Gisma Hosts 23rd Annual BMDA Conference at Berlin Campus: A Global Dialogue on Conscious Capitalism
Gisma University of Applied Sciences proudly hosted the 23rd Annual Conference of the Baltic Management Development Association (BMDA) from 21–23 May 2025 at its Berlin campus, welcoming prominent academic leaders, policy influencers, and business professionals from across the globe. With the central theme “Redefining Business and Management in a Changing World. Conscious Capitalism,” the event marked a major milestone in Gisma’s ongoing commitment to shaping future-ready, ethical business education.
The conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue around the intersection of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. Conscious Capitalism – —once considered a niche philosophy – emerged as the focal point of compelling keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and strategic visits to government and corporate institutions.
The event commenced with a Scientific Knowledge Café, designed to encourage intellectual exchange among scholars and management researchers. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Monika Petraite of Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), the session laid the groundwork for academic collaboration projects on topics such as change management, projectisation, entrepreneurship, and emerging innovation.
Among the esteemed keynote speakers was Prof. Dipak Jain, President Emeritus of CEIBS (China) and former President of the Kellogg School of Management (USA), who urged the academic community to act decisively and ethically in a rapidly changing world. His remarks were echoed by Mr. Konstantin Mudrack, Program Director of Conscious Business Education (Spain) and former executive at Hewlett Packard, whose keynote underscored the growing importance of purpose-driven business models rooted in long-term value creation.
The conference featured dynamic panel discussions exploring how institutions can embed Conscious Capitalism into curricula and assess its impact across sectors. Gisma’s leadership played a vital role in these conversations:. Prof. Dr. Peter Konhäusner, Vice President (Academic), and Prof. Dr. Tilmann Lindberg, Professor of International Business, represented the university’s academic depth and commitment to sustainability and social innovation in management education.
Other high-level contributors included Mr. Andrew Wilson (CEO of AMBA & BGA), Mrs. Zita Paprika (Associate Director, EFMD), Prof. Metka Tekavčič (AACSB network member), Mag. Diane Freiberger (Managing Director FIBAA) and Dr. Aigerim Kaumenova g (Director of CEEMAN), who provided valuable insights on the role of international accreditation and association networks in promoting ethical business practices.
In addition to in-depth academic discussion, the conference offered unique engagement opportunities. Delegates visited the German Bundestag, where they were hosted by Gitta Connemanns (MdB) Chief of Staff Hasko Brahms, facilitating direct dialogue between academia and policymakers. The experience reinforced the vital connection between democratic governance and responsible economic leadership.
The agenda also included a workshop on the Network IQ Index, facilitated by Prof. Oksana Lentjusenkova, Rector of EKA University of Applied Sciences (Latvia). The session focused on enhancing professional development through strategic networking as an essential capability in today’s collaborative, globalised economy.
As the conference concluded, participants were invited to SAP’s Dataspace Event location in Berlin, where they observed how one of the world’s leading technology firms integrates conscious business practices into its operational framework.
Hosting the BMDA Annual Conference reflects Gisma’s growing stature as a hub for global collaboration and thought leadership. The event not only strengthened existing partnerships with international institutions but also showcased Gisma’s forward-looking vision: preparing leaders who are not only business-savvy but also value-driven and impact-oriented.
As the world continues to evolve, Gisma remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate agile, ethical, and globally minded professionals who will drive the next generation of responsible business innovations.