The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) discussed the role of innovation in the jewellery sector at its Global Leadership Program held in June at the Harvard Business School (HBS).

The event brought together senior industry executives for a custom four-day curriculum led by world-class professors and based on the renowned HBS case study method. This year’s class, the largest in the 6-year history of the programme, explored case studies focused on innovation and discussed how to apply lessons from those cases to challenges facing the global gemstone and jewellery industry. 

“This unique programme creates an opportunity for thought leaders to candidly discuss new ideas and approaches to their day-to-day work and long-term goals,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. 

The GIA Global Leadership Program focuses on new research and best practices to deliver actionable insights. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants were awarded a certificate from the Harvard Business School.

GIA, in conjunction with HBS, initiated the programme in 2014. Its goal is to bring together global leaders from different sectors of the industry to examine issues faced by international businesses, and apply the lessons learned in other industries to their own businesses. It also provides an unparalleled networking opportunity for senior executives, building bridges between different sectors of the global gem and jewellery supply chain.

GIA will hold its next Global Leadership Program at Harvard from June 22 to 25, 2020.