people who share the rooftop revolution and to make

In retrospect I think it was great. My brother was doing

it fun to create apps so you can say “oh, I saved this

an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at the

much and my neighbour has done that” and this kind

same time, and I invested about the same amount of

of gamification.

money in the factory as he invested in his MBA. He told me that I went through a whole MBA in the same

Marlies van Laarhoven

IEM Foundation Board

How did Zonline start? Were you invited to

period of time, that I did everything that they teach you

drink coffee with friends?

in a MBA from an idea to bankruptcy and everything in

Yes, that’s it. I think with all three startups it has

between, but it was real life, so I learned so much more

always been about people. You’ve got to believe in

than him because he did it only in an academic way,

the concept but in the end, especially if you’ve been

which I can’t judge because I never did an MBA.

a consultant, you can always find a reason not to do it.

It’s much easier to say no than to say yes. For me it’s

When you start a company, is there anything

always been about smart people who I trust and I know

else that could help you in finding the balance

that something good will come out of it in the end.

between the drive, the persistency and the risk?

32

What would you recommend to someone,

I think it’s much easier to get help than you think. You

especially a student who just finished his

just have to reach out to somebody who’s an expert—

studies, who’s full of ambition but devoid of

and there are experts everywhere. It’s amazing, but

ideas?

simple phrases like “Can you please help me because

Drink a lot of coffee... No—I started with consulting

I’m trying to achieve this” and the fact that you’re sincere

and I think that’s been a great start for me. There

about it, incites good people to just help you. I should

are only smart people in consulting, you get to work

have done that more. What I also would have liked is

with great companies and it changes every couple

to have a bit more of a father figure/business coach/

of months. I learned a lot and I think it is important

mentor who could have forced me to take a step back.

that you start working for a group that can teach you

In this group, a lot of people told me that, as a technical

what work is about. It’s different for everybody. Some

guy, I’m always inclined on having the numbers right,

people just start being an entrepreneur from day one.

working on strategies and being very analytical about

The most important thing I learned in consulting was to

doing investments. Here in our company, very often,

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

“

I think it’s much easier to get help than you think. You just have to reach out to somebody who’s an expert—and there are experts everywhere.

people say “What does your gut feeling say? Take a step

companies because they miss that element of purpose.

back.” And I think that’s what I missed in the beginning.

This makes me very positive about where I think our

Sometimes it’s important to take a step back and to

economy and our society is moving towards.

CAREER

think “Are we really doing the right thing?”

When you look for interns, who are in a way Anything else you’d like to say?

the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow,

To people who finish university and don’t know what

what qualities are you looking for?

to do, I recommend doing something, anything, doesn’t

I think there are a number of things that play a role

really matter what. I think my Al Gore moment is

here. Firstly it’s got to be a person who’s fun to hang

much more present with millennials, people who

out with. Secondly they need to understand and be

are graduating now. Whenever I try to explain what

positive about what we’re trying to achieve and thirdly

we’re trying to achieve with Social Impact Ventures,

they need to have a couple of skills we simply need. We

the younger the person I explain it to, the easier they

need to run spreadsheets, do analysis, market research;

understand it. It makes me very hopeful and I think

you’ve got to have some skills in that area. But finally I

there are a lot of people who are studying now who

think it’s fun to have young people who come in with

not only understand the need for doing it but also

new ideas. I find young people much better at finding

have the urge. My sense is that nowadays students

data, googling, basically doing research. They are just

are more balanced on what it’s about in life and I think

much better at it than me. And they got other ways of

it’s more important to have a purpose in your work. I

thinking about problems and that’s good to have in a

see that with bigger companies; they have more and

team; diversity. ■

more difficulties attracting talent compared to smaller

Helmer Schukken is a Dutch entrepreneur who is putting his education and work experience to a good use.

After graduating he started as a consultant and went from biomass broker to co-founding Zonline, an online platform for homeowners who want to convert their homes to solar energy. In 2014 he co-founded Social Impact Ventures, a social enterprise growth fund that invests in and provides support to social ventures. I visited him together with Marlies Van Laarhoven, co-founder of the IEM Caring Foundation, in his office in Amsterdam to ask him about entrepreneurship, values, and how to succeed in the jungle of markets that are thriving today.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

33

CAREER

Stora Enso’s GROW Global Trainee Programme is your opportunity to change the world… and you will change too Stora Enso’s GROW Global Trainee Programme

The current programme – 26 trainees with 7 different

is an 18-month leadership programme aimed at

nationalities – is ending in December 2016, and

strengthening the company’s transformation into a

the current trainees will become GROW Alumni,

renewable materials growth company and its bench

continuing in their current roles and growing within

of future leaders. GROW Trainees get a unique

Stora Enso. “It’s super fun, but also super challenging.

opportunity to be a change agent at Stora Enso, engaging

I feel I have grown a lot during this programme and

with colleagues on all levels in an open and challenging

I have been pushed out of my comfort zone”, says

community, while driving strategically relevant initiatives

Hanna Westerberg, HR Specialist in the Biomaterials

in the organisation. All throughout the programme, the

Division. “I feel privileged to be a GROW Trainee. We

trainees are expected to tackle real opportunities to

experience so many things in 18 months that many

accelerate Stora Enso’s transformation.

people don’t experience in a whole lifetime”, adds Otto Mertanen, Category Manager for Sourcing Wood

“I feel really, really proud to be a GROW Trainee, that’s

Products & Categories.

all”, says Laura Suikkanen, Biochemical Sales Assistant in the Innovation Center for Biomaterials. “Being a

The next application period for GROW Global Trainee

GROW Trainee for me is being part of a network of

Programme 2017-2018 will take place 1.12.2016-

top talents, but also really close friends that always

28.2.2017. To read more about GROW life and follow

stand up for you,” describes Per Engström, working

the current GROW Trainees on their journey, go to

in Sourcing for the Paper Division and located in the

www.growatstoraenso.com!

Düsseldorf Office.

GROW Global Trainee Programme

34

The GROW Global Trainee

■■

18-month leadership programme

■■

Wants a career as a leader

■■

30 permanent positions across Stora Enso’s 35

■■

Is international and embraces diversity

operating countries

■■

Has max. 3 years of working experience

■■

Mentoring, 3-week Sustainability Project, 3

months abroad, and more

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

CAREER

A journey called the GROW Sustainability

Local community work in Uruguay and Poland

Project

The project weeks started with us getting to know

By Mea Mäkijärvi, GROW Trainee in Marketing and

the sustainability and community work that has been

Communications, Wood Supply Finland

done at Stora Enso’s Montes del Plata joint venture in Uruguay through a 4-day bus tour around various

3 weeks, 62 units, 26 tired (but happy!) trainees, and 2

MdP locations. The biggest learning for me was a new

final presentations. This is a story of how I experienced

level of theoretical understanding, as well as practical

one of our last trainee modules and how we all at Stora

examples of CCI. I also learned to always ask WHAT

Enso can make a difference in the communities we

FOR. This means aligning the CCI activities and projects

operate in.

with enhancement of the positive and mitigation of the negative impacts our company has in that particular

At 7:30 am on Friday 29 April I was in the Helsinki

community. It was very inspiring to see how far MdP

HQ auditorium, preparing for a presentation as if it

has come in implementing sustainability throughout the

would have been a big sports competition. There was

entire value chain from plantations to the mill; a true

motivational music blasting from the speakers, team

benchmark case.

spirit exercises, high adrenaline, and a final run-through.

What on earth was this all about? Let’s take a look

After some eventful travel experiences, my project

back at how us trainees ended up talking about CCI,

pair Anna Scheinin and I finally arrived in Poland – our

an abbreviation of Corporate Community Investment,

destination for project week 2. We visited Tychy mill

to a top audience that particular morning and what had

and Murow sawmill and learned how different our

happened in the weeks prior to the presentations.

units are regarding their relationship to the surrounding communities. In some cases Stora Enso is a significant

Hearing about CCI for the first time

player and employer, whereas in other places we are

The GROW Sustainability Project 2016 was kicked off

small compared to other companies. Other pairs

during our second IMD module. Noel Morrin (EVP,

visited other Stora Enso units, and we kept in touch via

Sustainability) told us that he needed our help with

the trainee WhatsApp group.

one of the ten areas of our Sustainability Agenda: community. It would be our task to talk to 62 Stora

The third and final week in Helsinki was all about

Enso units worldwide and find out what they currently

bringing a massive amount of information together

do for the communities they are located in. At the time,

and making an impactful presentation of our findings

I didn’t really understand what our study would lead

for the Top Management Team. It was very interesting

to, but the topic seemed interesting. I was also happy

to compare our experiences in various units and hear

to hear that we had support and tools from London

about the great community projects that have already

Benchmarking Group, an organisation that is specialised

been done.

in measuring companies’ CCI efforts.

Last but not least: Check #storaensoGROW on www.growatstoraenso.com for more pictures of the project and our trainee experience in general!

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

35

INSIDE ESTIEM

Board Handover

Introducing the 27th Board

The 26th Board Says Goodbye

Taavi Valgerist, President interviewed by Tom Koolen You are the first Boardie from Estonia, which Estonian tradition will ESTIEMers get to know this year?

How being slow and relaxed can actually be productive in the long run.

How do you plan to get yourself a song this year?

I might take some pointers from my predecessor and try to seem as unavailable as possible so such things What do you see as the biggest challenge for

might be turned into songs. Songs like “Where is Tom

ESTIEM in 2016/2017?

Koolen?” or “Tom Koolen is over the ocean” are my

The biggest challenge for ESTIEM is how to unlock

current inspirations.

the possibilities that the modern world can offer for

Complete the sentence: I am Taavi Valgerist

ESTIEM and how to turn those into benefits for every

and I am allergic to...

ESTIEMer.

… never ending discussions.

Tiago Carvalho, Vice President of Administration interviewed by Lassi Uosukainen What was the last thing you administered?

The thing I always try to administer is my health. It’s going to be a tough task throughout this year spending so many days away from home but I think saying no to alcohol in some situations will be a great step.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I am a huge music fan so I tend to go to a lot of summer festivals and I sing a lot during concerts but I prefer

Which country in Europe has the best kebabs?

to abstain from singing karaoke to avoid outshining

I believe that the consumption of a kebab is too great

everyone else with my angelic tone.

of an experience to be ranked. The magic of the

Are we going to have a new portal?

moment can completely overshadow the ingredients.

Rumour says that somewhere in a secret dark deep

A little bit of beer is still beer. A little bit of pizza is still

underground room in Tampere a lonely unsung hero

pizza. But a little bit of love is nothing. Love cannot be

that once made a beer opener out of an iPhone is

measured. Kebab is love.

preparing some gimmicks. I guess only time will tell.

