Teaching Digital Transformation Across Continents
by Constructor Academy
Constructor Academy was proud to support a two-week executive seminar on Digital Transformation. This marked a significant first step in what we see as a promising and impactful partnership between the National Institute of Technology (NITA) in Saudi Arabia and Constructor University in Bremen, with support from Constructor Academy and Constructor Tech.
The seminar was structured as a cross-continental experience, with nine days of intensive learning spread across two countries. It brought together industry leaders, academic experts, and 14 highly engaged participants who were committed to exploring how to lead digital change within their organizations.
It all started in Dammam, at the NITA center, where Constructor Academy was warmly welcomed and introduced to the seminar participants. The participants’ group brought a high level of curiosity and commitment, which set a strong tone for the days ahead.
The first two days focused on laying the groundwork. Core concepts of digital transformation were introduced, alongside discussions on the current use of Generative AI in business. Key technologies such as IoT and cloud services were also explored.
Day 2 concluded with an interactive session focused on leadership in digital change. Participants explored their leadership styles and exchanged ideas on guiding their organizations through transformation. The session offered a valuable opportunity to move from theory to application and connect with the topic on a personal level.
Midweek featured a guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Christian Stamov Roßnagel from Constructor University. His session focused on how organizational culture influences digital transformation and why effective change management is as critical as selecting the right technology.
The group discussions that followed stood out for their openness and honesty. Participants shared real stories of resistance, success, and lessons learned. These exchanges brought theory to life and grounded the conversation in personal and practical experience.
To conclude the week, the focus shifted to data-driven decision-making. The CRISP-DM framework was introduced as a practical tool for structuring data science projects. This model, often used in training programs at Constructor Academy, provided a clear, hands-on approach adaptable to various business settings.
During the exercises, participants began connecting the framework to their own work. As the discussions deepened, ideas became more tangible and directly linked to current challenges. These moments demonstrated how knowledge can transition into action.
The second part of the program took place in Bremen, home to Constructor University and a central hub in the international learning network. After an energetic start in Dammam, the setting in Germany brought a more focused lens on applying key concepts within a European context.
The program design for the second week emphasized practical engagement and strategic thinking. Sessions on Artificial Intelligence moved beyond broad theory and instead highlighted real-world use cases. Participants brought specific challenges into the conversation, which shifted the dialogue toward actionable solutions. Many began re-evaluating transformation goals with AI in mind.
As the week progressed, group work on the innovation strategy took center stage. Small teams created tailored transformation roadmaps, drawing on insights from both program phases. Their final presentations reflected a thoughtful balance of ambition and feasibility.
By the program’s end, a noticeable shift in mindset had taken place. Participants began asking sharper questions and showing clear ownership of their learning outcomes, demonstrating intent to lead change within their organizations.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Constructor University, celebrating the efforts and commitment of the 14 participants. Dr. Auf der Heyde, Vice President of Constructor University, acknowledged the significance of this collaboration and emphasized the value of academic-industry partnerships:
“We are honored that Aramco and NITA have chosen to work with our small but excellent university in Bremen.”
The ceremony marked a moment of recognition and served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to help develop future-ready leaders.
At both Constructor Academy and Constructor University, digital transformation is viewed as a human journey first. This experience reinforced that perspective in meaningful ways.
The seminar was structured as a cross-continental experience, with nine days of intensive learning spread across two countries. It brought together industry leaders, academic experts, and 14 highly engaged participants who were committed to exploring how to lead digital change within their organizations.
It all started in Dammam, at the NITA center, where Constructor Academy was warmly welcomed and introduced to the seminar participants. The participants’ group brought a high level of curiosity and commitment, which set a strong tone for the days ahead.
The first two days focused on laying the groundwork. Core concepts of digital transformation were introduced, alongside discussions on the current use of Generative AI in business. Key technologies such as IoT and cloud services were also explored.
Day 2 concluded with an interactive session focused on leadership in digital change. Participants explored their leadership styles and exchanged ideas on guiding their organizations through transformation. The session offered a valuable opportunity to move from theory to application and connect with the topic on a personal level.
Midweek featured a guest lecture by Prof. Dr. Christian Stamov Roßnagel from Constructor University. His session focused on how organizational culture influences digital transformation and why effective change management is as critical as selecting the right technology.
The group discussions that followed stood out for their openness and honesty. Participants shared real stories of resistance, success, and lessons learned. These exchanges brought theory to life and grounded the conversation in personal and practical experience.
To conclude the week, the focus shifted to data-driven decision-making. The CRISP-DM framework was introduced as a practical tool for structuring data science projects. This model, often used in training programs at Constructor Academy, provided a clear, hands-on approach adaptable to various business settings.
During the exercises, participants began connecting the framework to their own work. As the discussions deepened, ideas became more tangible and directly linked to current challenges. These moments demonstrated how knowledge can transition into action.
The second part of the program took place in Bremen, home to Constructor University and a central hub in the international learning network. After an energetic start in Dammam, the setting in Germany brought a more focused lens on applying key concepts within a European context.
The program design for the second week emphasized practical engagement and strategic thinking. Sessions on Artificial Intelligence moved beyond broad theory and instead highlighted real-world use cases. Participants brought specific challenges into the conversation, which shifted the dialogue toward actionable solutions. Many began re-evaluating transformation goals with AI in mind.
As the week progressed, group work on the innovation strategy took center stage. Small teams created tailored transformation roadmaps, drawing on insights from both program phases. Their final presentations reflected a thoughtful balance of ambition and feasibility.
By the program’s end, a noticeable shift in mindset had taken place. Participants began asking sharper questions and showing clear ownership of their learning outcomes, demonstrating intent to lead change within their organizations.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony at Constructor University, celebrating the efforts and commitment of the 14 participants. Dr. Auf der Heyde, Vice President of Constructor University, acknowledged the significance of this collaboration and emphasized the value of academic-industry partnerships:
“We are honored that Aramco and NITA have chosen to work with our small but excellent university in Bremen.”
The ceremony marked a moment of recognition and served as a reminder of the shared responsibility to help develop future-ready leaders.
What’s next?
This seminar marked the starting point. Together with NITA and other partners, further steps are already being explored, including a follow-up program, certification opportunities, and executive education formats in both the Gulf region and Europe.At both Constructor Academy and Constructor University, digital transformation is viewed as a human journey first. This experience reinforced that perspective in meaningful ways.
