--- title: "\u201cOpportunities Come in Waves\u201d - Rico Baldegger" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/opportunities-come-in-waves-rico-baldegger/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [SEEDSTARS LIFE](/content-hub/life/) 4. “OPPORTUNITIES COME IN WAVES” - RICO BALDEGGER ![We often think innovation is something that happens in developed countries with manufacturing outsourced to emerging markets. Think again.](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/wave.max-1500x500.jpg) GLOBAL • EDUCATION & CONSULTING ## “Opportunities Come in Waves” - Rico Baldegger Nadia Mykhalevych MARCH 27, 2019 What is the DNA of innovations and where do opportunities come from? We had a chance to talk with Rico Baldegger, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Director of [the School of Management of Fribourg](http://www.heg-fr.ch/EN/Pages/School-of-Management-Fribourg.aspx) (HEG-FR), and a serial entrepreneur to find out the answers to these questions. #### WRITTEN BY ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Nadia_Mykhalevych.max-376x376.jpg) CONTENT MARKETING MANAGER Nadia Mykhalevych [CONTACT US]() What is the DNA of innovations and where do opportunities come from? We had a chance to talk with Rico Baldegger, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Director of [the School of Management of Fribourg](http://www.heg-fr.ch/EN/Pages/School-of-Management-Fribourg.aspx) (HEG-FR), and a serial entrepreneur to find out the answers to these questions. **How do you envision the future of global innovations? Where it’s all moving?** We often think innovation is something that happens in developed countries with manufacturing outsourced to emerging markets. Think again. More and more Swiss companies are going into emerging markets in order to discover innovations, or to adapt their behavior of innovation in the discovery of the needs of people. There is, for example, a large opportunity in an emerging market with adaptive innovation cycles; it does not have to be technology, or high technology all the time. A local network and international expertise, so you can act locally and globally and adapt to the local market is the main challenge for startups with small expertise and staff. Second, agility and speed are crucial for startups and their learning attitude to push you out of your comfort zone and be a bit local, and a bit global. It is an important advantage for your startup to have this sort of experience. Third, innovation and change are getting broader and worldwide, therefore it is not always easy to search for and search in the right place. China is investing tremendously in new prospects and innovation, for example in AI. It has become very difficult to predict and foresee the changes, as they can appear fast and everywhere. ![nature](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/nature.width-800.jpg) **What is the best soil for great tech innovations?** I think you will be able to innovate if you can bring together people from different backgrounds and with different competencies to jointly work on technological expertise and consumer needs. Technology without consumers’ needs is innovation with no impact. We often can witness that great tech innovations are created by teams from both sides, the tech-savvies with skills from the customer or business perspectives. In general, it is very rare to find people combining both of these skills, therefore I really encourage you to complete your team with skills and competencies you don’t have. **The internet is oversaturated with the success stories which create an idealistic image of what being entrepreneurs really means. What is your personal definition of the term “success”?** There are indeed a lot of success stories out there, however, how do we define the success of being an entrepreneur? Is it the happiness, the number of jobs created, capital raised, revenue of your companies? In an entrepreneurial way, I would define success by the impact you create in terms of social innovation, job creation, or the value to society. And how to define entrepreneurial impact? Imagine big wave surfing. First, opportunities come in waves. Our challenge is to find the right opportunity at the right place. Second, with the right place and right location, you need to be able to ride it. In entrepreneurial terms, once the good conditions are in place, your team needs the capabilities and determination to create the impact you desire to innovate. **What are the key factors that enable organizational rapid growth? Can you name an example of your favorite company that grew from zero to a sustainable and profitable business in a short period of time?** Of course, there are quite a few examples out there. One of my favorite companies is the Swiss running and sports company On. In a very short time, they attracted runners and athletes from all around the world, combining unique technology and IT-driven distribution and sales. Some of the key success factors are a dynamic and agile founder team with multidimensional and multi-oriented competencies that are able to align strategy, structure and culture in order to be fit for growth. **Switzerland is considered to have a very strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. What does it entail and what challenges does the country still face nowadays?** Switzerland’s entrepreneurial framework and ecosystem is at a very high level. Also, compared to other countries, the level of risk taking and the ability to raise money for the business is remarkable. However, I would identify two main challenges in the support services available in Switzerland: First, there is a lack of support for and funding to entrepreneurs in the low and non-tech sectors. Much entrepreneurship funding is oriented toward life sciences and technology, however, outside these sectors numerous business opportunities also exist. Second, and this is the main challenge: Switzerland has a good and secure job market with many opportunities for young and experienced professionals. In other words, it is not easy to leave your comfort zone to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions. ![recc](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/RECC.width-800.jpg) **How does the School of Business Management Fribourg prepare your students for the challenges of the complex and uncertain world? What are the key disciplines every entrepreneur should learn in the first place?