Bridging Theory and Practice: Meet EMA Paris Professor

At the École de Management Appliqué (EMA), students do more than just study theory—they learn how to navigate the complex realities of modern finance and global markets. Leading this charge is Dr. Georgios Alexopoulos, an accomplished economist, researcher, and educator whose career spans major international infrastructure projects, public policy, and top-tier European business schools.

A Unique Blend of Industry and Academia


Before dedicating his career to higher education and research, Dr. Alexopoulos built a diverse professional foundation. Holding a PhD in Social Economy from the University of Peloponnese, an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Patras, a degree in Business Administration, and an original background as a Civil Engineer, he bridges technical precision with financial expertise.

His early career included working as a Financial Analyst and Civil Engineer on major infrastructure initiatives, such as the Elefsina–Patras–Pyrgos–Tsakona motorway project (with a budget of approximately €345 million). His responsibilities spanned strategic planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, and risk mitigation. Furthermore, he contributed to the French Ministry of Economy and Finance / Directorate General of the Treasury, working on international development finance and supervising the activities of the French Development Agency.

 

Research-Driven Teaching for Today’s Global Markets


Dr. Alexopoulos’s professional and academic collaborations extend across prominent institutions, including AKTOR S.A., EconomiX at Paris Nanterre University/CNRS, and the Central Bank of Lithuania. His published peer-reviewed research—featuring in journals such as The Annals of Regional Science, the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, and the Journal of Investment Management and Financial Innovations—focuses on monetary policy, risk-sharing, financial volatility, and economic development.

He leverages these insights directly in EMA courses like Business Finance and Capital Markets, Entrepreneurial Finance, Managerial Finance, Statistics, and Micro/Macroeconomics. By connecting academic concepts to real market developments, he helps students understand how theory is applied by companies, investors, and policymakers navigating high interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges


In Dr. Alexopoulos's classes, learning is hands-on and practical. Students tackle real-world exercises ranging from financial statement analysis and capital budgeting to risk-and-return analysis and cash-flow forecasting.

Emphasizing both quantitative rigor and collaborative problem-solving, his approach ensures that EMA students learn how to turn data into concrete managerial recommendations—preparing them to thrive in dynamic corporate environments.

"What makes the student community and networking experience unique at EMA school is the diversity of its student community. Students come from different academic, cultural and professional backgrounds, which creates an environment where they can learn not only from the professor but also from each other. I also believe that networking should go beyond simply exchanging contact details. Students should learn how to discuss business problems, work in teams, present ideas and interact professionally with people from different sectors."