36

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Aytaç Isik, Vice President of Education interviewed by Stephanie Riffo Rodriguez

INSIDE ESTIEM

What can we expect to see back from your training background in the position of VP of Education?

My training background has really shown me that knowledge grows when shared, so you can see me spreading the ‘learn, share, grow together’ mindset in my work and throughout the network. I consider knowledge sharing and learning with peers one of the crucial aspects of education in our network.

What did you want to become when you were small?

The first thing I remember that I wanted to be was a How will you develop the IEM in ESTIEM during

thief. Just so I could have everything I wanted and to not

the upcoming year?

care about money. Fortunately, social circumstances

Together! IEM in ESTIEM is quite a large area and the

didn’t really let me pursue that particular career path.

bar we want to reach is also very highly set but our

I later started wanting to be an engineer which, even

power comes from each other, from 80 local groups

later, led me here to be an IEMer.

(time of writing). So I see more ESTIEMers working

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

together on this direction as the key to develop IEM

Caution, might get too deep into the topic, bring a

in ESTIEM.

rope.

Pedro Schuller, Vice President of Finance interviewed by Sissi Simeonova As Financial controller of the last/transition year you were already involved in the ESTIEM finances. Did this motivate you to become Vice President or was it just part of the way to the position?

Applying for the board wasn’t something I had in mind when got to be FC. However, having insight into your work made me realise that it was something I saw myself doing. Also, being at CM Porto, the last moment in my academic life when I could actually apply, I could

Finance in seven years from Porto, after Luís Godinho

not miss out on the opportunity of leading such an

and Henrique Cruz!

impressive organisation as ESTIEM.

If you had 500,000 Euros as a budget of ESTIEM

During the past few years, all Vice Presidents

and you had to spend them all, what would you

of Finance of ESTIEM were from the Balkan

do?

Peninsula. Now that you ‘break’ the tradition,

I’d definitely have to think about investments that

what is your vision for the future generations of

would have a long-term impact in the network. One

VPs of Finance?

way could be to turn one of the CMs into a super IEM

It is indeed true that I break a Balkan hegemony in this

Convention where companies and academia would be

position. However, I feel like changing to an Iberian

invited, in order to skyrocket ESTIEM’s visibility in the

like me will not be so drastic. After all, the Balkan

future. Also, I’d buy an amazing portal. We could also

Region is most probably the one I have the most

buy a big apartment in central Europe to be the ESTIEM

friends from (outside Iberia of course), and I’m one of

headquarters. Obviously, I’d invest in trainings for our

the few people not from there that can actually enjoy

Committee Leaders, to boost ESTIEM’s capability.

rakija. I can even read and write Cyrillic! Being Board

If you had the chance to be someone else for a

Responsible of the Balkans does not come as a surprise

day who would you like to be?

in the end. Let’s not forget, still, that I’m the third VP of

Dead? Richard Feynman. Alive? Elon Musk.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

37

INSIDE ESTIEM

Milena Popovic, Vice President of Public Relations interviewed by Mafalda Monteiro other people and work in a multicultural environment, broadening your ideas while you still have time for it.

As VP of PR, one of the most difficult tasks you will have is to make the ESTIEM Board look good. Have you thought of any strategy?

Luckily I have a board to be proud of; all looking good in green and carrying their flags everywhere. On a higher scale I would really like to see us stay in shape and still fit our suits at the end of the mandate.

You are the newest addition to the official ESTIEM colours. Which colour are you and why?

I will be red, the colour of energy, passion and warmth.

As Vice President of Public Relations, one of

It goes well with my enthusiastic personality and would

your tasks is to make the ESTIEM brand widely

be a good addition.

recognised and respected. How would you

What was the last picture you took with your

pitch ESTIEM to a student?

mobile phone?

To fellow students, I would present ESTIEM with our

Being an animal lover, I have quite a few pictures of

values and the playground that we share; although you

my pet cat. This time she was posing all over my study

are gaining a lot of vital theoretical knowledge in your

notes, I had to snap a picture so I could prove why I

studies, your student life is a unique moment to meet

couldn’t study hard enough.

Rebekka Nagel, Vice President of Activities interviewed by Alaz Ata Şenol visited about ten years ago when I went with my family on vacation to Canada. I still remember how nervous I was to fly for the first time. Today I usually fall asleep even before the plane takes off.

The most Northern point was Luleå in Sweden. For our second board meeting we had an exciting road trip passing through all of Finland to visit our most Northern Local Group. Unfortunately it wasn’t polar light season yet so I will definitely need to come back How many events in a row can you take?

in winter!

I guess that depends on how many events ESTIEM can

Which item from your luggage would you

offer in a year and if I can catch all flights of course. You

remove last if you didn’t have enough space?

are more than welcome to join a bet on the forum.

My potato.

If you take Alaska as the westernmost point

Imagine a situation wherein you suddenly

and Australia as the easternmost point on a

realise that you are actually the last man

plain map, what are the southern-, northern-,

standing at a party and there’s no other

western- and easternmost points you visited in

ESTIEMer left. What would you do?

the world?

Afterparty, Afterparty, Hey, Hey!!!

The most Eastern and Southern point at the same

And in case ESTIEMers went to bed already...

time would be Australia. Since I had no idea what to

Pyjamaparty Pyjamaparty, Hey Hey!!!

study after finishing high school, I went backpacking for

However this is a sad situation which no VP of Activities

half a year. When I came back my ideas weren’t much

should ever need to deal with. Therefore I would

clearer, but at least I had had a great adventure and

probably open a discussion on the forum the next day

then randomly chose this weird study called IEM.

to gather input on which measures we could take to

The most Western point would be Toronto which I

prevent such unfortunate situations in the future.

38 ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

7 months in INSIDE ESTIEM numbers

The Board spent

The 26 Board says Goodbye th

What was the most challenging issue you faced

was also a real challenge.

during your mandate?

Sissi: Being a board member, working four hours a day

718 days on the road

and studying at the same time was quite a challenge.

Altogether they

Alaz: The emotional and mental burdens of the general

But what was more important, and always will be, is the

met more than

crisis situations of ESTIEM while trying to survive three-

time with my family that I sometimes could not spend

2000 ESTIEMers

weeks or one-month long event marathons physically.

due to my workload. Unfortunately, people realise how much they miss home only when they spend three out

Stephanie: Being on the road for long periods of

of seven months on the road.

time and then having the feeling that I could not be productive, because I could not focus on developing

Mafalda: Finding myself in a position where there is a

Alaz sang 1140

our board goals. But then again, spending time with

lot of operational work to be done and having no way

songs

Local Groups was just as valuable.

of solving it in a short term. It was difficult for me to think in a strategic way especially in the times before

Tom: Keeping five board members motivated and

the Council Meeting as I was quite overloaded with

productive while they are travelling all around Europe,

design tasks.

Sissi fit 45 clothing

when this is already difficult when everyone is in the same room every day. At the same time, as an active

Lassi: Delegating work to other people. Often when

items in a small

member, I already knew a lot about ESTIEM, but having

you have a small task it feels like you will get it done

WIzzair cabin bag

to keep an overview of everything that ESTIEM is doing

faster if you just do it yourself, but at some point it starts to add up.

What do you take for your life from these

achieve so much by yourself and I think I managed to

seven months in the ESTIEM Board?

develop myself quite a lot in this area.

Stephanie spent 13230 minutes on

Alaz: Experiencing and getting through many different

Sissi: As my co-boardies have pointed out, I have

kinds of unexpected problems and learning how to

grown the most during the last seven months. Indeed I

handle them in terms of working experience. When it

am the youngest in the board, but I would have never

comes to playing, I can say that I pushed my body to

imagined how all the people I met, the challenges I faced

limits that I didn’t know of yet and made many more

and the goals that I fulfilled would make me become a

friends from various backgrounds.

better person now. I will remember them all—the ups

Mafalda spent 1248

and downs, the laughter and the tears...out of joy of

hours in Eindhoven

Stephanie: These last seven months, I really enjoyed

Skype

course.

working with my leaders. By developing them, I learned a lot myself as well, and they made me realise that this

Lassi: Ten kg.

is something I want to keep on doing for the rest of my life. Developing myself by developing others. It

Mafalda: All the different experiences I have been

People sang the

truly was a unique experience to work this close with

through changed me into a less emotional person when

Tom Koolen song

so many different people with different personalities,

managing crisis situations, but what really made my year

123 times

and cultural backgrounds.

were the people I met and/or had the opportunity to work with. I learnt a lot from them for my professional,

Tom: A load of things, but one of the main things is

but also personal life and I feel that even in 50 years I

that I realised that you always need people to make

will laugh about these times with some of these people

things happen and also to keep motivated. You can only

over a coffee (or beer?)...somewhere in Europe!

Lassi ate 150 kebabs

My Diploma Thesis: ‘How does ESTIEM affect its members’ skills?

INSIDE ESTIEM

It was a long time ago when I joined ESTIEM by participating in the XL Council Meeting in Porto. It was the beginning of my ESTIEM life which enabled me to have a variety of experiences with our network and improve my personal and professional skills. Six years later, I decided to write my Diploma Thesis about ESTIEM. My thesis is entitled “Analysis of the effect of the

Theodoros Pappas

Local Group Chios

European student organization, ESTIEM, on

Additionally, when ESTIEMers were asked to describe

its members’ skills”. The interest of this research

their scientific and

focuses on the influence of ESTIEM on the skills of

were like this: about 10% said that they felt more like

its members which develop with their participation

engineers, about 40% said that they felt more like

in events, activities and in leadership positions. This

managers and the other 50% said that they feel close

research was made by a critical literature review

to both.

on the subject of the correlation between student

Another key point was about the times they have

organisations and the influence they create on their

travelled abroad in the last three years. Specifically, at

members. Additionally, I presented a detailed analysis

most ten trips per year made by 45% of the sample,

of the questionnaire that was answered by ESTIEMers,

then about ten to twenty trips made by 37% and lastly

concerning the demographics of the sample, the

18% had more than twenty trips. From the results it

participation in ESTIEM and finally how significantly the

can be concluded that students who completed the

members of ESTIEM improved their skills as a result of

questionnaire are particularly active in their lives.

professional profile the results

their participation in ESTIEM.

“

As one of the results, ESTIEM members preferred not to choose one and only one problem to solve, but feel equally related to each one and are willing to solve it together to improve the future of the network.

Demographics and general information about

Participating in ESTIEM

the sample

One of the main parameters of the investigation was

Firstly, the sample consisted of about 100 ESTIEMers

the members’ position in ESTIEM. More specifically, it

who answered my research’s questionnaire. This

emerges from the results that the higher the position

sample was composed of both males and females,

is in ESTIEM, the more trips are made in the last

undergraduate

three years. They have also been participating in and

and

postgraduate

students

and

ESTIEMers from 16 different countries.

organising more events and have worked many hours for ESTIEM as well.