** The engagement with Seedstars, for example, shows and tells our students, that they can be resourceful with their own creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial aspirations. To do so, at the School of Management Fribourg, we show them what it really means to run a business and try to show the entrepreneurial reality. We also think that tomorrow’s leaders need to have social skills, multicultural exposure and development to be prepared for their future jobs. Finally, as entrepreneurs, you have to sell your product or service and lead people, therefore the key disciplines are: sales, sales, sales, and emotional intelligence. ARTICLE THEORY OF CHANGE GLOBAL SWITZERLAND EDUCATION & CONSULTING INVESTMENT INDUSTRY ## More like this [ ![Green startups in Asia](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/greenstartups.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change? The Metronome, the famous Manhattan digital clock in Union Square, started the countdown to the next climate disaster. Oct. 19, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-green-startups-asia-help-mitigate-climate-change/) [ ![Entrepreneurs in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Entrepreneurs_in_Africa.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER #### Designing Virtual Learning Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Africa [Q&A] If we say that COVID-19 has changed the world, it would be an understatement. COVID-19 disrupted our world. Oct. 16, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/designing-virtual-learning-opportunities-entrepreneurs-africa-q/) [ ![Vocational Training](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Vocational_Training_.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### Can Vocational Training Help the African Economy Soar to New Heights? When the time comes to make career choices, modern young people suddenly find themselves in a seismically active world, where rock-solid paradigms are cracking, new normals are forming, and opportunities are flowing like lava. Sep. 18, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-vocational-training-help-african-economy-soar-new-heights/) [ ![Tracking KPIs is crucial for ensuring that your start-up dream stays on track](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Measuring_KPIs.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • INVESTMENT #### 5 Simple Mistakes Start-ups Can Avoid When Measuring KPIs Despite some fantastic ideas, brilliant products and passionate owners, it’s a sad fact that most start-ups never make it to their third year. Jun. 05, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/5-simple-mistakes-start-ups-can-avoid-when-measuring-kpis/) [ ![Seedstars Index](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Efficient_Tool.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER #### New Seedstars Index: Efficient Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making The Seedstars Index (SSI) has been fully reworked for the 2020 edition with the aim of achieving a higher quality predictive indicator for the success of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Why SSI is a powerful tool for data-driven decision making: Apr. 22, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/new-seedstars-index-efficient-tool-data-driven-decision-making/) [ ![Prepare Younger Generations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Bridging_the_Gap_How_to_Prepare_Younger_Ge.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • OTHER #### Bridging the Gap: How to Prepare Younger Generations to the Future of Work Access without quality undermines investments in the sector and yields limited gains. Ivory Coast, and the continent more broadly, has witnessed an increase of the school attendance rates Apr. 01, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bridging-gap-how-prepare-younger-generations-future-work/) [ ![Country of Innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/switzerland.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • URBAN DEVELOPMENT #### How Switzerland Won Its Title of the Country of Innovation What makes Switzerland unique? How did the country manage to become the global leader in innovation? Mar. 16, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-switzerland-won-its-title-country-innovation/) [ ![Being a Better Leader](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Better_Leader.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • HR #### Being a Better Leader: 5 Skills Founders Have to Learn to Survive Their First Year It's not all doom and gloom. Founders have to realize that setting up a business is hard, but also that most challenges can be surpassed if tackled with the right mindset and skills. Mar. 12, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/being-better-leader-5-skills-founders-have-learn-survive-their-first-year/) [ ![Civic Tech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Civic_Tech_Building_More_Transparent_Socie.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • URBAN DEVELOPMENT #### Civic Tech: Building More Transparent Societies in Developing Countries Our society is at a tipping point. Consequently, there is an urgent need for developing sustainable economic and social solutions for change. This is where transparency comes in. Feb. 27, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/civic-tech-building-more-transparent-societies-developing-countries/) [ ![African startup funding](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_8.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Future bright as african tech startup funding grows Africa has long lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to investment, even in the continent’s most exciting tech areas. Feb. 23, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/future-bright-african-tech-startup-funding-grows/) [ ![Agritech in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/agritech.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • AGRICULTURE #### Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming Imagine a drone flying 100 metres over a section of Nigerian farmland, taking infrared pictures that will then tell the farmer if his crops are suffering from a disease – up to 10 days before the damage is visible to the naked eye. Jan. 10, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/agritech-africa-paving-way-new-era-farming/) [ ![Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Omar_Christidis.