On January 24^th – 28^th, the long-awaited bustle of developing the international openness of studies returned to Kaunas University of Applied Science. Students of the Faculty of Business and Avans Hogeschool (located in the Netherlands) were brought together face-to-face for the second time by the international project called B2B the Netherlands–Lithuania.

During this year’s event, the students delved into the tasks assigned by the social partners of KUAS, such as Axioma Metering, a Lithuanian advanced meter manufacturer, Teltonika IoT Group, technology company Agmis, and a B2B gaming developer Evolution. Students had to prepare an export plan and recommendations for expanding the business into foreign markets.

There were 55 students from Avans Hogeschool and 70 students of Logistics, International Business, Sports Management and Applied Communication study programmes from the KUAS Faculty of Business. Participants used methods of analysis, interacted with experts from different organizations and systematized the information.

According to Mindaugas Samuolaitis, Head of KUAS Career Center, the project focuses on the development of research competencies and market analysis. He says that “throughout the project, students analyzed threats, opportunities, competitive environment, and potential partners, which are all great insights in preparation for the final thesis as well as improving analytical skills.”

According to Viktorija Navickienė, Head of the Department of Communication at the Faculty of Business, the research undertaken by the students is related to the exploration of the foreign markets, potential competitors, partners, and costs. Navickienė is convinced that the “knowledge and experience exchange as well as application of theory, development of practical skills, new connections, and even possible future cooperation opportunities open a broader perspective and increases students’ motivation to experience the importance of mobility.”

Samuolaitis adds that this type of project allows students to experience the advantages of networking.  “Working in interdisciplinary and international teams means adapting to each other, communicating, and achieving results together. Additionally, it is an opportunity to present yourself to the organizations and perhaps find a potential employer or an internship,” says Head of KUAS Career Center.

The results of the research were presented in two stages. Firstly, six teams were assigned to investigate a particular organization, and then the strongest team was selected. Later, four teams presented the results to a committee consisting of representatives from KUAS and Avans University. The team that won this year analysed the development of Teltonika in the Australian market. Organizations will be allowed to examine the results and infographics of the research.

Project B2B the Netherlands–Lithuania took place for the third time. Last year it was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the future, the project might take place in Avans Hogeschool next year.