The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) is delighted to spotlight our new partnership with Católica Porto Business School (CPBS)—a collaboration that opens doors for our members to access world-class executive education tailored to today’s fast-changing business landscape. We spoke with Carlos Vieira, Executive Director of Executive Education, of CPBS about the school’s philosophy, its approach to innovation, and what IPBN members can expect from this exciting collaboration and Executive Program.

Católica Porto Business School is deeply committed to shaping leaders who combine business acumen with ethical responsibility, innovation, and a global mindset. As Carlos explains, “Our mission is to empower professionals and organisations so that they thrive in a fast-changing economic environment, while contributing to Portugal’s competitiveness across key sectors.”

Through the new protocol, IPBN members will gain preferential access to CPBS’s portfolio of executive programmes, including a 10% discount on tuition fees and additional benefits for teams. Begin the process here by navigating to the Executive Program portal and registering. If a company sends 4+ employees, there is an additional discount (varies by programme). For members new to CPBS, a good “first step” in September or October 2025 would be the Curso Geral de Gestão (Post Graduate Programme in Management) in September, or in October, the Executive MBA or Executive Course in AI for Sustainable Management—these provide strong introductions to leadership, strategic thinking, and emergent technologies, according to Carlos.

Beyond the numbers, CPBS sees this as a chance to design relevant learning opportunities alongside the network. “We see this as an opportunity to co-create learning paths that support cross-border trade, innovation, and sectoral specialisation in areas like Logistics, Agrifood, Automotive, Textile, Hospitality & Tourism, Forest Products, and more.”

For SMEs, entrepreneurs, and startups in the IPBN, the school offers not just international accreditation but immediate applicability. From Post-Graduate programmes in Logistics & Supply Chain and Managing Analytics to the Executive Course in AI for Sustainable Management, CPBS places strong emphasis on practical outcomes. “Our programmes are sector-aware, highly practical, and internationally accredited. Participants don’t just learn concepts—they apply them directly through company visits, projects, and simulations.”

Looking ahead, CPBS believes executive education will become more agile, more customised, and increasingly specialised in areas such as AI, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. For Carlos, the message to IPBN members is clear: “For SMEs and entrepreneurs in IPBN, investing in skills isn’t a cost but a growth lever—prioritising education in data, sustainability, leadership, and operational excellence will pay off in differentiating offerings, attracting investment, expanding exports, and building resilience.”

With this new partnership, IPBN members have a unique opportunity to access innovative programmes that not only strengthen leadership but also help organisations prepare for the challenges of the future.

Click here to see the brochure of classes and find out more!