The Business Innovation and Development Day: Eco Cultura Fair brought together a dynamic gathering of students, entrepreneurs, and sustainability enthusiasts on Sunday, 10 November 2024. This inspiring event provided a vibrant platform for showcasing innovative and sustainable business products while fostering discussions on eco-conscious entrepreneurship. This event was organized by HEC 17.0 in collaboration with the Operation Club 17.0 and the Sustainability Club 17.0, emphasized the importance of integrating environmental consciousness into business models. Held at Master of Business Administration (MBA) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), the event featured exhibitions of sustainable goods ranging from food and beverages to arts, crafts, and fashion. It also highlighted a special session with distinguished speakers from academia, business sectors, and community initiatives, offering participants unique perspectives on navigating the challenges and opportunities of sustainable business.
A standout theme from the discussions was the exploration of gender dynamics in entrepreneurship. The speakers highlighted how profits and sustainability can coexist when businesses commit to fostering eco-friendly practices through collaboration and innovation. Three expert speakers Rr Tur Nastiti, M.Si., Ph.D.; Farisa Novibiyaningrum, S.S.; and Renny Arfia Ratnaeni, S.P., shared their experiences and insights on overcoming barriers women face in business and the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in achieving sustainability goals. Their combined expertise—rooted in academic research, business leadership, and grassroots community efforts like those at Pasar Wiguna—inspired attendees to rethink their approaches to business operations and personal consumption habits.
The event also served as a platform to promote MASUDEM, a new MBA UGM concentration that pioneers innovative approaches to sustainable business education. By showcasing MASUDEM’s forward-thinking curriculum, the organizers aimed to attract aspiring business leaders eager to make a difference in shaping a greener future.
The Business Innovation and Development Day was more than just an exhibition—it celebrated ideas, resilience, and the shared vision of a sustainable tomorrow. By bridging the gap between education and industry, this event underscored the significance of sustainable practices and cultivated a community committed to creating long-term, positive impacts.
