IN A COUNTRY ravaged by years of war, a small but growing number of Croats see an MBA as a way to help to transform themselves and their nation. For them, and other students in Eastern and Central Europe, the qualification holds the promise of a better future, Des Dearlove writes.

“Croats are realising that an MBA is the way to maximise potential within their companies, thereby helping to ensure a more efficient transformation in culture and mindset after the conflict,” says Zvonko Jelaca, director of IBC Henley, Henley Management College’s Croatian arm.

“The typical student wants to advance in business and society like those the world over, but Croats are determined to prove that they are capable of being carriers of change for a better life.”

There is a similar story in the former Soviet territory of Georgia, where elections early last year swept Mikhail Saakashvili to power, replacing Eduard Shevardnadze.

Aleks Chikovani, studying for an MBA at Lancaster University Management School, says: “There is a real feeling of hope that the new Government will allow the next generation to do things to help itself and that the new president will create an environment that encourages people to return home.”

Chikovani says more Georgians with MBAs who have had successful careers in New York, London and Moscow are returning to help to build the economy. “Having an MBA in Georgia is a huge opportunity and I am proud to be able to give something back to my country.”

He learned about the Lancaster school through Georgia’s informal network of MBAs who have studied all over the world. Archil Bakuradze, who also studied at Lancaster, returned to Georgia last year and now works with foreign governments and organisations to encourage direct investment to Georgia.

Initially Bakuradze had planned to stay in the UK after his MBA to work in the private sector but he says: “The MBA made me realise that I had a much greater role to play at home and that my new learning and skills meant that I could make a real difference to my country’s prosperity.”

In countries such as Croatia and Georgia the demand for MBAs will only grow. “At present the MBA market in Croatia is in its initial stages with considerable room for expansion,” Jelaca adds.