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International Activities

Over the years, several international activities have been carried out, including the coordination of short-term executive and academic programs that connect groups with leading universities and centers of excellence abroad.

These initiatives include the design and organization of intensive courses, technical visits, and strategic meetings with stakeholders from public and private institutions. The objective is to provide immersive and practice-oriented experiences that expand international networks, foster applied learning, and address contemporary challenges in management, governance, and development.

Another highlight is the organization and participation in international trade fairs, aimed at generating business opportunities and supporting access to global markets.

The map of completed activities highlights the breadth of my international experience. Among the main areas of expertise are agribusiness, climate change and the environment, as well as oil, gas, and energy.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of coordinating missions and engaging with strategic stakeholders across countries on every continent. The activities presented below illustrate some of these initiatives, involving both Brazilian and international delegations.

Explore my Professional  portfólio to learn more about these and other international initiatives.

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Harvard, Boston, USA

Harvard University,
Boston, EUA.

The Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard University is a center of excellence dedicated to research and public policy development in the areas of economic development, governance, innovation, sustainability, and international development.

Its work has had a significant impact on public policy development and the capacity building of government leaders from around the world.

Université de Paris Nanterre,
France

Université Paris Nanterre is one of France’s most prestigious universities, located in the Paris metropolitan area. Internationally recognized for excellence in social sciences, law, economics, business administration, political science, and humanities, the institution also stands out for its research in governance, public management, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

Université de Paris Nanterre
University of West Attica, Athens, Greece

University of West Attica. Athens, Greece.

The University of West Attica is located in the metropolitan area of Athens, Greece. The photo was taken in front of Gate 3 of the University Campus. At this university, a short-term executive course was delivered for a delegation of representatives from Petrobangla, the state-owned oil and gas agency of Bangladesh. The course focused on energy transition and environmental issues. In addition to the academic program, strategic meetings were held with public and private sector organizations in Greece.

Kenyatta University.
Nairobi, Kenya.

Kenyatta University is one of Kenya’s leading universities, located in Nairobi, the country’s capital city. Recognized for its strong commitment to teaching, research, and community engagement, the institution hosts centers of excellence focused on leadership, innovation, public policy, and international cooperation, such as the Africa Centre for Transformative and Inclusive Leadership, established in partnership with UN Women to promote research and capacity building in transformative leadership, gender equality, and inclusive development in Africa.

The Government of Bangladesh delegation participated in a training program focused on innovation and the implementation of digital public policies.

Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, España

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) is one of Spain’s leading public universities, internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and research, particularly in the fields of social sciences, law, economics, and European studies.

Within the field of research, particular recognition is given to the work of Professor Luis Moreno at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain’s largest public research institution. His academic contributions are internationally recognized, particularly in political sociology and in the study of identity, welfare states, and comparative governance across Europe.

New York University (NYU),
USA

New York University (NYU) is one of the most prestigious private universities in the United States, globally recognized for its academic excellence and strong international presence. Located in New York City, NYU is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach across fields such as business, law, the arts, data science, international relations, and public policy, as well as for its close engagement with urban centers and global institutions.

The university is distinguished by its commitment to innovation, diversity, and internationalization, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

NYU, New York University
UFRJ, Brazil

Federal university of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) is one of Brazil’s leading public universities and one of the most important centers of scientific research in Latin America. In the oil and gas sector, the institution has achieved international recognition, particularly through COPPE/UFRJ, with strong expertise in engineering and applied research in areas such as offshore exploration, reservoir engineering, petroleum processing, and the development of advanced energy technologies.

Its close integration with the energy industry drives innovation and the development of highly qualified professionals for the oil and gas sector.

Universidade de Bordeaux, France

Université de Bordeaux is one of France’s leading higher education institutions, recognized for its academic excellence and strong tradition in applied research and executive education. In the field of advanced education for executives and business leaders, the university is particularly renowned for its Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program, designed for experienced professionals seeking to strengthen their analytical and strategic capabilities through the integration of academic rigor and real-world organizational challenges.

DBA Graduation, Dr. Smid, Université de Bordeaux

My doctoral research within the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program at Université de Bordeaux investigates advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and customer relationship management (loyalty) from the perspective of tobacco farmers in Brazil. The research is grounded primarily in stakeholder management and sustainability theories within the agribusiness context, exploring topics such as ESG practices, the role of social media in interest representation, and the regulatory and market challenges shaping the sector.

Gulfood, Dubai, UAE

Trade Mission to Gulfood Exhibition
Dubai, UAE

Gulfood, held annually in Dubai, is one of the world’s largest and most influential trade exhibitions for the food and beverage sector, bringing together buyers, distributors, investors, and companies from more than 180 countries.

The United Arab Emirates stands out as a strategic platform for business internationalization, offering privileged access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as well as a favorable environment for international trade, innovation, and partnership development.

Participating in Gulfood represents a concrete opportunity to expand markets, strengthen international positioning, and identify new export and investment opportunities.

Technical Visit to DHL
Buenos Aires, Argentina

The technical visit to DHL in Buenos Aires, Argentina, provided a strategic opportunity to understand how one of the world’s leading logistics companies develops innovative management processes for its operations and operates at the interface between the private sector, governments, and regulatory bodies.

The activity enabled discussions on topics such as e-commerce, international shipments, public policies, trade facilitation, logistics security, digital transformation, and innovation in logistics services.

It represents an experience that broadens participants’ understanding of the strategic role of logistics in economic integration, countries’ competitiveness, and the development of more efficient, connected, and sustainable business environments.