45% of the sample had an occupation while 55% didn’t have any. This ratio is relatively high when considered

Each Local Group has organised around four events a

for students. As another fact, undergraduate students

year on average; a result indicating their strong energy

show a difference in their work preferences, part or

and motivation.

full-time, while graduate students commonly prefer to

40

work full time. Moreover, most of the students tend to

In addition, it was also investigated whether

work in an occupation related to their field of study.

members are satisfied with the current activities of

Their involvement with ESTIEM clearly gave them the

the organisation. As for the rating of a specific level

chance to create a basis for their future life by enlarging

of activity. The worst graded activities were Vision

their network and to orient the IEM industry through a

(4.07/5) and Student Guide (4.08/5), while the best

European network.

graduated activity was Summer Academy (4.27/5).

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Undoubtedly, all the answers on the evaluation of

having developed their skills as they all appear to have

activities were excellent (satisfaction degree greater

more than three out of five on this parameter without

than four) and clearly show the satisfaction of members

any specific observation of difference. The least

without giving a statistically specific differentiation

developed skill is the Synthesis/Analysis (3.45 / 5) and

between activities.

the most developed skill is the Oral Communication

INSIDE ESTIEM

(3.83 / 5). The conclusion drawn from the results is At the same time, the most significant weaknesses

that communication and interpersonal skills are highly

identified about ESTIEM events were the high costs

developed when compared to the professional skills

of travelling, and the lack of cooperation with the

such as leadership and management.

European Union and other similar organisations. As one of the results, ESTIEM members preferred not to

In conclusion, this study could be useful since it could

choose one and only one problem to solve, but feel

provide a basis for conducting future research on the

“

The conclusion drawn from the results is that communication and interpersonal skills are highly developed when compared to the professional skills such as leadership and management.

equally related to each one and are willing to solve it

subject of the influence of student organisations. To

together to improve the future of the network.

sum up, the main result to be drawn out of the main question is that according to the sample, ESTIEM has a

Skills improved as a result of participating in

positive effect on developing ESTIEMers’ skills. As a final

ESTIEM

conclusion, ESTIEMers who are active in their personal

ESTIEMers who have leadership positions and the ones

and professional lives have a variety of assets and gain

who participate in networking activities were asked

significant experience from the ESTIEM network. ■

about how they improved their skills. Specifically, it was noted that they gave themselves a high grade on

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

41

The Impact of Multilingual Learning in Professional and Personal Development

INSIDE ESTIEM

Languages define different visions of life. It entangles personalities, enhances cultures and empowers people. Empowerment stimulates people to reshape themselves, broadening the horizons of common knowledge, opening everyone’s perception.

Danijel Pavlica

ESTIEM Language Programme Leader 2016

Local Group Novi Sad

aided by the genuine will to learn new languages.

and to change. It is what ensures that what hasn’t been

The impact of learning reaches different areas, including

experienced will result in changes when meaningful

the self-consciousness. Personal traits like confidence,

moments are lived, with its social consequences and

self-awareness, flexibility, adaptability and open-

all that can be learned from experience. The cultural

mindedness can change according to the comfort level

environment tends to shape the vision of our world,

in a specific context. In a socially and culturally adverse

and the wider the environment is, the more knowledge

environment, the ability to communicate may be the

can be obtained. Languages serve this purpose, acting

trigger to connect with an entirely different culture

as a bridge between different cultures through the

and get to know its peculiarities. It has been proven

means of communication.

that it is easier to bond with foreigners if you are communicating in their native language, as it also shows

Multilingual learning will then allow for everyone to have

appreciation towards their culture and their history.

impactful opportunities, over the prospect of improving

The social gratification for this type of learning is high

their selves while communicating. This happens both

and stresses even more the personal development,

professionally and personally. Although no other

also subconsciously.

language will make us feel as comfortable as our native

Diogo Sá

Local Group Minho

42

Personal growth will always be linked to the unknown

one, learning other languages will lead to psychological

In a multicultural environment, such as ESTIEM, the

shifts that affect not only the way of thinking but also

bridges mentioned above have an even bigger impact.

the development of personality. It contributes to

They sustain the network’s fluidity by promoting the

professional success by expanding knowledge and by

share of experiences, stimulating bonds through the

improving the decision-making process. It also fosters

use of one or multiple languages. The ESTIEM Language

the multi-tasking ability and enhances the memory. As

Programme is an opportunity to help unveil the beauty

more languages are known, the brain becomes more

of multilingualism and all the sharing experiences

developed. This is the premise of multilingual learning

withdrawn from it. ■

“

People are made to communicate. The more ways to express oneself are known, the richer are the experiences lived by those who know so.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Nice to Minsk You

INSIDE ESTIEM

Local Group Minsk started because of the direct approach of the members of Board 2011 who travelled to our university. Since that moment, our long way has begun; the journey—through hardships to the stars—which we were going through all these years.

LG Minsk is based at the Belarusian State University

November 2013 and April 2016). Also twice, we have

of Informatics and Radioelectronics (BSUIR) which

been declared as the most active observers in ESTIEM.

plays a leading role in the preparation of engineering

Now, after all issues about official registration are

and scientific staff in the field of computer science,

solved and we have more than five years’ experience

radioelectronics and telecommunications in the

of taking part in and organising events within ESTIEM,

national educational system of Belarus.

Local Group Minsk is completely ready to become a full requirements, such as an IEM curriculum, uniqueness

anniversary. Hard to imagine, right? It’s even harder

and passionate desire to grow and develop in such a

to say in words what ESTIEM means to me personally

network as ESTIEM.

and to every member of our lovely local group. It’s something that you can only feel inside. To realise

We are sure that we were also ready at Council Meeting

how much we appreciate being part of this amazing

Porto, and what happened there was very disappointing

community, it’s sufficient just to visit us—feel our

for us and to be honest demotivated the members of

hospitality and kindness—or just hear the feedback of

our local group for some time. Fortunately, this period

those who have already visited us, but the latter option

was short-lived. It was something that was not easy

is for lazy people and we don’t have them in ESTIEM,

to overcome, but that was the lesson not only for us,

do we? By the way, there were fourteen additional

but for the whole organisation end every ESTIEMer

happy ESTIEMers who have checked Local Group

particularly.

Polina Kravtsova

In April 2016, ESTIEM LG Minsk celebrated its fifth

Local Group Minsk

member of this community. We fulfil all the necessary

Minsk off their travelling checklists in August.

We are grateful for the support of many ESTIEMers he Survival Activity Week, held during 20–26 of August

and local groups who have been aware about all the

was the most international and intercultural event of

things we went through on our way and who also were

our local group, and we are extremely happy about

outraged and perplexed about the results of CM Porto.

how amazing it was. It contained all the elements of

a good activity week; varied agenda, hospitable

Local Group Minsk is highly motivated to organise

organisers, good weather, lots of fun and absolutely

more and more events, to take part in ESTIEM life

fantastic participants. Don’t hesitate to ask them about

both on local and central level, to put all efforts to

us as you should never hesitate to come to Minsk.

make ESTIEM even better, to spread the ESTIEM spirit

Since LG Minsk appeared on the ESTIEM map it has

among our students and share the Belarusian spirit all

experienced periods of ups and downs. So many things

over Europe. We are always happy to say: “Nice to

have happened in these five years. We have been

Minsk you!”. ■

restated from observer to guest local group twice (in

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

43

ESTIEM Career Event

INSIDE ESTIEM

The idea to organise the Career Event didn’t come up at once. It started as a vague plan to organise an event aimed at students who are in the last part of their studies. While most events are interesting for all ESTIEMers, we wanted to create an event that is valuable mostly for students who are close to graduating. With that in mind, we started to elaborate on the idea.

The Process

be developed within ESTIEM and how future organisers

We soon realised that the possibilities for this event

will continue to improve it. I believe that ESTIEM can

were endless and that input from other ESTIEMers

truly help us all to boost our international careers!

would be very helpful for us. That is why we did a

Eleonora Nazander

ESTIEM Alumni President 2015/2016

Local Group Saint Petersburg

Working Group at CM Austria in November 2015.

It is here!

With the insights of the ESTIEMers, we decided that

The ESTIEM Career Event took place from the 2nd

an event with a focus on career would really add value

until the 7th of June in Eindhoven, with eighteen

to the broad collection of events that ESTIEM already

official participants from fifteen different Local Groups.

offers. It was something that did not exist yet, while at

Company visits and trainings were the main part of the

the same time it could be very helpful for students who

event. It aimed to show different working cultures and

are about to start their own career.

perspectives; how to prepare for your (international) career and what you should take into account after

While we were still trying to give a direction to the

graduation.

event, we heard that the ESTIEM Alumni set a goal for themselves to develop knowledge sharing between

On Friday the participants cycled to Studyportals

alumni and ESTIEMers. We realised that the event

and Phillips Health tech. There, the participants got

we had in mind was a great possibility for sharing

their first insights; the effect of the company size, the

knowledge between alumni and ESTIEMers, because

industry and the atmosphere. Also, the application

alumni have the knowledge and experience in building

process showed two totally different approaches.

a strong and international career. It turned out that the alumni already had similar ideas. The decision to start

In the weekend the ESTIEM Alumni took the stage.

collaborating was an easy one.

Harold Janert kicked off with career planning to create self-awareness and the participants’ definition of a

Now that the event is over, I think that together with

good career. Job van de Sande continued the career

the alumni we have developed a strong concept and I

path by highlighting results and experiences of working

hope that it will be organised again by different Local

abroad (Asia & America).

Groups. I am very curious to see how the event will

44 44 ESTIEM ESTIEMMagazine Magazine| |51 45thst issue - Distruptive Internet of Things Technologies

INSIDE ESTIEM

Local Group Eindhoven

Roy Wolters

students.

Tom Mul

glad to share their professional experience with current

and Etienne van Gils were related to their profession.

Local Group Eindhoven

The next trainings, provided by Geoffrey van IJzendoorn First the participants jumped in the life of a consultant and on Sunday morning Etienne provided a case and

Developing knowledge sharing between alumni and

his experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

ESTIEMers was one of the main goals for the Alumni

systems.

Board 2015/16. The topic ‘career’ wasn’t chosen without a reason; universities rarely teach how to

However, before starting a career you need to get

select the right career path and get a job you want.

the job. Applications start with a Curricula Vitae (CV)

Luckily, alumni can help with their extensive practical

and a cover letter. The participants brought theirs and

experience.

