STR 7502: Strategy and Economic Disruption in Iceland
3 credits
Iceland's economic and business systems have faced multiple disruptive events. In 2008, the nation allowed its entire banking system to fail amid the Great Recession. As elsewhere, the COVID-19 Pandemic forced many businesses to innovate and adapt rapidly, and the following resurgence and further growth of tourism and recreation are rapidly displacing traditional fishing and agricultural economies. The nation's unique geography also presents unique challenges against natural disasters while providing the opportunity of abundant green energy. Throughout these disruptions, business owners and entrepreneurs have remained ahead of the curve and continuously innovated and adapted to changing situations while leading the world in renewable energy and gender equity. This course involves an interdisciplinary approach toward understanding strategy, economics, and entrepreneurship amid disruption and what successful business leaders have done to continually adapt and find new opportunities in a rapidly and drastically changing environment. Students will attend orientation and debriefing sessions before and after a 10-day study tour to Reykjavik, where they will meet and learn from business leaders and entrepreneurs.