Since Fall 2024, Dr. h.c. Jan Jenisch personally leads this high-impact course in international strategy at the University of Fribourg. Drawing on his extensive leadership experience, this course provides students with hands-on exposure to real-world strategic challenges in a global business context.

Course Description 

This course offers a practical immersion into international strategy, with a distinct focus on venture-backed startups. The curriculum is uniquely structured around live case studies provided directly by startup founders. Students will apply established strategic frameworks to analyze these real-world scenarios and develop actionable solutions for ventures actively exploring global expansion. Key topics include market selection, entry modes, timing, scaling strategies, and cross-border challenges.

The course also examines how cultural, regulatory, and institutional differences shape global growth decisions. Students will collaborate in teams to develop in-depth strategic global growth plans tailored to the participating startups. This applied learning experience culminates in a final presentation of these strategic recommendations directly to the involved startup founders and other stakeholders, offering a unique platform to refine communication and professional presentation abilities.

Course Highlights

• Learn from the Top
  Gain exclusive insights into strategic management from one of Europe’s most influential executives.
• Real-World Application
  Work directly on a real international growth strategy for a startup, applying key strategic tools and frameworks.
• Executive-Level Engagement
  Engage with startup CEOs and their strategy leads, with briefings and potential site visits to company HQs and production facilities.
• Interactive Format

  - Strategic management foundations presented by Jan Jenisch

  - Guided team work with interim presentations and expert feedback

  - Final strategy presentations to company leadership in December 2025

More information on Fall 2025 course here.

Transform theory into strategy. Build the skills to lead globally.