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Overview of the Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA by Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet [Interview] Recently, we had a chance to talk to Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet Dec. 09, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/overview-entrepreneurial-landscape-mena-omar-christidis-ceo-arabnet-interview/) [ ![Fighting Trash - Myanmar](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/waste.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### Fighting Trash: How Myanmar Is Tackling the Waste Problem in the Country? At the forefront of the Myanmar waste discussion, the historic nation grapples with managing unwanted products like plastic and food Oct. 28, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fighting-trash-how-myanmar-tackling-waste-problem-country/) [ ![Migrant Workers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/passport-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY #### Migrant Workers: Four Ideas On How Technology Can Support Skills Mobility In this article, we will focus on the question of mobility skills, because building the right framework and policies to enable the movement of people is primordial for a sustainable economy and social wellbeing of the world’s population. Oct. 22, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/migrant-workers-four-ideas-how-technology-can-support-skills-mobility/) [ ![Ventureburn editor Stephen Timm spoke to Heyl on the role that developed countries can play](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/keyways.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Key Ways to Shape Africa's Tech Startup Sector: Media Perspective Heyl has also taken an undisclosed share in the company, which was founded in 2010 by the late media entrepreneur Matthew Buckland, who passed away in April. Jun. 25, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/key-ways-shape-africas-tech-startup-sector-media-perspective/) [ ![Technology and Entrepreneurship](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_24.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • GOVERNMENT #### Delivering Public Services Through Technology and Entrepreneurship The delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, sanitation and criminal justice, is a key task for any government. May. 14, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/delivering-public-services-through-technology-and-entrepreneurship/) [ ![Password Manager for Startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/password_manager.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES #### What Is a Password Manager, and Why Does Your Startup Need One When you’re running a startup, it goes without saying that you’ve got a lot on your plate: managing your team, updating all your social media channels, responding to user feedback. The list goes on. May. 09, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/what-password-manager-and-why-does-your-startup-need-one/) [ ![Fintech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_20.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Fintech and the Future of Your Money At the intersection of finance and technology lies a phenomenon that has been reshaping the world of money. The rise of the internet has brought about a high degree of disruption to almost all industries and financial services are no exception. Feb. 19, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fintech-and-future-your-money/) [ ![Digital Health](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/digitalhealth.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • HEALTHCARE #### Digital Health: A Solution to Growing Problems in Healthcare The Healthtech industry spans a broad number of sub-sectors: hospitals and practitioners; insurance companies; consumer-facing services; pharmaceuticals; and government – to name a few. Feb. 19, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/digital-health-solution-growing-problems-healthcare/) [ ![LATAM Startup](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/chile4.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • INVESTMENT #### Chile — the Leading LATAM Startup Ecosystem Known for its numerous breathtaking landscapes, wineries, and abundance of copper, Chile is a country that has so much more to offer. Feb. 14, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/chile-the-leading-latam-startup-ecosystem/) [ ![Proven Methodologies](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/proven_methodologies.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY #### Proven Methodologies for Delivering an Interactive Workshop in the Tech Industry Hosting a workshop at a conference or an event can be strenuous Feb. 06, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/proven-methodologies-delivering-interactive-workshop-tech-industry/) [ ![Networking with investors, media, prospective business partners, employees, and customers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Networking_Event.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ENTERPRISE #### How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking Event Although some entrepreneurs out there attribute their success to luck, savvy startups know that real business opportunity is created through hard work and consistently showing up in the right place at the right time. Feb. 06, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/how-make-most-out-networking-event/) [ ![Have you ever been to Astana?](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/group.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### The FinTech Stars Journey: An Insight on the Three-Month Acceleration Program Have you ever been to Astana? You would be surprised. Sky-high glass buildings, newly built smart quarters with entrances by a fingerprint scan, huge Expo area - firstly, a venue for the biggest Exposition “Future of Energy” Jul. 24, 2018 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/fintech-stars-journey-insight-three-month-acceleration-program-july-24-2018/) [ ![Mega Cities in emerging markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Mega_Cities_in_emerging_markets.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • MOBILITY #### Mega Cities in emerging markets: what are the perspectives on Smart Mobility? By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. The rapid growth of cities in the developing world, coupled with increasing urban migration, has led to a boom in mega-cities. Jul. 23, 2018 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mega-cities-emerging-markets-what-are-perspectives-smart-mobility/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start