Exploring Innovation in Krakow: A Learning Expedition That Redefined Leadership
EDHEC MSc in Leadership & Management student Jack Hughes shares his experience on the learning expedition to Krakow, where he explored one of Central Europe’s most dynamic tech hubs. Through company visits, workshops, and real-world applications of classroom theory, the trip reshaped his view of leadership and innovation.
Jack Hughes, MSc in Leadership & Management student at EDHEC Business School, recently took part in a transformative learning expedition to Krakow, Poland—an experience that brought classroom theory to life through direct interaction with startups, global companies, and innovation hubs. This immersive journey, led by Denis Dauchy, Professor in Strategic Management at EDHEC, offered students a deep dive into Poland’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem. Here, Jack shares insights on what made the experience so impactful.
Why did you choose to join the learning expedition in Krakow, Poland?
To start with, I had never been to Poland! But more importantly, I was drawn to the opportunity to explore Krakow’s dynamic and fast-growing tech ecosystem. Poland is increasingly recognised as an innovation hub in Central and Eastern Europe, and I was excited to see how entrepreneurship, technology strategy, and leadership intersect in such a vibrant environment.
The chance to meet startup founders, visit leading companies, and apply what we’ve learned at EDHEC in real-world settings made it an easy choice.
What were one or two highlights of the trip for you?
One standout moment was the strategic simulation workshop at Pragmatic Coders, where we applied leadership and strategy frameworks from our MSc courses to real-world business scenarios. It was a brilliant way to put theory into action.
Another highlight was our discussion with OMGKRK, the leaders of Krakow’s startup community. Their work in connecting founders, investors, and institutions really shifted my view of leadership—not just as managing teams, but as empowering entire ecosystems.
Which companies or institutions did you visit, and what were the key takeaways?
We visited a wide range of organisations including Google, Crédit Agricole Poland, Pragmatic Coders, OMGKRK, Creotech Instruments (a leader in Polish space tech), as well as institutions like Krakow City Hall and the Cyfronet Supercomputing Centre.
Each visit offered a unique perspective on innovation. What stood out to me was how companies like Crédit Agricole are using technologies like Generative AI and low-code platforms to empower their employees to innovate. It reinforced the idea that digital transformation is as much about people and culture as it is about the technology itself.
How did the experience connect with your MSc studies?
It was the perfect complement. Courses like IT Strategy, Operations and Project Management, and Sustainable Tech & Digital provided the theoretical frameworks—but in Krakow, I got to see them in action. Concepts like organisational ambidexterity, intrapreneurship, and the innovation lifecycle were present across nearly every organisation we visited. It really deepened my understanding and showed me how leadership today means co-creating solutions with your team, not just giving top-down direction.
What new skills or insights did you gain from the expedition?
The biggest takeaway was a stronger understanding of how innovation ecosystems function—and how essential collaboration is to driving meaningful change. I also sharpened my strategic thinking by applying what we’ve learned in real business settings.
On a more personal level, I came back even more motivated to lead with empathy and purpose. The most innovative companies we met showed that combining high-tech with a strong, human-centric culture is where real progress happens.
Has the expedition influenced your career goals?
Absolutely. It confirmed that my passion lies at the intersection of leadership, people, and technology. Seeing how companies like Crédit Agricole are empowering employees to innovate through tech really inspired me. I’m now even more committed to pursuing roles that allow me to help organisations unlock their teams’ potential through digital transformation and purpose-driven leadership—especially in global companies where I can combine these interests at scale.
What advice would you give to future students thinking about this learning expedition?
Just go for it! Come with an open mind and be ready to absorb everything. Don’t just be a passive observer—ask questions, engage deeply, and draw connections with what you’re studying at EDHEC. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a thriving innovation ecosystem up close. For me, it was genuinely one of the most enriching parts of my MSc year.