Eleonora Nazander shared feedback and tricks during the last training. To celebrate, the participant attended

To test the relevance of career training for ESTIEMers,

a beer tasting workshop and on the last day they

we organised the alumni training on topics such as

visited Amsterdam to experience some culture and

career planning, CV and cover letter, entrepreneurship

sightseeing!

and others at CM Austria and CM Porto. The feedback received was very encouraging; it showed that students

ESTIEM Alumni

were inspired by alumni stories and got many useful

There are many different career paths ESTIEMers

tips. Some participants said that the training largely

choose after graduation. We can become management

clarified what they wanted to do in life. Clearly there

consultants, entrepreneurs, IT or supply chain

was a need for an ESTIEM event about career skills and

specialists and many others. No matter the field, many

luckily LG Eindhoven was of the same opinion. ■

ESTIEM alumni are successful in their careers and are

“

The career event was an incredible experience for me. Not only did I learn a lot while organising the event, the content of the event was also very inspiring. The personal stories of the alumni were very motivating and during the workshops I gained some valuable insights about starting a successful career. In addition to that, the companies gave a good view on what they expect from a starter in the job market.

Roy Wolters, Project Leader

I have a positive feeling after the first edition. Regardless from the participants’ background, there were valuable lessons for everybody. A successful career can be obtained by everybody. Make it realistic and write down what a successful career means to you in measurable terms, that is the way to go. It is one of the many things I learned during this week!

“

Tom Mul, Local Board Responsible

“

The event went great. During my workshop about CV and cover letter, we had a lot of interesting discussions; should the CV include all your experiences or will that make you look unfocused? Should you mention your soft skills and if so, how to do it without sounding trivial? When should your CV have a professional summary? This made me recall my own struggles when searching for the first job; it is not enough to have good grades. You need to know how to present yourself in the best way and how to use networking to bring the message across.

Eleonora Nazander, ESTIEM Alumni President 2015/16 ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

45

BetaGlyph.com

INSIDE ESTIEM

Last autumn, we started a website where we have been publishing reviews of the books we read. We did it because we love reading and we believe it is one of the best ways to find new ideas. Writing for BetaGlyph turned out to be a great learning experience in itself, as we challenged ourselves to structure our thoughts and interpret each book more carefully. But before we go there, let me tell you a bit more about how it all started.

It was a sunny September day and I met up with my

non-fiction books; management, entrepreneurship,

friend Henrique for a beer in Porto. I had just come

leadership, philosophy, etc.—no novels were to be

back from my Erasmus semester in Berlin and Henrique

included.

was starting his new job in Lisbon, so we had a lot to

Nuno Carneiro

ESTIEM President 2014

Local Group Porto

catch up on. Inevitably, we ended up discussing the

After a couple of weekends of hard work we put the

books we had been reading during the summer. Could

first two articles online and launched a promotion

we share these great ideas with our friends? Could we

campaign on social media with the help of over a 100

encourage them to read more books by sharing our

friends. The first feedback was very encouraging, our

reading experiences online?

friends liked the page and some were even buying the books we recommended!

We both loved the idea. But we knew one thing: we had to start right away or this would end up as one of those

Over the following weeks, we worked on minor

ideas you never follow up on. So we immediately made

improvements on the website and on sending out our

a plan for a launch in two weeks. There was a lot to do;

first monthly newsletter. Most importantly, we agreed

we had to choose a name, create the website, register

on a strict schedule of reviews – there would be one

the domain and prepare a promotion campaign for the

new review each week, meaning that each of us would

launch. We also defined that we wanted to include only

read one book every two weeks.

“

Most importantly, we agreed on a strict schedule of reviews– there would be one new review each week, meaning that each of us would read one book every two weeks.

Henrique Cruz

ESTIEM Vice President of Finance 2012

Local Group Porto

Reading a new book every two weeks, and additionally writing a complete review of it, is though. But after one year of BetaGlyph we find there are many more advantages of it: ■■

We read more books (obvious but important!);

■■

We started taking lots of notes while reading;

■■

By writing about it, we learn more about what we just read;

■■

We learn about writing;

■■

We get to engage more often with other book lovers (once we were even exchanging messages with one of the books’ authors!)

Do you ever feel like you want to learn more about the book you just finished reading? We do, and that is why we always include a section called ‘further learning’ in 46

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

“

Hence, our final advice is: read as much as you can, but also take every opportunity to try yourself out in the real world, and being active in ESTIEM is one of the best ways to do just that.

our reviews. There we share pages where the reader

more people in the future. But we are sure of one thing;

can learn more about the topic or the author and

we will not compromise the quality of our reviews in

we also always add a related video. This is just one

order to publish more often.

INSIDE ESTIEM

of the components we planned when we designed a common structure for all reviews, so that we ensure

Must-read books—every book gets a final verdict,

the consistency in BetaGlyph.

the highest title ‘must-read’ is only attributed to those books which no one should miss. These

Not all has worked out easily. We have been finding it

include classics such as “The Seven Habits of

challenging to keep up the schedule of one book every

Highly Effective People” or less known books

week and it is difficult to promote our articles when

such as “Maverick” or “The Hard Things About

there is so much content online. These are challenges

Hard Things”.

we will have to continue addressing in order to reach BetaGlyph is a curated list of non-fiction books created by two ESTIEM Alumni: Nuno Carneiro

One of the things which enriches the reading experience

and Henrique Cruz. Every week they publish

is to be able to try out the ideas you read about in your

a new review written by them or a friend. Six

daily life. For both of us, ESTIEM was the ultimate way

other ESTIEM Alumni have contributed with

to practise that. Being a playground where you can find

articles so far. Most of the books are on topics

your own leadership style, ESTIEM provides you with

such as management or leadership. Furthermore,

a great opportunity to develop your soft skills. Hence,

they publish a monthly newsletter with book

our final advice is: read as much as you can, but also

recommendations on www.betaglyph.com.

take every opportunity to try yourself out in the real world, and being active in ESTIEM is one of the best ways to do just that. ■

ESTIEM Magazine | 45th issue - Internet of Things

47

Opportunities as the ESTIEM Ambassador

INSIDE ESTIEM

Strengthening connections between ESTIEM and other student organisations, spreading the ESTIEM Spirit and representing our network. These were my main focuses as the ESTIEM Ambassador in the first half of 2016 and thanks to these tasks I got to know the next level of connecting students: IFISO. Being the ESTIEM Ambassador requires a certain level

us the chance to interact in a formal and informal way,

of experience in ESTIEM and also some knowledge

compare our developments and give each other useful

about other student organisations in Europe, in the

advice regarding the problems we were facing.

world. ESTIEM, during the 26 years of its existence, has

Kata Kis

Local Group Budapest & Vienna

already established partnerships all across the world

Introduction

and thanks to well developed modern technology

The discussion sessions started with an introduction

we are able to communicate with each other without

session. We all offered an insight into our networks,

meeting in person. Despite this huge help, if there is

the everyday lives, obligations and motivations. Getting

a chance for real life interaction, the discussions get

to know not only NGOs working in Europe, but across

more efficient and the decision making gets shorter

the whole world.

than via emails or even Skype chats. Being the official representative of our network, I was lucky enough to

During the working sessions, facilitated by the board

personally get to know those people who had the same

of IFISO—the Management Team—we discussed

responsibilities as me and with whom I discovered that

all problems and achievements of each organisation,

the goals I was working for were not only mine.

giving each other advice or just sort of an example to handle all kinds of issues.

In May 2016, the Spring Meeting of the Informal Forum of International Student Organisation (IFISO), in

Cooperation

Zagreb, gave me the perfect chance to interact with

We had a separate session dedicated to find links

several student organisations. Even with those whom

between organisations in order to develop or maintain

I had never heard of before and to get to know the

cooperation and communication among each other.

people behind the e-mail addresses and Skype names.

As an outcome we could create our own cooperation matrix and follow up on the improvements till the next

The four days long meeting, organised by IAPS

meeting.

(International Association of Physics Students), gave Partners of ESTIEM present in Zagreb (on the left: EPSA – European Pharmaceutical Students Association, on the right: EESTEC: Electrical Engineering Students’ European Association)

48

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

INSIDE ESTIEM

Friendship

two other awesome people—Maja Sercic from EPSA

Like at every conference or other event, friendships

(European Pharmaceutical Students Association) and

were born. Even with organisations that ESTIEM does

Anthony Grally from ISHA (International Students of

not really have a common interest with, the personal

History Association)—got elected as the new leaders

link can be useful in the future since we cannot predict

of IFISO. We were not only working together before,

the directions our organisations (in our case ESTIEM)

but we also became close friends, therefore it is a

will head in the upcoming years.

great pleasure for us to be able to continue our work

At the end of the formal part of the meeting there

together in a team coming from different organisations,

was a special moment, the election of the next

different countries, now for a common interest.

Management Team. It’s not a coincidence that I am mentioning it in the friendship part, since me and

As my mandate ended in August, I happily handed over my responsibilities to my successor, Wout Biesheuvel. The position of ESTIEM Ambassador gave me the opportunity of looking outside of the box and discovering new challenges. Wout, I wish you all the best and at least as many new adventures and experiences as third ESTIEM Ambassador as this position gave me during only six short months!

Because we are ESTIEM, we are unique, but we are not the only ones owning this value! ■

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

49

Each Summer Academy has a different story—what about the last three in Helsinki?

INSIDE ESTIEM

When you read the title of this article, you might have thought: “What is Summer Academy, is it a camping event in the woods or an academic summer course, and what makes it special in Helsinki?”

Coşku Mutlucan

Local Group Istanbul-Yildiz

Summer Academy is a learning and reflecting

The event has been organised for three years by

experience in which you concentrate on ethical topics

Gregory Watson and Local Group Helsinki. Participants

from a leader’s point of view. The project gathers

had the opportunity to learn about the roots of

students from all over the world together with a

Industrial Engineering from the historical development

senior Professor. Each Summer Academy focuses on

of ideas to real life examples of implementations.

different areas with unique reflecting approaches. One

Gregory Watson transfers his knowledge not only with

thing always happens—an unforgettable life-changing

teaching but also by telling about real life experiences,

experience.

which gives a broader perspective to the participants.

Each participant brought home many tools which will

Summer Academy Helsinki brought a different

boost their role as an industrial engineer. Here you can

approach to the event series during the last three

read some of the participant’s thoughts:

years. The intellectual root of industrial management was introduced to the participants by Gregory Watson, who led the academy as a known pioneer of the six sigma movement. He has held both executive and consultant positions for years; his deep knowledge and many years of expertise provided an intensive learning experience.

“

Nuno Carneiro Gregory’s Summer Academy was an amazing learning experience. Either as an introduction to studying industrial engineering for the younger ones or a wrap up of all we learnt at the university, which was my case. It was the

One more unique summer has passed with wonderful

perfect complement to our IEM studies. I really

memories. At the end of the second week of July,

feel privileged for having had the opportunity to

participants of Summer Academy Helsinki were on

attend the Summer Academy. From all the 40+

their way to back home; happy, passionate and totally

ESTIEM events I have attended, this was surely

different than how they arrived. They had experienced

one of the best. Thank you Greg!

cumulative learning while enjoying Finnish nature to its fullest.