DHL, Argentina
Chile, popular houses

Technical Visit: GOV Housing Development Program 
Santiago, Chile

The technical visit to a social housing program in Chile enabled participants to gain practical insights into innovative solutions for affordable housing construction, with an emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and the use of solar energy.

 

Beyond the technical aspects of the project, the experience provided a direct dialogue on public policies for housing finance, management models, and the challenges of social housing, offering a strategic and comparative perspective capable of inspiring new solutions for innovative projects and strengthening policy development.

Technical Visit: Flood Management,
The Netherlands

The technical and institutional visit to the Netherlands focused on water management, flood prevention, and public policy. A key highlight of the program was the meetings with representatives of the Dutch Government and Deltares, a world-renowned research institute specializing in water and subsurface systems.

The discussions addressed public policies for water management and flood prevention, including strategies for flood protection, risk management in the Dutch Delta, and climate change adaptation, with particular emphasis on the country’s coastal and river flood defense systems.

The Netherlands: Meetings with Deltares, and Representatives of the Dutch Government on Flood Management
Technical Visit: Water Treatment, Boston, USA

Technical & Government Mission: Wastewater treatment.
Boston, USA

The Deer Island Treatment Plant (DITP), operated by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), is one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the Boston metropolitan area. During the technical visit, participants had the opportunity to tour the complex of anaerobic digesters and learn about the facility’s biogas generation and recovery system.

The visit offered first-hand insight into how wastewater treatment can be leveraged to generate renewable energy, significantly enhancing the facility’s operational sustainability while providing essential services to more than 2.5 million people.

Government Mission to Petrória, South Africa

The technical meeting with representatives of the South African National Treasury offered an in-depth overview of South Africa’s electronic public procurement system. The discussions covered public procurement processes, supplier management, transparency, governance, and initiatives to modernize public procurement and contracting practices.

Pretoria, South Africa

The government meeting enabled discussions on best practices to strengthen efficiency, transparency, traceability, and integrity in public procurement processes.

United Nations, COP, Morocco

United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP22 – UNFCCC)
Marrakech, Morocco

The 22nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP22), held in Marrakech, Morocco, in November 2016, was the first Conference of the Parties following the entry into force of the Paris Agreement. Widely known as the “COP of Action,” the conference focused on the practical implementation of global climate commitments, reinforcing international cooperation on climate finance, adaptation, and mitigation. During the conference, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) announced funding for the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT), designed to support developing countries in meeting the enhanced reporting and transparency requirements established under the Paris Agreement. Despite the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the Brexit referendum, participating countries adopted the Marrakech Action Proclamation, reaffirming their collective commitment to addressing climate change and advancing global climate action.

Technical visit: agroindustry cooperatives,
Germany 

The technical visit to agricultural producers and cooperatives in Germany provided valuable insights into highly efficient farming models aligned with evolving market demands. Meetings with cooperatives from the egg, dairy, vegetable, and agricultural input sectors explored strategies for aligning production with consumer preferences, highlighting the importance of innovation, quality, and value creation as key drivers of competitiveness.

The program also included discussions on public policies, government incentives for agriculture, and ESG-related initiatives, such as the adoption of green hydrogen technologies on farms. These exchanges demonstrated how innovation, economic development, and the energy transition can be successfully integrated to strengthen the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

Germany, agribusiness

Let’s Talk?

In a world shaped by rapid change and increasingly complex challenges, developing a strategic mindset and an international perspective is no longer a competitive advantag, it has become a necessity. Through mentoring, consulting, executive training, technical visits, and international business programs, professionals and organizations can gain access to best practices, expand high-value professional networks, and transform knowledge into tangible results.

Whether your goal is to accelerate your career, develop new competencies, internationalize your organization, or support strategic decision-making, personalized guidance can help fast-track this journey, generating meaningful impact, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for growth in an increasingly global and competitive environment.

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Bernhard J. Smid’s Academic Background

2019-2024

Université de Bordeaux, France

Doctorate – Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)
Dissertation title: Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement, and Customer Relations: The Perspective of Tobacco Growers in Brazil.

The research analyzes stakeholder engagement and customer relationship management/customer loyalty, considering the complexity of the tobacco agribusiness supply chain, which is highly regulated. The study surveyed 204 tobacco growers across 98 municipalities in Brazil. It also examines other agribusiness value chains that present similarities in the relationship between producers and industry.

2006 -2008

Munich Business School, Germany

Master’s Degree – Master of Arts (MA)
Dissertation title: “The Impact of Trade Liberalization on the Quality of Democracy in India”

The master’s thesis, later adapted into a book, analyzes how trade liberalization in India affected the quality of democracy in the country. The study examines the socioeconomic transformations resulting from economic openness, their impacts on society, and how these processes influenced public policy implementation. The analysis reflects on the trade-offs between global integration and democratic strengthening, focusing on one of the world’s largest and most complex examples.

2015-2016

SENAR GO, Brazil

Agribusiness Technician 

Technical course promoted by SENAR/CNA in Alexânia (GO), focused on the management and operation of agribusiness production chains.

2003-2005

Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), Brazil

MBA - Masters of Business Administration

Dissertation title: Economic Models in the High-Tech Sector: Business Models in the High-Tech Sector: The Case of Digital TV in Brazil–USA Relations.

The dissertation examines existing technologies (American, Japanese, and European) and the prospects for technological implementation in Brazil, considering private sector advocacy efforts related to national and international public policies.

Volta de um grupo de voluntários

Collective Impact Activities

Strategic Environmental and Social Impact Initiatives

Mãos demonstrando união

Mentoring & Training

Individual and Corporate Development

Páginas do livro

Publications & Engagements

Books, Articles, and Published Studies

Get in touch for academic and professional collaborations.

​Contact

+55 (61) 99229-5099

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