The Baltic Institute is launched (with a project from the Canadian Embassy)!!

Tom Hashimoto: Here, we have Dr. Jonathan Boyd, Director of Industry Technology Management programme at ISM and Director of the Baltic Institute of Economics and International Relations. Recently we worked together under the Baltic Institute for a Canadian project.

So, Jonathan, would you briefly tell us what was the project about?

Jonathan Boyd: Thanks Tom, always a pleasure to speak with you. The Canadian government has embraced a rather tactical approach to foreign trade, and it is particularly eager to capitalise on the opportunities afforded by the recent CETA agreement between Canada and the EU. In line with the government’s broad objective of trade diversification, the Canadian Embassy here in Vilnius commissioned the Institute to study trade opportunities in the Baltic states. Their request was precise: pinpoint specific products that Canadian exporters may find an opportune market for in the Baltic states and identify Baltic firms that will be receptive to FDI outcalls. Our report provided actionable trade and investment intelligence, and I’m proud to say that the success of this product sent ripples through the regional diplomatic community, solidifying our reputation as the go-to firm for regional trade research.

TH: And how about your ITM programme? What kind of things can students expect?

JB: The Industrial Technology Management programme at ISM is one of the most dynamic and unique study programmes in the Baltics. Local, and indeed global, industrial firms are reporting that they are struggling to find young management talent, and the ITM programme is geared towards preparing ambitious students for careers in this field. We have partnered with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT, USA), and we combine the disciplines of management, technology management, fundamental science, and humanities/social science, to prepare our students for the interdisciplinary world of industry and business.The programme is especially ideal for students who want an international experience. Studies are conducted in English in two countries, Lithuania and the USA. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in 26 international universities, including in Germany, France, Australia, China, South Korea, Japan and Singapore. Students’ internships may be conducted at Lithuanian or international firms. Students who take advantage of these international opportunities will develop cross-cultural experiences, develop a diverse network of colleagues, and learn the best global industrial practices, giving them a strong advantage on the job market.

TH: You obtained a doctorate from St. Andrews... Would you say the Scottish higher education is different from the English or the (European) continent?

JB: The most elite of Scotland’s universities — St Andrews, Edinburgh, and Glasgow — are among the world’s best. And given their medieval age and centuries of heritage, that shouldn’t be surprising: St Andrews was founded in 1410; Glasgow in 1451, and Edinburgh in 1582. Their alumni include renowned figures in economics and technology: Adam Smith and James Watt, to name just two. And their pedagogical philosophy is unique: Scottish universities encourage students to take a wide range of subjects, believing that it’s better to be a widely-educated specialist than just a mere specialist. There are also significant differences from English universities: tuition is free in Scotland to all EU students (compared with £9000 in England), and a Scottish degree takes four years to complete (instead of three in England). I never hesitate to recommend that my students should spend a year studying in Scotland: Lithuanian students will, at the very least, find the weather familiar!

TH: Very interesting. Good luck with the Institute and I am looking forward to work with you more! Thank you.

JB: My pleasure Tom.