School Themes

Given its international orientation, distinct location, an expanse of expertise on regional issues, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business has identified three major themes where it will provide the international as well as the regional and local community with thought leadership and impact. The themes are entrepreneurship and family business – a vital engine for economic growth and job creation; responsible business – an imperative vehicle for enabling social mobility and sustainable growth; and finally economic development with a focus on inclusiveness and accountability. These focus areas are of increasing significance in a region on the threshold of economic transformation and societal development.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is driven by a new generation that is better educated, technology-savvy, less risk-averse and more exposed to investors, mentors, and multinationals. Entrepreneurship is, therefore, a key driver of economic growth, social and economic development, and engaged citizenship in Egypt and the Arab region.

The Onsi Sawiris School of Business is leading the effort to enhance entrepreneurship education through new concentrations and the expansion of course offerings on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school is also partnering with top universities worldwide, and its faculty members are some of the leading experts in the field. The school’s executive education unit is developing more programs geared toward entrepreneurs, while numerous outreach efforts are conducted through the Center for Entrepreneurship, AUC Venture Lab and Entrepreneurship Society Student Club. In addition, the school aims to develop thought leadership in entrepreneurship by heading the African Academic Association on Entrepreneurship launched with five leading African business schools.

Developing expertise on family businesses that started up as entrepreneurial ventures and currently represent more than 80% of total companies in the region is another area of focus for the School. Within entrepreneurship– this entails development of high-quality case studies, an introduction of courses on family business, as well as collaboration with regional institutes in joint research analyzing succession plans, governance, and the effect of regulations, culture, and environment on family business.

Responsible Business

Responsible business practices and education are becoming cornerstones of business school programs worldwide.

The Onsi Sawiris School of Business aims to develop leaders for a sustainable future, taking into consideration the purpose and role of business in society, values, sustainable development, diversity, and stakeholder interests. This is even more relevant and pertinent to the Arab region after the Arab Spring, which opened a window of opportunity for addressing social issues and the responsibilities of different constituents, including businesses, in bringing about positive social change.

Economic Development

With its distinct location and wealth of expertise on the region, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business aims to contribute to the development of an emerging Arab economy founded on the school’s principles of inclusiveness and accountability.

The school is focusing on economic development and robust financial markets as gateways to a strong economy and effective governance.

Within the compendium of economic governance, the school is addressing the twin challenges of youth unemployment and poverty, both being ever-increasing predicaments with their multidimensional aspects and consequences. The school is also focusing on family businesses, which generate more than 40 percent of the GDP in the region.