The Strong Business School and FGV Partnership: A Strategic Education Investment in Brazil's Growing Executive Training Market

The global shift toward education-as-a-service (EaaS) models is reshaping how skills are acquired and delivered, particularly in emerging markets where demand for flexible, high-quality training is surging. Brazil, with its vast and evolving economy, presents a compelling case for investors seeking to capitalize on this transformation. At the heart of this opportunity lies the Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), a Brazilian institution that has positioned itself as a leader in executive education through strategic partnerships and innovative delivery models. While precise market size data for Brazil's executive training sector remains elusive, the broader trends in digital education and FGV's institutional strengths suggest significant long-term growth potential.

The Rise of Education-as-a-Service in Emerging Markets

EaaS models, which prioritize modular, on-demand learning tailored to organizational and individual needs, are gaining traction in regions like Latin America. According to a report by the World Bank, digital technologies have the potential to address systemic learning crises by personalizing education and bridging skill gaps in labor marketsFundação Getulio Vargas - Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funda%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Getulio_Vargas]^[2]. In Brazil, where over 70% of 10-year-olds struggle with basic literacyArtificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to…, [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2025/08/19/ai-revolution-in-education]^[4], the demand for advanced, career-oriented training is acute. EaaS models, supported by artificial intelligence and online platforms, can deliver scalable solutions to this challenge while aligning with corporate upskilling goals.

FGV's role in this ecosystem is pivotal. The institution has long been recognized for its excellence in business and public administration education, with its FGV EBAPE school holding international accreditations and a reputation for leadership developmentArtificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to…, [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2025/08/19/ai-revolution-in-education]^[4]. Through its FGV In Company programs, the foundation offers customized executive training, blending classroom instruction with digital tools to meet the needs of organizations seeking to enhance strategic capabilitiesPortal FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas, [https://portal.fgv.br/]^[1]. These initiatives align closely with EaaS principles, emphasizing flexibility, relevance, and scalability.

FGV's Strategic Partnerships and Global Reach

FGV's influence extends beyond Brazil through its extensive network of academic collaborations. The institution maintains over 200 international cooperation agreements, facilitating research, student exchanges, and joint projects with global partnersFundação Getulio Vargas - Wikipedia, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funda%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Getulio_Vargas]^[2]. These partnerships not only enhance the quality of FGV's programs but also position it as a bridge between Brazil's executive training market and international best practices. For investors, this global connectivity suggests a model that can attract cross-border funding, corporate sponsorships, and technology partnerships—key drivers of EaaS scalability.

While specific details about recent FGV-business school collaborations in 2025 are not publicly available, the foundation's historical focus on innovation provides a strong foundation for future growth. For instance, FGV's research centers in economics and social sciences have contributed to policy design and corporate consulting, demonstrating its ability to adapt to market demandsAbout FGV - Portal FGV, [https://portal.fgv.br/en/about-fgv]^[3]. This adaptability is critical in an EaaS context, where rapid iteration and responsiveness to industry trends are essential.

Assessing Long-Term Investment Potential

The lack of granular data on Brazil's executive training market size does not diminish its potential. Instead, it underscores the need to evaluate FGV's position within broader structural trends. The World Bank has emphasized that digital education pathways can build “equitable, relevant, and resilient” systems, particularly in regions with infrastructure gapsAbout FGV - Portal FGV, [https://portal.fgv.br/en/about-fgv]^[3]. FGV's hybrid approach—combining physical campuses with digital delivery—addresses these challenges while catering to a diverse audience, from corporate executives to public-sector leaders.

Moreover, FGV's alignment with global priorities, such as AI-driven personalization and sustainable development, enhances its appeal to impact investors. As stated by the World Bank, AI tools can revolutionize education by supporting teachers and tailoring learning experiences, though equitable access remains a concernArtificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to…, [https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2025/08/19/ai-revolution-in-education]^[4]. FGV's partnerships with international institutions and its focus on applied research suggest a capacity to navigate these challenges, ensuring that its EaaS offerings remain both cutting-edge and socially inclusive.

Conclusion

Brazil's executive training market, though underreported in quantitative terms, is poised for expansion driven by digital innovation and corporate demand for skilled leadership. FGV's strategic partnerships, global academic network, and commitment to EaaS principles position it as a cornerstone of this growth. For investors, the foundation represents not just a bet on an institution, but on a model that aligns with the future of education in emerging markets. While risks such as infrastructure disparities and regulatory shifts must be monitored, the long-term potential of FGV's ecosystem—rooted in adaptability, global collaboration, and technological integration—makes it a compelling strategic investment.