Dr Pedro Nueno
Pedro Nueno, Professor at the IESE–University of Navarra business school, President of the China Europe International Business School, and Emeritus Member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (READ), offers a series of business management insights based on both his research and his extensive professional experience in the articles “Parking,” “Developing,” “Securing,” “Publishing,” “Reacting” and “Employing,” published in the Economics section of the newspaper “La Vanguardia” between February and March.
In “Parking,” the expert addresses an issue that, although often considered politically incorrect today, can ultimately facilitate mobility and business efficiency: the provision of parking facilities for employees in all types of organisations. “The reality is that when a company or institution provides parking spaces for its employees’ vehicles, it is an extraordinary help. Yet many companies have still not addressed the issue, often because they lack the space. It is a global matter, and in the United States I have sometimes had to drive to a company and park almost a half-hour walk away from the executive office,” he explains.
In “Developing,” he offers various alternatives for Spanish companies facing obstacles in their growth or internationalisation. “What can be recommended? If we have a small company that performs very well because it has a good product and an excellent relationship with certain clients in limited markets, one option is to sell it to another company in the sector, perhaps from a European country or a Spanish firm already well developed internationally. Spain welcomes foreign companies that internationalise. In China it has been stated that investing in Spain is the best way to enter Europe, especially if the goal is to manufacture within Europe,” he advises.
In “Securing,” the academic focuses on education and its importance for future quality of life. “A message for young people is to study—at school, later at university, and afterwards in institutions that prepare them in information technologies, healthcare, construction or many other fields. There is no need to obsess about finding a job. Young people will live to be 110 years old and will have to work until 95 because states will not have sufficient funds to pay pensions. In the United States, in shopping centres with many workers, you can see some who are over 90 years old. In America, the State does not provide pensions; if you want one, you must save and purchase it during your working years. We must secure our future,” he states.
Nueno dedicates “Publishing” to the guidelines he has developed throughout his own publications and to the advice he has been able to offer, based on them, to companies and professionals seeking to evolve or open new business avenues. “I have never thought of making money from my books. When someone who has read my books asks me to help with something in their company, if I can do it and it improves the company’s performance, then perhaps some compensation may be appropriate. For me, always whatever they consider fair,” he explains.
In “Reacting,” the expert emphasises the option of selling a business when, after analysis, it proves to be a profitable and appropriate decision in the current context. “The global economy is changing, and there may be companies of considerable size operating in many countries that already have products similar to those of these smaller firms. Larger, already international companies will see that the Spanish market can be very attractive. They have two alternatives: to establish their own structure in Spain or to acquire one of those medium-sized but well-positioned companies in the country. The best solution for these Spanish businesses would be to sell, which could be done at a good price because it would provide the acquiring organisation with rapid and effective access to the Spanish market,” he argues.
Finally, in “Employing,” he calls for openness of mind and markets in a world where the globalisation of the economy and talent is irreversible. “There are entrepreneurs in Europe and the United States who, when they see a Chinese company investing in their country, do everything possible to persuade their governments to place obstacles in its path. And, from time to time, governments themselves seek ways to hinder the entry of Chinese companies. We should remain open to foreign investment, particularly from China today. It will be highly beneficial for our future,” he concludes.
