This week on the roundup: networking, programs, padel courts, leaders, winners, digital transformation, corporate expansion, strategy, inventory, analytics, academia, markets, advancements, economic activities, showcases, concerns, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week:

We reminded everyone of our last events of the year. A Networking lunch this morning in the Algarve and our last online Master Class next Wednesday, December 17. Check all the details here on our Events page.

We remind everyone of our General Manager, Arnold Delville, participating on December 18 from 9h30 at the Policy Dialogue on Migration & Tourism 2025 webinar. Meet the speakers here. This year’s programme brings together experts in tourism, migration, public policy, research, entrepreneurship, and community development - all contributing to an evidence-based conversation on inclusion and participation in the sector. Register here!

We introduced our new member Yvonne Dolan, founder of Dolan Padel Courts Portugal Almancil! This extension of Dolan Padel Courts Ireland comes following a significant rise in demand from Irish clients looking to add high-quality padel courts to their holiday homes in the Algarve! Check out Yvonne's recent spotlight interview and read more on her member profile here.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal highlighted its latest insights on how leaders can redesign the future of work, boost team motivation, and accelerate reinvention.

IPBN Academic Partner Católica Porto Business School announced that it achieved the highest rise in the Financial Times ranking of Europe’s best business schools, marking a major milestone for the institution.

IPBN member Clear Strategy, last year’s Business Success Awards winner, shared that following their strong results in London, they discussed their ambitious growth plans for 2026 with the Business Post, signalling an exciting phase of continued expansion.

IPBN Academic Partner Diogo Vieira da Silva reported on Porto Business School’s presentation of a comprehensive study—coordinated with the Industry Club—offering a data-driven picture of digital transformation, AI adoption, and sustainable energy readiness in Portuguese companies, with benchmarks and action points for leaders preparing for 2026.

IPBN Partner aicep Portugal Global announced that Portugal has been named “Economy of the Year 2025” by The Economist, thanks to strong GDP growth, economic stability, corporate expansion, foreign investment, and a highly skilled workforce.

Carlos Justino of Witfy shared that he is offering IPBN members a full month of free access to Witfy, an AI-powered marketing platform that automates strategy, creation, and publishing across channels. Members can redeem the offer using the code WFRIENDS at witfy.social until Friday at 23:59.

IPBN member Brian Shanahan released his December newsletter, covering topics such as the service level effect on inventory, PE-owned firms’ challenges, AI and labour shortages, tariffs as taxes, the Marshall Islands profile, and agribusiness supply chain funding.

IPBN member HPA Health Group marked the one-year anniversary of its oncology podcast, ONCO HPA, celebrating a year of science, health literacy, and stories that connect caregivers and patients. They released a commemorative video featuring the professionals and guests who contributed to its journey.

IPBN member Patrick Fitzgerald shared updates on his decade-long wasabi research project with Teagasc Moorepark scientists, noting promising findings on gut health and the gut–brain axis through advanced microbiome analytics and human trials.

IPBN member Flow Productions announced the release of an institutional video created for KIPT, Portugal’s first Collaborative Laboratory dedicated to tourism, highlighting how it fosters innovation, research, and stronger links between academia and the market.

IPBN member Derek Foley Butler reflected on receiving the Established EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland Award, sharing personal insights on the highs, lows, and ambition that have shaped his business and life journey as he and his team advance their 2026 plans.

IPBN member re.store celebrated receiving the SDGlocal 2025 Award in the Prosperity dimension, recognising its impact in sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and social inclusion, with appreciation for Set.Up Guimarães’ support since the company’s early days.

IPBN member WEbrand Agency expressed their appreciation after receiving positive feedback from Cirurgia do Joelho, sharing how meaningful it is to see their work making a difference in a client’s brand.

IPBN member Lisbon Heritage Hotels shared highlights from a collaborative Fam Trip with Alma Portuguesa Concierge, during which they welcomed Brazilian travel agents, presented experiences that showcase the best of their hospitality, and strengthened international connections.

IPBN member VMotion IT Solutions reported that 72% of leaders express concerns about AI security and outlined how organisations are managing risks and building confidence according to findings in their latest research.