Lithuania + Estonia Immersion | September 2026

**This is a working itinerary and items are subject to change.

Immersion travel dates: following the Berlin Summit from Sunday, September 13-20, 2026

The course will delve into the role of innovation in addressing critical challenges that are facing these two countries as well others in Europe. Estonia and Lithuania are small, highly educated countries on the edge of the European Union and NATO. Because of their size, geography, and history (especially the legacy of the Soviet period and proximity to Russia), innovation policy in both countries is not just about economic growth—it is also about national resilience, demographic sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Estonia and Lithuania are small, open economies operating in a complex geopolitical environment. Their innovation strategies are shaped less by abstract technological ambition and more by practical national challenges—demographic pressure, security risks, energy independence, and the need to compete globally despite small domestic markets. Innovation policy in both countries is therefore focused on strengthening economic resilience, attracting talent, and moving their economies toward higher-value industries.

• Demographic Decline and Talent Shortage – Both countries face shrinking populations due to low birth rates and emigration to Western Europe, leading to aging societies and limited labor pools. Innovation efforts aim to offset this by reducing bureaucratic friction through digital government, attracting international entrepreneurs through startup visas, and creating startup ecosystems that draw global talent.

• Small Domestic Markets – With populations of only about 1.3 million (Estonia) and 2.8 million (Lithuania), domestic demand is limited. Companies must scale internationally almost from the beginning. Innovation policies therefore emphasize export-oriented startups, deep-technology development, and integration with broader European and Nordic markets.

• Energy Security and Russian Pressure – Historical dependence on Russian energy and regional geopolitical risks have pushed both countries to pursue energy independence. Innovation focuses on renewable energy, smart grid technology, energy storage, and integration into the broader European energy system.

• National Security and Cyber Threats – After large-scale cyberattacks on Estonia in 2007, cybersecurity became a national priority. Both countries invest heavily in secure digital infrastructure, cyber defense capabilities, and advanced identity systems, with Estonia hosting NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

• Productivity and Economic Upgrading – Historically reliant on manufacturing and relatively low labor costs, both economies are working to move up the value chain. Innovation strategies emphasize AI, automation, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and software platforms to increase productivity and competitiveness.

In investigating these challenges, we will be guided by Kranzberg’s Six Laws of Technology, which highlight the intertwined relationship between technology and humanity.

This elective is a platform for students to connect theory with practice, exploring how innovative solutions can tackle the world’s most pressing issues. By integrating business and cultural elements, the Estonia & Lithuania Immersion promises to leave participants with a broader perspective on leadership, strategy, and the power of innovation in shaping our shared future.

In addition to business visits, program highlights may include:

Welcome dinner
Time spent in Vilnius, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia
Tour of Old Town Vilnius and Tallinn
Traditional Lithuanian Spa Experience
Estonia National Park: Lahemaa National Park
Regional wine tasting
Bog shoeing in Estonia
Farewell dinner

Pre-classes: 3 classes will take place prior to travel; 1 class upon return:

• Aug 13 (6-8 EST)
• Aug 20 (6-8 EST)
• Aug 27 (6-8 EST)
• Oct 1 return meeting (6-8 EST)

Course Fee: $5,700

What does the course fee cover?

All group related ground transportation (bus, train, etc.) for mandatory activities while in-country
Intra-regional airfare, where applicable (2 flights: Berlin to Lithuania, + Lithuania to Estonia)
Single occupancy in 4* or 5* hotels: AC Hotel Vilnius and Nordic Hotel Forum
Breakfast daily at hotels
some dinners and lunches
Full-time interpretive guides
Traveler’s health insurance (covering you for the duration of the travel)
Entry to all site visits, excursions, and cultural activities listed in the schedule

What does the course fee NOT cover?
You will be expected to cover some costs on your own.

International airfare (you must book on your own in advance according to the specific day/time/location that will be provided); note that Immersion students will make bookings into Berlin (for the Summit), but out of Tallinn, Estonia (for the Immersion); as stated above, all intra-regional airfare is included in the program
Travel health appointment & immunizations and/or medications
Any lunch/dinner not stated specifically as included on the itinerary
Loss of personal property
Souvenirs or personal spending
Other incidentals (laundry, international phone plan, internet, etc.)
Optional activities or extensions
Visa fees – US passport holders do not need a visa. Non-US passport holders will need a Schengen tourist visa. (Covers Berlin, Lithuania, and Estonia.)

Questions?
Contact Kaitlyn Murphy, Associate Director, MBA Global Programs: kmurphy@unc.edu. Also visit our FAQ page. If you successfully register for the Immersion, we do not recommend booking airfare until you have received specific travel instructions from the Global Programs team. There are activities planned on our last day which dictate what time you may depart.

Faculty and Staff Leads

Faculty Lead: Mark McNeilly
Professor of the Practice of Marketing
Biography
LinkedIn

Staff Lead: Kaitlyn Murphy
Associate Director, MBA Global Programs
Biography
LinkedIn