50

ESTIEM Magazine | 51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

INSIDE ESTIEM

“

Rebekka Nagel

witness how a scattered crew of people from

I was a young ESTIEMer, in my second year

nine different countries were unified during a

of university, when I applied to the Summer

ten day period by common ambition—personal

Academy in Helsinki in 2014. One week without

growth.

internet, television and all those distractions of our daily life, somewhere in the Finnish woods

Each year, our family is growing and we can’t believe

with fifteen students from eleven different

that it has already been three years since the first event

countries, a sauna but no running water, listening

appeared in Helsinki. At the end of the first edition,

to Greg’s inspiring talks during the day and

participants were asked who they wanted to be in

spending the nights with deep conversations of

2020. The answers ranged from great managers to

who we want to become, who we want to be.

inspiring leaders from different corners of the world

Walking around the Finnish forest until the sun

whom will not be average; because average doesn’t

rose again made me rethink many things, made

count, right Greg?

me believe that I could achieve anything as long

We would like to give a huge applause for dear Gregory

as I try to learn as much as I can, try to improve,

H. Watson for leading Summer Academy for three

be ambitious. That I would one day find myself

years and starting a Lean Six Sigma Course, which is an

in the ESTIEM Board I would not have imagined

essential skill for IEM students, for ESTIEMers. ■

though.

Some ESTIEM events can leave a mark, maybe even change your life… Summer Academy for

“

sure was one of them.

Linas Lazauskas Being a part of Gregory Watson’s first Summer Academy was a memorable milestone in my life. I was mesmerised by Gregory’s knowledge, personal stories and his humility towards his life achievements—as if anyone could do the same he did. Nevertheless, what dazzled me the most was the colourful crowd of people which gathered to the event. It was mesmerising to ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

51

ASEM–ESTIEM Partnership: Enhancing Educational, Cultural, and Social Experiences for Students

INSIDE ESTIEM

After months of planning, the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) and European Students of Industrial Engineering and Management (ESTIEM) partnership began this summer. The goal of the partnership is to build meaningful relationships between students and to organise events of mutual interest to both groups.

Ona Egbue

Associate Stuent Membersip Director for ASEM

Assistant Professor

Eingineering, University of Minnesote Duluh

52

Though each of the organisations is unique, they

Ingenieros Industriales (ETSII) Universidad Politécnica

share similar visions and objectives. Therefore, joining

de Madrid (UPM), Spain. The plan is to kick off

forces will lead to increased benefits. Through this

the collaboration by pairing a chapter (local group)

collaboration, students will take advantage of some of

from each organisation to foster unique and creative

the resources available to both organisations, engage

relationships that will ultimately be expanded to

with each other and gain a better

include other chapter pairings. Some

understanding of topics that are common

students from both organisations began

to both ASEM and ESTIEM from diverse

interacting with each other over the

perspectives. This partnership aims to

summer break with plans to extend the

support and encourage collaborative

collaboration to more chapter members

programming efforts between both

in October. The objective of the initial

groups. As a result, students stand to

activities was to establish effective

benefit from increased initiatives and

communication within the small group,

perspectives.

get feedback from members, and lay the groundwork for the larger group. Some

The partnership begins with the ASEM student chapter

activities planned for the partnership include video

at Montana State University, United States and the

conferences that allow students to engage with each

ESTIEM local group in Escuela Técnica Superior de

other, a shared blog, and webinars with presenters from

ESTIEM Magazine ||51 45stthissue issue--Distruptive Internet of Technologies Things

both industry and academia. There is also a plan for an

and dissemination of the engineering management

exchange programme with carefully designed activities

knowledge base through a variety of sectors, including

aimed towards exposing students to industries, people,

universities, government, and industry.

policies, and the culture of the host chapter or local

joining forces with ESTIEM, which focuses on combining

group. Furthermore, a longer-term goal is to establish a

technological understanding with management skills,

joint student competition with ASEM and ESTIEM.

will lead to mutual enhancement of educational and

INSIDE ESTIEM

Therefore,

social experiences for students. This partnership will ASEM is an organisation that advances, promotes

also elevate the profile of both organisations in North

and unites the engineering management profession

America and Europe. ■

worldwide. The society aims for continual development

ASEM offers many benefits to target the professional development of students. Some of the benefits of ASEM student membership include: ■■

International Annual Conference, the premier annual event for networking and collaborating with students, leaders and industries in the engineering management field.

■■

Student Case Study Competition for undergraduate and graduate student teams that compete for the best case analysis presented at the ASEM International Annual Conference.

■■

Student Paper Competition, which annually recognises the best student pa-

■■

ASEM’s Professional Certification provides for both entry-level certifica-

pers, published at the ASEM International Annual Conference. tion (Associate Engineering Manager) and certification of experienced technical managers. Certification events are also organised in collaboration with global partners throughout the year.

■■

Improved networking opportunities with colleagues around the world through LinkedIn and social media.

■■

Engineering Management Journal (EMJ), a top tier, refereed journal in the field of engineering management with a continually growing impact. This is an excellent way to stay abreast of the latest study and thought in engineering management.

■■

Continuing Education Programs through society webinars and trainings.

A full list of ASEM membership benefits is available at https://asem.org/page-18231

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

53

INSIDE ESTIEM

Project, Committee and Initiative Updates ESTIEM Language Programme

first Winter Academy in January, last summer, all of

The ESTIEM Language Programme aims to raise

the three Summer Academies had a large number of

awareness

multilingual

applicants, which reveals an improvement in the public

communication between IEM students and to

relations field. Also this summer, the ESTIEMers that

encourage language learning within the ESTIEM

took part in this year’s three Summer Academies had an

framework. Through various language activities and

incredible and life changing week that only SAC events

intensive language courses it focuses on achieving and

can provide with the guidance of our academic leaders.

following its vision – to foster understanding.

In Helsinki, they met ESTIEM’s long-time partner and

After becoming the newest project in the network,

friend Gregory Watson, Saskia Harkema inspired the

the Language Programme team was mainly focused on

participants at SAC Transylvania, and in Minho Toon

finding the best way to achieve its goals, which were, in

Ariens and SAC former leader Natalia Kobza changed

the end, shaped during the Coordination Meeting held

the way that the ones who met them there think.

in Aveiro. During the months after the Council Meeting

For 2017, the ambitions of the Summer Academy are

in Porto, the project kept encouraging local organisers

big, and the development of the Winter Academy

to implement language sessions at their events, the

concept and the project itself are on the top of the

new PR strategy was developed and new ideas were

table right now. The team is motivated and the Summer

carried into effect regarding the project’s knowledge

Academy spirit is present in every single one of us! Stay

management. In order to directly show its educational

tuned for the upcoming year!

of

the

importance

of

value, ELP facilitated an intensive Italian language course during the summer and before the Council Meeting in

businessbooster

Novi Sad, ESTIEMers had an opportunity to get some

2016 has kept the momentum of businessbooster’s

insights about the French language.

prosperous journey towards becoming the most innovative,

rewarding

and

hardworking

project

Academic Days

in ESTIEM. In March and April, both joint events

2016 has known two Academic Days events; in Aveiro

successfully organised alongside Vision allowed their

and Kiev, where both LGs shared knowledge about

participants to learn about 3D printing and startups

interesting topics that are mastered in their universities.

in Tallinn. Regarding the event “Driven by Innovation”

This year, the election of a new Academic Days team

that Local Groups Paderborn, Dortmund and Siegen

also happened, rich by its motivated people that are

have organised: ESTIEMers learned not only how to

eager to influence IEM students’ knowledge. The team

develop a business plan but also had the chance to visit

has the goal of improving the quality of what Academic

several companies. Later on, the third edition of the

Days events offer by establishing strong collaborations

Summer Entrepreneurship Training took place in Tel

with universities and other education stakeholders. By

Aviv, Bremen and Eindhoven during July. According to

doing that, the impact of the project will be improved.

its participants’ feedback, it turned out to be another

Currently, the project is working on the mentorship

big success and, therefore businessbooster would

concept for Academic Days events, as well as the

like to thank all the organising Local Groups for the

quality of the reflection sessions. Academic Days is full

amazing efforts invested into the event. In fact, their

of challenges, and the team is ready to take it a step

commitment and audacity led to the continuous

further and make it shine within ESTIEMers. Many news

improvement of the quality of the event. This year is

is to come!

ending with the organisation of the third edition of businessbooster The Competition—a business idea

54

Summer Academy

competition where participants develop a business

The ESTIEM Summer Academy was set up to bring

plan and receive proper mentoring. The preparation

international students together during summer holidays

phase and the semifinals will be held online, attending

to engage in open discussion, group work, debate

a course developed by businessbooster and the IEM

and private study under a senior academic leader. By

Caring Foundation. Finally, the big final will take place

talking, sharing thoughts and ideas and mixing with

in Porto in November. To sum up, although the team

students from all over the world all participants gained

had some changes after CM Porto, the Coordination

new ideas and perspectives, not just on their profession

Meeting was set in September and the new members

but also on other cultures.

are highly motivated and eager to work hard to take

2016 will forever be a mark on SAC history. After the

entrepreneurship in ESTIEM to the next level!

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Europe3D

in IEM Education, a great accomplishment of the team!

Already half of the Europe3D events of 2016 have

Furthermore, the Education Initiative is trying to find

been organised, and the upcoming ones will take place

a definite place within ESTIEM, so perhaps in the next

in Budapest and Vienna; and Lund. The entire team is

magazine the title of this text will be different!

INSIDE ESTIEM

already working on the events for 2017, where we’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Europe3D

Corporate Relations Committee

Project.

Establishing new mutual beneficial partnerships has

This is also an opportunity for us to reflect upon

always been the goal of the Corporate Relations

our values and what we stand for. We’ll keep on

Committee (CRC). Over the past period, the CRC has

strengthening our image and identity, and by doing so

not only established new partnerships, but also tried to

continuously improve the quality of all the Europe3D

redefine the concept of a mutual beneficial partnership.

events!

Different ways in which ESTIEM can collaborate with corporate partners have been developed, in

Student Guide

order to better support ESTIEMers on their way

After the last Council Meeting in Porto, the Student

towards a professional future. Besides that, the CRC

Guide team has been trying to develop the way pages

has investigated the opportunities that the current

are updated while trying to figure out the future of the

collaboration with the Alumni network of ESTIEM

project.

can have for the Corporate Relations Committee. To

So far we’ve created a new template for the updating

conclude, a new way to provide ESTIEMers with direct

of the pages, as to help the Local Groups to know

contact to our partners via LinkedIn is currently being

which information is needed to keep the quality of

developed.

their Student Guide Pages high. This new format of

Over the upcoming period we hope to be able to give

the pages will allow ESTIEMers to not only use the

many more ESTIEMers the opportunity to develop

information we have to pursue their studies across

themselves in a professional way, and support them in

Europe, but also the information they need during their

starting their future careers.

travels. So, until Council Meeting Novi Sad, we’ll be focusing our strength in making the new template and

Grants Committee

its design available online.

