The School of Economics, Management and Political Science at the University of Minho (EEG) is proud to announce that Diogo Costa Almeida, a PhD student in Management – specialising in Business Sciences – presented his doctoral thesis entitled “Essays on Entrepreneurship: From the Incubator Context to the Educational Context” on 22 June 2026.

In the author’s own words:

"This doctoral thesis adopts a holistic perspective, integrating two central contexts of entrepreneurship – business incubators and entrepreneurial education – through the lens of entrepreneurial competences. Starting from an operational focus on business incubators, it advances the understanding of the selection, incubation, exit, and post-incubation phases, proposing new conceptual models, new analytical perspectives, and guidelines for future research. Taking a global perspective, it assesses the effectiveness of these organisations, going beyond conventional approaches, demonstrating the contingent nature of the value generated by these entrepreneurial support organisations. Recognising business incubators as non-traditional learning environments, it also develops and empirically tests a new competency-based assessment framework, aligned with the European Commission's EntreComp model.

On 20 June, the School of Economics, Management and Political Science at the University of Minho celebrated its 3rd Graduation Day, in a particularly symbolic event: for the first time, the ceremony took place at the EEG, bringing together more than 350 people in the natural amphitheatre on the Gualtar Campus in Braga.

The event brought together final-year students from bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes, accompanied by family members, friends, lecturers and staff from the School. More than just a formal degree-awarding ceremony, Graduation Day stood out as a moment of recognition, a sense of belonging and a collective celebration of the students’ academic journeys.

The session began with a speech by the President of the EEG, Luís Aguiar-Conraria, followed by the lecture “I have a degree. Now what?”, delivered by Gonçalo Lobo Xavier, a School alumnus and Director-General of the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED). Drawing on his academic and professional experience, Gonçalo Lobo Xavier reflected on the challenges of transitioning into the labour market, emphasising the importance of initiative, adaptability and the conscious development of a career path.

The programme also included the presentation of diplomas to the graduates, musical performances and a social cocktail reception, providing opportunities for students, staff and families to socialise.

Holding the ceremony at the School itself reinforced the community spirit of the event and highlighted the connection between EEG and its students, even as they complete a stage of their journey.

The School of Economics, Management and Political Science at the University of Minho will hold its Graduation Day on 20 June 2026, in the EEG’s Natural Amphitheatre on the Gualtar Campus.

This initiative aims to bring together final-year students and mark a significant milestone in their academic journey, recognising the commitment, dedication and success achieved throughout their years of study.

The completion of a course of study represents a significant milestone in every student’s life and deserves to be celebrated alongside those who have been part of this journey. It is with this aim in mind that the School of Economics, Management and Political Science is organising another edition of Graduation Day, providing an opportunity for students, lecturers, family and friends to come together in an atmosphere of celebration and recognition.

Event Programme:

- Reception/Check-in 4.00 pm | Lobby of the School of Economics, Management and Political Science
- Opening session | Luís Aguiar-Conraria, President of the School of Economics, Management and Political Science
- Lecture | Ricardo Araújo | Mayor of Guimarães
- Diploma Award Ceremony | EEG Natural Amphitheatre
- Guided tours of the Gualtar Campus (optional)
- Celebrations, music and photos
- Reception | EEG Natural Amphitheatre

The event is aimed at final-year students on Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes at the EEG.

Your presence is essential to make this day special. Please confirm your attendance by 12 June 2026 at https://gday.eeg.uminho.pt

You may bring two guests, indicating this on the form. The cost per guest is 10 Euros (information available on the Graduation Day page).

The School of Economics, Management and Political Science at the University of Minho invites the entire academic community to attend the launch and presentation of the book "China, Ameaça ou Esperança? A realidade de uma revolução pragmática”, by Xavier García, which will take place on 9 June at 2.30 pm in the EEG auditorium.

This event is organised by CECRI – Centre for International Relations Studies and aims to provide an opportunity for reflection and debate on the challenges and opportunities associated with China’s role in the contemporary international context, based on the perspective presented in the book.

This EEGConnect session forms part of the EEG’s Transversal Skills Development Programme (EEGenerating Human Skills).

Registration is available on the EEGenerating Skills platform.