In this video, event speakers Henrik Sornn-Friese and Barbara Scheel Agersnap speak on the future of ports and their potential as active participants in value-creation processes.
Reimagining Ports as Active Creators of Value
Traditionally, ports are perceived primarily as infrastructure providers, serving as essential but passive points of entry and exit for goods in the global trade network. At this event, Henrik Sornn-Friese, Associate Professor at CBS, and Barbara Scheel Agersnap, CEO of Copenhagen Malmø Port, presented a dynamic perspective where ports are instead seen as active participants in value-creation processes.
By CBS Executive Education"The traditional perception of what a port is, is insufficient."
Traditionally, ports have been seen as passive infrastructure, serving as entry and exit points for goods in global trade. This positions them merely as providers of space and basic logistical support. However, in today’s global trade environment, this limited perspective is no longer enough. Globalisation, technological advancements, sustainability concerns and other factors create challenges and opportunities alike.
At this event, Henrik Sornn-Friese and Barbara Scheel Agersnap discussed how adopting a value-based approach to ports enhances efficiency, fosters innovation, strengthens collaboration, supports sustainability, builds resilience and improves security and risk management.
Additionally, the audience, which comprised representatives from various industries, companies and backgrounds, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation. The open discussion covered a range of topics, including the geopolitical challenges faced by ports, their role in the green transition, the leadership skills required to manage the shift to modern ports and strategies to make careers in the sector more attractive to the next generation.
Associate Professor, Ph.D. and Director of CBS Maritime at Copenhagen Business School
Henrik Sornn-Friese is Associate Professor in strategy and innovation at CBS and MPA Professor in Maritime Business at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University. His current research focuses on circular economy over the entire lifecycle of ships, the transition to alternative (green) fuels for shipping and broader sustainability issues for shipping and ports.
Henrik teaches courses at the HD2 Maritime programme such as the 'Green Shipping and Port Management' course.
CEO of Copenhagen Malmø Port
Barbara is the CEO of Copenhagen Malmø Port, one of Scandinavia’s largest port operators with an infrastructure customised for all types of vessels. The port is a hub for activities and knowledge that works to generate collaborations, synergies and add value to society. The vision is to open up the port on both sides of the strait and create a platform where industry, research and entrepreneurship can meet, share knowledge and inspire.
Barbara is also a Board Member at Royal Arctic Line A/S and Asia House Denmark. She's a proven CEO with international experience delivering clear financial results and transformation. She was previously Executive Director at Innovation Centre Denmark in Shanghai.
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