After the last Coordination Meeting, the Grants Committee was getting prepared for Council Meeting

Education Initiative

Porto. Grants Committee had one standardised

The Education Initiative aims to improve IEM Education

training which was delivered in every Council Meeting.

in Europe. This is a big and difficult goal to achieve,

As an action point after the Coordination Meeting,

but aren’t we always trying to aim high? Since this is an

the training got updated, improved upon and for the

initiative, the content is still developing. Currently we

first time delivered as the updated version in CM

have the European Master Thesis Award to stimulate

Porto. Besides, the Cash Cow Committee conducted

academic excellence among Master students with a

a research survey to find out more about local and/or

monetary award with it. Furthermore, the first edition

European grantors. This research is still on-going and

of the IEM Education Forum is being set up. This event

all input will be more than valuable. Also, the Grants

aims to gather all stakeholders of IEM Education to

Committee started working on the 3rd Edition of

create a platform of diversity to stimulate innovation.

Finance Forum together with the Financial and Legal

Lastly, research is being done among European IEM

Committee, trying our best to improve the Finance

students to get an insight in their education.

Forum concept every year. Currently, the Committee

By the time you are reading this, the applications of

is working on the upcoming ERASMUS+ and EYF

the European Master Thesis Award (EMTA) have been

deadline which are on the 4th of October and the

closed and are currently in the process of grading. This

1st of October. This year, we would like to find more

edition of the EMTA still is sponsored by the European

public funding opportunities for central ESTIEM and

Supply Chain Forum, which provides, among others, the

improve the grants knowledge by participating grants

1,000 euros first place prize. The biggest improvement

trainings delivered by European Commission and other

has been made in adding an extra grading round by PhD

grants institutions.

students to cope with the increase in applications.

Another important milestone that has been achieved:

Knowledge Management Committee

the first IEM Education Forum in Karlsruhe. During this

The Knowledge Management Committee supports

event all stakeholders of IEM Education in Europe were

ESTIEMers both on Local and Central level with the

present to share their philosophies and best practices

knowledge that comes from the experience of 26 years ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

55

INSIDE ESTIEM

with four different task groups. KMC updates & creates

Responsibles; experienced people and also motivated

Best Practice Documents (BPDs) by documenting the

people that want to learn and become the next PR

collective experiences of ESTIEMers, from organising

people of ESTIEM.

a project to how to be a leader. The feedback system

The main problem during previous years was that

manages the quality of ESTIEM events by collecting

there were a lot of people interested in PR but they

feedback from the event participants in order to make

didn’t have enough knowledge in design software, so

Event Specific and Project Specific Reports, to show the

the work load was distributed over the few PR experts

development of ESTIEM’s projects and events. KMC

of the team. To solve this issue, this year a Human

also supports and leads projects to create Academic

Resources Task Group inside the PRC was created.

Reports of events and builds an Academic Library.

The responsibilities of this new team are to organise

Last but not least, KMC always supports and assists

trainings depending on the necessities of the PR people

Projects/Committees/Initiatives and Local Groups

of ESTIEM, recruit new members and follow their PRC

about knowledge management. All academic reports,

career. With this, the PRC will have more experienced

BPDs and feedback reports are available online on the

designers and distribute the work load better.

ESTIEM Portal.

Another new goal for the PRC is to reach not just

Since the spring Coordination Meeting, KMC has been

ESTIEMers, but also IEM students in order to promote

having a transition period. At the same time, the BPD

outside of ESTIEM and in the long term to become a

Task Group, ITC and former VP of Administration are

reference in the IEM field.

working on the ESTIEM Wiki Project for an academic database. The team has been preparing for next year’s

Trainers Committee

goals to take KMC to a higher level.

With the new mandate that started in August, TC went from Training Committee to Trainers Committee.This

Social

and

Environmental

Responsibility

Committee The

Social

trainers within the committee. Alongside this name and

Environmental

Responsibility

change a few operational shifts were made, such

Committee aims to ensure that ESTIEM and its

as moving the organisation of events such as Local

members act consciously and responsibly towards

Responsible Forum to the Members Committee.

people and the planet. We safeguard our common

When looking towards the future, a new TNT series is

values of respect, open-mindedness, diversity and

on its way, which will hopefully be as well received as

equality by raising awareness for social challenges and

TNT Oslo, and a CoM near the end of 2016 will help

providing a platform for discussions, positive actions

the committee finalise its shift of focus. ■

and new initiatives.

Members Committee Over the last months, the Members Committee has been working a lot on improving the membership process. We believe we have designed a process that is fair for all applying Local Groups, clear for the council, and a bit more stimulating for local groups to achieve the highest goals! This process will have to be combined with proper support to the Local Groups, which is why we are also trying to develop a proper structure in order to establish this vital part of the Committee.

Furthermore, we found two Local Groups to organise our ESTIEM360 events, with which we aim to show all the possibilities this network has to offer. Finally, we have also started with reshaping the LR Forum concept to make it more valuable for the members, as they are the ones making ESTIEM as we know it!

Public Relations Committee Public relations in ESTIEM are changing, and to change in the best direction, we are counting on the point of view of PRC members; P/C/Is and LGs’ PR 56

is done to show the change in focus from trainings to

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

Outcomes in Europe3D Events: Let’s Bring It On!

INSIDE ESTIEM

For quite some time, there was the idea of having a tangible outcome for Europe3D events. Well, three years after the idea was born, we can see the first results of this in the shape of perception questionnaires.

Which project will be the following in sharing their outcomes?

Everything comes back to 2013. Back then, the idea

it is also remarkably good for evaluating the quality and

of having something to show after Europe3D events

the degree of coverage of every dimension within the

that proved the value of them was starting to emerge.

event. In other words, it is a feedback tool to see in

Yusuf—Europe3D

Project

Leader

throughout his mandate, but it was not until Málna

the future.

came to that position in 2014 that there was a concrete idea.

The implementation has not always been as successful as we would wish for. In some events, we faced

Both Málna and Lassi Uusitalo—at the time,

problems related to low participation rates due to

future ESTIEM Vice President of Activities 2015—

different factors: lack of a proper internet connection,

brainstormed about this topic and came up with an

lack of interest of the participants, lack of persistence

idea: testing the gathered knowledge of the participants

from the central team, etc.

using what they called perception questionnaires.

Javier Casco

which aspects can be addressed more thoroughly in Europe3D Project Leader 2015

which aspects the participants learned the most and

Local Group Madrid

2013—began

to encourage the team to get more aware of this

However, the whole implementation is a substantial There were some first implementation attempts in

success for the team and we can expect to follow this

2014. However, not all the events could be covered.

trend in the following years. As a matter of fact, there

Now, we are happy to announce that we managed to

has been a new ‘Academic team’ and a Task Group

implement these perception questionnaires into all of

under this team created in the Europe3D team just to

the Europe3D events that took place in 2015.

take care of this aspect. Of course, there is still a long way to go and there are many things to be improved.

But, what are these perception questionnaires exactly?

but it definitely seems like Europe3D is on the correct

How do they work? Well, the concept is very simple:

path. As for the year 2015, there needs to be a special

the central team and the local organisers join forces

thanks for Irina Yurovskikh for putting so much effort

to create a set of multiple choice questions about the

in this initiative.

three dimensions—politics, economy and culture— of the host country and put them in an online form.

Furthermore, this is not the only example of outcome

The participants are required to fill in the same

sharing within ESTIEM. Two of the Vision series, Vision

questionnaire twice: firstly, at the very beginning of

of Responsibility and Leadership through Engagement,

the event and finally, at the very end. As we said, the

have booklets that share insights, key figures and, all in

main idea is to see how much participants have learned

all, very interesting data of the whole series. The Vision

throughout the event.

series From Soil to Shelf, Europe3D and Academic Days, along with the Knowledge Management

Once the participants have filled out the questionnaire

Committee, have academic reports available on the

both times, the central team analyses the answers

portal about some of their events.

of each participant and compares how many correct

It is fair to say that the Leadership through Engagement

answers they gave at the beginning and at the end of

booklet and the academic reports are extraordinarily

the event. With this data, the central team creates

good. If you have not read them, I absolutely

the triangular charts that you can see in the figures,

recommend you to do so. You can find them under the

apart from other really interesting charts. This allows

resources section in the portal.

the team to have highly visual tools for showing the outcome of the events.

This is especially meaningful for ESTIEM since, alongside the strategic plan of ESTIEM made by the 25th board,

This tool is not only valuable for outcome sharing, but

we are getting back on track with a mid-term and longESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

57

INSIDE ESTIEM

term way of thinking. Therefore, we are managing to

how they can show what positive aspects their events

overcome the high turnover rate ESTIEM intrinsically

bring to the network and to the world. There are

has, and being able to follow up plans that have

extraordinary events that this network organises and

originated even before the members that implemented

these practices can definitely improve the effectiveness

them got active.

in the way we communicate about what we do. This is

With this article I would also like to encourage other

just an example of it. Now, let’s show the world how

projects and committees to start thinking again about

valuable what we do is!

Let’s have a look at the results from the

pre-event

Europe3D perception questionnaires in 2015:

post-event

As we can see from the charts, culture is usually the

improve the least and therefore a point to focus on. On

dimension in which the participants have the most prior

the other hand, politics seems to be the dimension in

knowledge and the one that they end up knowing the

which the participants improve the most. â–

most about. Economy is the dimension the participants

58

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

INSIDE ESTIEM

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www.Beiersdorf.com/career

ESTIEM Magazine | 51st issue - Distruptive Technlogies

59

EXPLORE EUROPE

Peru Frankly speaking, my decision to travel to the other side of the world came out of random chance when I was hunting for summer jobs, a normal spring activity of Nordic students. As I was doing this, I felt this urge that maybe I should do something different this summer. I started looking into volunteering opportunities in AIESEC and found an interesting programme in Lima, Peru. Great! Going to South America has been a big dream of mine for many years! I did not know much about Peru though, so I was eager to see what it would be like.

My impressions of Peru

to feel included in a group as if I had been an old friend

Peru is located on the west coast of South America

all along. Oh, and forget about time tables because

and has a population of around 30 million people, of

absolutely nothing starts on time. As a punctual Finn,

which roughly nine million live in its capital, Lima. From

this dimension of the culture was the hardest to grasp.

a nature perspective, the country can be divided in Lassi Uusitalo

ESTIEM Vice President of Activities 2015

Local Group Lappeenranta & Madrid

60

three areas; the coast, the mountains, and the jungle.

