Inaugural lecture reinforces the role of applied research in leadership training.

The inaugural lecture of the Professional Doctorate in Administration at FGV EAESP marked the beginning of the 2026 class with an in-depth reflection on the role of applied research in decision-making. Coordinated by Professor Paul Ferreira, the meeting brought together specialists with strategic roles in innovation, governance, and public policy, and included the participation of students from the 2025 class, strengthening the integration between generations within the program. The new class is composed of 29 students, of whom almost 40% are women, a historic percentage in the doctoral program. 

With the theme “DPA in Action: Connecting Research and Decision-Making,” the event highlighted the program's proposal to act as a bridge between academic rigor and the challenges faced by leaders in public and private organizations. Gabriel Poli de Figueiredo, Internationalization Manager at the Institute for Technological Research (IPT), presented IPT's experience in transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions, emphasizing that applied research is a strategic decision involving risk, uncertainty, and opportunities for innovation driven by partnerships. 

Next, Anna Chaia, an executive and advisor at high-growth companies, addressed the relationship between universities, companies, and startups, highlighting the existing innovation potential in Brazil and the relevance of professional doctorates in bringing advanced research closer to organizations that do not have direct access to this type of knowledge. The executive also drew attention to central themes on the boards' agenda, such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, data governance, algorithmic ethics, and multistakeholder engagement. 

Closing the presentations, Ronaldo Akiyoshi Nagai, deputy director of the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of the State of São Paulo, presented the vision of the public sector and the São Paulo Innovation District as a living laboratory that integrates universities, research centers, startups, companies and government. According to him, the consolidation of mission-oriented ecosystems depends on articulation between actors, shared governance, open innovation and impact accountability mechanisms. 

The event also featured a testimony from Levindo Santos, a recent PhD graduate from the program, who shared the trajectory of his thesis and the practical applications of his work, highlighting how academic rigor and professional impact can go hand in hand. The inaugural lecture reinforced the message that research is not limited to understanding reality, but acts as an instrument for transforming organizations, public policies, and society. 

Learn more about the Professional Doctorate in Administration by clicking here.