RMIT students explore innovation and sustainability on study tour in Spain

RMIT students explore innovation and sustainability on study tour in Spain

RMIT students from Australia and Singapore had valuable opportunities to connect with industry, academia and government partners in Madrid and Barcelona.

The Business Beyond Borders Study Tour, facilitated by RMIT’s academics and professionals and supported by The Spain-Australia Council Foundation (FCEA), provided students a 10-day immersive experience exploring sustainability, innovation and global business.

Learning about innovation from global industry and institutions

Throughout the study tour, students engaged directly with organisations at the forefront of digital transformation and entrepreneurship. 

In Madrid, they visited Wayra, Telefónica’s open innovation hub, where Managing Director Paloma Castellano explained how startups and corporates are co-developing next-generation technologies.

At Indra, María Ángeles Pérez Espinosa, Public Affairs Director, shared how digital transformation is being implemented across critical sectors like energy, public infrastructure and mobility.

In Barcelona, students explored the Innovation District 22@, a hub of urban regeneration and knowledge-based industries. 

At Mobile World Capital, they learned how digital innovation is humanised to serve social and environmental needs, as well as how scientific research is translated into entrepreneurial solutions.

The study tour also included two hands-on workshops on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible innovation in technology and policy, led by RMIT Entrepreneurial Program Lead Cindy Moncada and The Data Tank’s Senior Research Lead Marta Poblet Balcell, respectively.  

RMIT Europe Executive Director Marta Fernandez (centre, wearing red scarf) welcomed students from Australia and Singapore at the RMIT Europe office in Barcelona. RMIT Europe Executive Director Marta Fernandez (centre, wearing red scarf) welcomed students from Australia and Singapore at the RMIT Europe office in Barcelona.

Exploring sustainability and global cooperation

Sustainability was a core theme throughout the tour, with visits focused on how leading organisations are integrating sustainability into their business models and operations. 

At ACCIONA’s global headquarters in Madrid, students learned from Emma Reiners, Director of Global Marketing and Communications, how the company embeds sustainability into areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure development.

In Barcelona, the group visited T-Systems, where they explored how the company aligns its corporate strategy with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

At UN Habitat, students gained insights into how global and local efforts intersect to promote inclusive, sustainable cities.

Students also visited Barcelona Global, a public–private platform that brings together civic and business leaders to enhance the city’s international competitiveness and gained insights into how collaborative models can tackle complex urban challenges through sustainability and innovation.

Understanding Spain-Australia strategic relations

During their time in Madrid, students had gained a valuable diplomatic perspective on international business and trade. 

A meeting with Her Excellency Rosemary Morris-Castico, Australian Ambassador to Spain, offered students insight into the strategic relationship between Spain and Australia. 

Meeting with Miguel Ríos González, Investment Director at Austrade, students learned about the opportunities and challenges in Spain–Australia trade and investment, as well as the role of international education in fostering deeper bilateral ties.

Her Excellency Rosemary Morris-Castico, Australian Ambassador to Spain, shared insights with students into the strategic relationship between Spain and Australia. Her Excellency Rosemary Morris-Castico, Australian Ambassador to Spain, shared insights with students into the strategic relationship between Spain and Australia.

A life-changing experience for students

“This study tour shifted my lens on global business and sustainability,” said Mallika Vaddi, Master of Business Information Technology student. 

“It was a deep dive into innovation, leadership, diplomacy and intercultural collaboration.”

“Beyond the boardrooms and workshops, immersing in Spain’s vibrant culture and rhythm of life taught me that progress thrives when tradition and innovation walk hand in hand,” she said.

Transformative programs like the Business Beyond Borders Study Tour offered RMIT students the skills, networks and global perspective to thrive in a changing world.

Story: Huong Nguyen

22 July 2025

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