Speaking of time tables, have you ever used a bus in

What made a huge impression on me was the amount

Lima? To me, the bus system and traffic in Lima were

of traditional Peruvian dances which are unique to each

absolutely insane at first. Imagine the transportation

of the 25 provinces in the country. I still remember

system of Saint Petersburg where you hop on and hop

when my host Carlos told me about all the existing

off the minibus within seconds before the car moves

types of dances: “There is Caporales, Danza de Tijeras,

again and combine it with the traffic of Istanbul—you

Marinera, Tondero…” There were so many things that

get the traffic system of Lima. With so many cars on

he listed that I lost track of all the beautiful traditions

the road, getting stuck in traffic is so common that it

that exist in Peru.

is not a nuisance—you assume that you will be stuck in traffic and you take that into consideration when

Another thing to note is that Peruvians are proud of

planning your commute.

their food. There is a huge variety of cuisine available and even the biggest eaters never go hungry. In fact,

Volunteer & Travel

the portions tended to be so huge that I hardly ever

In Peru I worked as an international volunteer in the

could finish my dishes—I am convinced that I became

social responsibility sector of HAUG S.A., a Peruvian

fatter in Peru from lunches alone. During my stay, I fell

construction company which also operates in Chile and

in love with the Peruvian hot sauce ’ahi’ which I had

Argentina. I took part in the Reto Verde project which

with every meal.

aims to educate children and teens about environmental

If I was asked what a typical Peruvian person is like, I

issues, responsible leadership and the English language.

would say that, in my experience, in terms of mentality

I was in charge of conducting English lessons with my

Peruvians are bipolar opposites of Finnish people.

co-worker to 10–12 year old children in a small town

They talk a lot, share everything, have a strong sense

just outside of Lima called Lurin. The classes were a

of community and are extremely inclusive in all social

sort of a language club for the children in order to

activities. I was very surprised of how easy it was for me

motivate them to learn more English once they start

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

normal English classes in autumn. Besides work, I also

diversity of the people performing. I was sad to leave

enjoyed spending time with AIESECers during my free

early because I needed to catch the plane back to Lima.

EXPLORE EUROPE

time and I even participated in an ESTIEM equivalent of a Motivational Weekend where we reflected on our

As for Machu Picchu… Just WOW. You can hear about

role in improving the world. I had the weekends off so

it and see tons of pictures of it dozens of times, but

I tried to see as much of Peru as possible.

you cannot imagine the feeling when experiencing this place yourself. I was struck by the beauty of the place,

Ica Desert and Paracas National Reserve

its very interesting history and symbolism, and just the

The buggies are total beasts! I could not believe how

amount of things to see there. Every time I thought

fast the driver drove over the hot sand in perfect

that I made the perfect picture, I found an even better

weather. During the buggy tour I also got to try sand

view. I can highly recommend visiting this place, there

boarding on my stomach and got my shoes and clothes

is a reason why it is often mentioned in “places to visit

full of sand. As an old snowboarder, I was very tempted

before I die” lists. I will make sure to come back again

to try using the board standing up but I was told that

some day.

the board is not suitable for that. What a pity, maybe some other time. In Paracas National Reserve I got

Final words

to see the diversity of wildlife in the coastal region of

What started out as a wish to do something different

Peru, namely birds and sea lions. Quite fun creatures!

this summer turned out to be an eye-opening and life changing event for me where I learned new things about

Hiking in Huaraz mountains

the world and about myself. Experiencing a completely

To be honest, I did not expect to enjoy hiking that

different lifestyle for two months made me appreciate

much. During a weekend trip to the north of Lima

many things I thought were obvious living in Finland and

with my coworkers we used the first day to hike all

I took some experiences I truly enjoyed back home

the way to the altitude of 5500 metres, my personal

with me. I knew nothing about Peru before my arrival

record. You cannot imagine how thin the air was! We

and that was a perfect starting point for learning about

had to stop every two minutes just to catch our breaths

this rich culture and its people. I am proud to say that

although the walking distance was only two kilometres.

my Spanish improved so much in two months that I

I felt a little sorry for my Mexican friends who, besides

consider myself to be trilingual. My journey towards

the thin air, had problems with the cold weather as they

being a polyglot continues! I also learned about the

never experienced -5 degrees Celsius before. To me

importance of social and environmental issues which I

this was not a problem, I was just enjoying the fresh air

did not really care about before.

which you did not get in Lima.

To someone who might be considering volunteering On the second day we hiked at a lower altitude but for

abroad during their studies: Go for it! Anything that

a longer time, a total of 8 kilometres in the Huascaran

forces you to get out of your comfort zone and gives

National Park. We saw some beautiful lagoons and

you an opportunity to grow as a person is something

waterfalls as well as the park itself which was quite

that I can only recommend. When you shake up your

breathtaking, both figuratively and literally. Every time I

way of living, you learn so much about yourself which

thought that I had made it to the top after a steep climb,

helps you to take on your future challenges. What will

I was struck with the realisation that there is still a lot

YOU learn in your journey to the unknown? ■

more to go. I was extremely happy when I finally made it to the top!

Cusco and Machu Picchu Cusco is one of the best known cities in Peru as it is the closest one to the legendary Machu Picchu ruins. I enjoyed seeing historic buildings, trying out ’cuy’ (guinea pig) and I even saw a dancing parade in Festividad de la Virgen del Carmen! I truly enjoyed watching colourful dances, the joy of the people around me as well as the

61

EXPLORE EUROPE

ESTIEMers With Special Hobbies: Beekeeping I think starting this article series about ESTIEMers with special hobbies is a great opportunity for me to share something which makes me happy and encourages me to develop it throughout time – beekeeping.

Currently we have twelve beehives (families) where,

care of my first bee families, I understood that this will

during summer season, there can be up to a maximum

be a lifelong activity.

of 80.000 bees per hive. Can you imagine how many pets I have? Let me tell you more about them and

What gives me motivation are all the bees themselves

about myself!

– to see their willingness to work and live is significant

Laine Sildere

Local Group Riga & Helsinki

for me every time I visit them. I love to spend my time How it all started

for them and see the results of successful work every

When I was a small girl, my grandmother told me she

week. Moreover, I think working with bees teaches

wanted to become a beekeeper. She even tried to send

me to be patient and thankful – it makes me a better

my mom to a beekeeper’s school far, far away from

person. I think everyone should have a hobby which

our home. Since we live right next to the Baltic Sea, my

makes you better, happier.

granny lost the idea about beekeeping. Life conditions are poor so close to the sea; wind almost every day and

Behind the curtains

very little flora.

People mostly tend to talk about good happenings in their life. I also rarely tell others how hard the

Then one day my teacher in school told me about her

beekeeping actually is. You need to have a strong

hobby, beekeeping, and how she learned it. In autumn

backbone to carry the heavy honey rooms as well as

2011, there was a new round of a two year long

take many decisions.

course starting delivered by the Latvian University of Agriculture. We decided to apply and in spring 2012

Also, the actual honey taking and throwing part takes

I saw bees in real life for the first time. For the 5th

maybe 1/10 of the whole time you need to invest,

consecutive year now, I have my own bees in our bee

other activities are for instance:

garden which is slowly growing.

■■

Weekly inspection – three hours every week

■■

Planning, discussing the needed actions – every

Motivation

week

Working as a beekeeper is not an easy thing, it is very

■■

demanding timewise. So, at some point, you start thinking why you actually need these tons of honey

and spring ■■

and why you can’t go for a month-long trip like your friends do. The answer is the commitment and the

Preparing stock – many days, especially in winter Reading news, articles, books about beekeeping – every week

■■

Thinking

about

beekeeping

–

every

day

motivation. When I took the responsibility of taking

Laine is happy with the situation – a lot of food on top and maggots in the middle.

62

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

The biggest thing people usually don’t see is the pain

Beekeeping, IEM and ESTIEM

in beekeeping. Literally because every time you inspect

Everything happens for a reason, like having two

the bees, you get around five to fifteen stings in your

seemingly different things you love in life – beekeeping

body. Though you see in the pictures that I have a

and IEM (read: ESTIEM). But I would like to give a small

special suit, they know how to get through it. We,

insight on how similar IEM and beekeeping actually are.

beekeepers, love bees but they think we want to take

Basically, you can apply IEM to any kind of production

something away from their life so they sting us. Still you

including beekeeping. For example, I see management

can see something good in stinging – my granny has

involved a lot here when we are throwing honey, the

problems with her feet and bee poison helps healing

whole family is involved and everybody needs to know

them, it was one of the reasons why we started this

what exactly they should do. It was not easy at the very

hobby.

beginning, when we didn’t know all the processes by

The closer the autumn comes, the more they sting us.

heart and how they should be done.

EXPLORE EUROPE

One sadder thing is when a bee releases its sting; it dies in the following days. Do you see how selfless they are?

One more IEM related branch is quality management, because honey is a food product which needs to be absolutely clean, without containing high amounts of water (it shouldn’t be more than 20%). In case there is too much water, honey can turn sour and you can lose your clients. We try to make our hobby profitable.

That means we make kind of a budget for every year, we save money for purchasing invert syrup in Autumn as winter food, for buying inventory and for going on a small excursion with a beekeeper community to exchange experiences.

Last but not least, I would like to mention logistics. If

The bee life

you have your bee gardens located in multiple places,

We naturally came to the part where I should talk about

you need to plan your time and resources so you

how amazing bees are. I think here, for all of interested

can visit them all on time and make this kind of work

people, a good resource is the Internet – you can find

profitable. The reason for having more bee gardens

breath-taking videos, pictures and articles about bees

is to spread your beehives. Having more than twenty

and explore them all. Although I can add that the best

hives in one garden is not healthy – honey yields will

is to see them in real life. Then you can hear, smell,

be too small since a bee can fly only in a five kilometres

touch, see them and even taste their collection straight

radius from the garden.

from the cells.

When thinking about similarities between ESTIEM as an If I need to tell about bees’ life in one paragraph it is

NGO and beekeeping, I would point out networking

nearly impossible, but the main thing in my opinion is

– you need to understand bees well to make them

that there is never the same situation in the beehive,

work together successfully, the same as it is in ESTIEM

in any bee garden. The more diverse it is, the more

when creating project teams, for example. For me, as a

interesting it gets. I think it is the same in working life

beekeeper, ESTIEM has helped me to create connections

– too much routine is not healthy. Just to give you a

and networks, so our work with bees is easier. Both

glimpse – during summer, a bee lasts a couple of weeks,

ESTIEM and beekeeping, in the first steps, were a

during winter it is a couple of months. There is just one

huge challenge for getting out of my comfort zone.

bee queen in the hive and once there are two, the bees make a swarm and try to find a new home. You always

Last words

need to give them work to do, otherwise they get

As a conclusion, I would like to say beekeeping

bored and swarm again.

(and also ESTIEM) is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. Taking care of 12 beehives

Furthermore, there are many obstacles beekeepers

and many, many thousands of bees has definitely made

fight against – varroa mite, wasps, ants, swarms, bad

me a better, more patient, responsible, caring person

weather and a lack of food, time as well as money to

than I was before. I wish you all to find a hobby which

invest in development.

makes your heart beat faster! ■

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

63

EXPLORE EUROPE

How I Stepped Out of My Comfort Zone In this article, I will give you some insights from my exchange experience in Southeast Asia – how I decided to go there, what I have done and experienced, and how it changed my life.

Mert Ünal

Local Group Ankara-METU

An idea develops

it through while I was ESTIEMing. Then, I met a friend

Let’s begin with a brief background story of myself.

who had stayed in Singapore before, and he told me

I started my ESTIEM career at the beginning of

that it is amazing there. He said that I could easily

2014 with the New Year’s Eve Activity Week event

travel to the nearby countries, and that there is an

organised by Local Group Warsaw. Back then, I hadn’t

excellent atmosphere for the exchange students in

been to more than one country in my life, and I did

Singapore. Thanks to ESTIEM, I went to plenty of

not have a developed international mind-set at all.

European countries and experienced some of the

Poland was going to be my second experience abroad,

European cultures. That’s why I wanted to go to a

and I was quite pumped up for the event. After this

different place this time where I could learn a new culture

fantastic event, I felt like the ESTIEM spirit completely

and meet new people from diverse backgrounds. I was

stole my heart, and I should do something more in this

choosing between the US or Singapore, but in the end I

beautiful organisation. Therefore, I applied to nearly

picked Singapore because I thought that maybe I could

every event that I could attend and tried to get as many

go to the US for a Master’s degree later in my life.

responsibilities on the Central level as possible. The result is that in less than one and a half years, I attended

Considering how the culture, food, and people are

twelve different events in nine different countries and

way different in Southeast Asia than in Europe, I can’t

on top of that I was holding the Regional Coordinator

say I was entirely comfortable with my decision, but I

position. It was a very intense and fun journey, full of

somehow felt very enthusiastic about it. Some people

friendships and great memories from all over Europe.

asked me why I chose Singapore over other European countries or the US, but my answer was always the

64

While I was still full of ESTIEM and travel spirit, I

same: I wanted to try something new. It is sad but true

wanted to do more. I always had an idea of going on

that most people here in Turkey hold prejudices against

an Erasmus or exchange programme but didn’t think

the culture and the food of Southeast Asia. They think

ESTIEM Magazine |51 | 45stthissue issue--Distruptive Internet of Technologies Things

that it is really tough to get used to their lifestyle or their

During my 10.5 months stay in Southeast Asia, I visited

cuisine. I knew that it was not going to be an easy thing

ten different countries in total – Malaysia, Indonesia,

for me to adjust myself to that culture but I wanted to

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong,

exit my comfort zone and give it a try.

Macau, China and Singapore of course. Statistically

EXPLORE EUROPE

speaking, when I add up all the days that I spent Singapore in a nutshell

travelling out of Singapore, it makes up 30% of my

One of the most important reasons why I chose

time which means that I stayed in Singapore roughly

Singapore as my exchange location is because I wanted

seven months actually. You might ask at this point how

to travel as much as possible during my exchange year

I managed to do this while studying. Like all the other

and Singapore is just a perfect place to help me out with

exchange students, I managed to get my Mondays and

that. Singapore has a very strategic location – it is right

Fridays off – I squeezed my courses into the middle of

in the middle of Southeast Asia, and you can easily find

the week, and that’s how I found some free time to

cheap flights to fly out to nearby countries. It is a tiny

travel on the other days. At some point, I was literally

but densely populated island-country with a population

using Singapore as my base to sleep and get some

of 5.5 million people. English is the primary language on

rest then I hit the road again to travel! Unfortunately,

the island, but there are also Chinese, Tamil and Malay

I won’t be able to write about all my travels here but I

languages that represent the ethnicities of Singapore.

will try to share some of the highlights with you.

From an economical point of view, Singapore has one of the wealthiest economies in the world. It is one of the finance capitals of Asia with Hong Kong and also it is a gateway for ships who are trying to make their way from the west to the east. Many big corporations use Singapore as their regional headquarters, and there is a huge expat population too.

My stay in Southeast Asia When I first arrived in Singapore, I was quite fascinated by its architecture. The city itself is designed very carefully as if everything was all planned in a computer game. Everything is extremely structured and organised. For me, it was love at first sight. I am usually a nature-kinda-guy, but this city, especially the skyline, just blew my mind. This was the moment when I realised it was going to be a way better experience than I thought it would be. Officially, I was supposed to stay in Singapore for only one semester, but on the second day I called my advisor back home and told her that I really want to extend my stay there. Luckily, I got a place on campus, instead of staying off campus, which was crucial regarding saving money, considering the fact that Singapore is one of the most, if not the most,

I had great and unique times in each and every of

expensive countries in the world. There were as many

the countries that I mentioned above. However, if

as 1000 exchange students who came from different

you ask me which destination is my favourite one, I

parts of the world which makes the atmosphere very

would probably go for the Philippines. I spent three

culturally diverse. From the very first day, I inevitably

unforgettable weeks in the Philippines with one of my

started making new friends. Apparently, everyone

best friends and it is by far the most beautiful country

came to Singapore with more or less the same

that I have ever seen in my entire life. The Philippines

purpose: Travelling! Although I had one full year to

consists of 7,000 islands. It is actually very tricky to get

spend in Southeast Asia, I was quite fast to plan out all

to one point from another when you want to travel

the possible trips that I can make throughout the year

within the country. Therefore, we had to pick the

because as you know, time flies... I made some really

best ones to make the best of our time. Palawan and

good friends with the same mind-set as mine, and we

Boracay Islands are absolutely must-see islands if you

started to plan our trips right away in order not to lose

wish to travel in the Philippines. I am pretty sure the

more time.

nature and scenery there would take your breath away.

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

65

EXPLORE EUROPE

Plus, Filipino people are the kindest of all! I haven’t

thing that happened to me during my stay beside my

seen any other nation that is more welcoming than the

travels. I met very bright-minded people in the start-

Filipinos. One of the best highlights of my Philippines

up ecosystem and I believe that I gained different

trip was that I got to swim with whale sharks! As crazy

perspectives by getting exposed to the tech world. I

as it might sound, whale sharks normally would not

worked in the Business Development department

intend to harm humans unless they see any danger

where I got to do a lot of prospecting, arranging Skype

coming. I got to swim with these massive animals on

and in-person meetings as well as sometimes going in

one of the islands in the Philippines and it was fantastic!

the field to close some new deals. Although I was just an intern, my CEO there did not hesitate to give me

Another great experience that I had was my backpacking

big responsibilities which made me more motivated

trip in Vietnam. I spent almost one month in Vietnam,

towards the work. Some of my exchange friends told

again with one of my best friends, and we managed to

me to enjoy my last months in Asia instead of working

backpack from the south to the northernmost point

but I honestly did not regret any second of being in

of the country which is like 2,000 kilometres in total.

the start-up environment. It was a very cool experience

It was a very different experience for us in the sense

for me to do this part-time job and I would totally

that we used all possible means of transport during

recommend it to anyone!

our journey – bus, train, car, motorbike, boat etc. I currently don’t have any motorbike driving license, but

Key takeaways

in Asia, I learned how to drive a bike (my first time was

Going on an exchange in Singapore is, hands down, the

in Bali, Indonesia). In Vietnam, we did a nine hour long

best decision that I have ever made. I spent an amazing

ride through beautiful mountains, beaches, and forests,

year with people from all over the world and collected

which was one of the best experiences that I had in

so many unforgettable memories. Before arriving in

Southeast Asia.

Singapore to kick off my exchange year, I wouldn’t really imagine that it was going to be my second home

66

Before coming to Singapore, my initial plan was to travel

that would help me have the best year of my life. During

as much as I could in the first semester and maybe work

my stay there, I never lost my eagerness to make new

somewhere in the second semester in order to develop

friends and get to know new cultures. Immersing

myself and earn a little bit of money. I was aware of the

myself in different cultures and stepping out of my

fact that Singapore is one of the easiest places to start

comfort zone made me a different man who is now

up a business and that’s why there are tons of start-

more adaptable to changes in life and more culturally

up companies in the Singaporean market. I managed to

intelligent. This experience totally changed my life and

land in a very promising tech start-up where I worked

my vision, therefore I would definitely recommend

as an intern for four months part-time. I think having

Southeast Asia to people who are willing to have an

an internship in a start-up in Singapore is the best

exchange in their studies. ■

ESTIEM Magazine |51 | 45stthissue issue--Distruptive Internet of Technologies Things

Event Calendar

November 2016

March 2017

27.11-01.12 businessbooster The Competition, Porto

03.03-09.03 Training New Trainers, Izmir-DEU

27.11-04.12 SLUSH, Helsinki

07.03-12.03 Academic Days Retail Operations, Porto

30.12-06.01 Christmas Eve Activity Week, Moscow

12.03-17.03 Startup Bootcamp, Lappeenranta 13.03-18.03 Vision Decarbonisation, Decentralisation,

December 2016

Digitalisation, Berlin 20.03-27.03 Vision The Role of Renewables in a

01.01-08.01 Training New Trainers, Kiev

Transition to a More Sustainable Society, Istanbul-Yildiz

02.01-08.01 BrainTrainer People Management,

28.03-04.04 Europe3D Ukraine, Kiev

Istanbul-ITU 04.01-09.01 Science meets Economy, Karlsruhe

April 2017

12.01-18.01 ESTIEM 360, Saint Petersburg 02.04-07.04 TIMES Final, Madrid January 2017

11.04-16.04 Vision Electric Cars with Renewables, Warsaw

05.01-09.01 TIMES Semi Final, Istanbul-Bogazici 11.01-15.01 TIMES Semi Final, Ilmenau

May 2017

31.01-04.02 TIMES Semi Final, Darmstadt 01.05-07.05 Academic Days IT, Istanbul-Yildiz February 2017

14.05-20.05 Vision Final Conference, Aveiro&Coimbra 19.05-26.05 Europe3D 10th Anniversary Germany,

06.02-12.02 Vision Biofuels & Geothermal Energy -

Dresden

Deep into Development, Helsinki&Tampere 13.02-17.02 TIMES Semi Final, Lyon 16.02-20.02 TIMES Semi Final, Gothenburg

June 2017

20.02-26.02 Vision Renewable Energies in Sewage Treatment, Budapest

11.06-17.06 Europe3D Russia, Saint Petersburg

27.02-05.03 Europe3D Norway, Trondheim 28.02-04.03 TIMES Semi Final, Brussels

ESTIEM Magazine |51st issue - Distruptive Technologies

67

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