Maastricht Center for Real Estate (MCRE)

NEW BLOG: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 MIT Center for Real Estate in our joint 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 What an incredible week it has been! We had the privilege of hosting the MIT/Maastricht Global Real Estate Leaders Program, bringing together professionals from around the world to discuss, learn, and collaborate on the future of real estate. 🌍🏙️ The week was packed with engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and critical reflections. From leadership strategies, smart cities, and investment theses to joint venture negotiations and navigating the ever-changing global market—each day provided invaluable insights. 🔹 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Leadership and strategic thinking with Nathalie Palladitcheff (former CEO and President of Ivanhoé Cambridge). 🔹 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Real estate economics and investment strategies with Prof. Albert Saiz, Jacques Gordon (former Global Head of Strategy at LaSalle), John Worth (NAREIT), and Greg MacKinnon (PREA). 🔹 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: Joint venture negotiations led by W Tod McGrath (BXP) and a site visit to MIT Investment Management Company. 🔹 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆: Real estate markets in Asia with Siqi Zheng and a discussion on public-private partnerships led by Kairos Shen. 🔹 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆: Exploring the world of PropTech with Steve Weikal. We are deeply grateful for the support from ULI Europe, Nareit, and PENSION REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION (PREA), who contributed to making this program a resounding success. For a detailed reflection on the week, check out our blog post here https://bit.ly/3NyNuFW. It was a week full of knowledge-sharing, connections, and inspiration! Looking forward to seeing how our participants will apply these insights to continue transforming the real estate industry. #realestate #leadership #innovation #sustainability #investment #MIT #Maastricht #globalrealestateleaders

The Climate Policy Center is growing! Can you help us expand our reach as the "front door" for MIT to local, state, federal and international policymakers?

About 15 years ago, I came across the idea that for a business to thrive, one must either invent or innovate. This constant pressure to create or improve can weigh heavily on business leaders, often making the end goal seem less appealing. Last week, I carefully listened to John Worth from Nareit clear, well-structured and, most of all data-driven presentation about the role of REITs in our industry. He concluded: ‘In real estate, innovation doesn’t necessarily have to mean improvement, but rather recognizing and seizing the right opportunities before they pass by.’ I couldn’t agree more. In our industry, success often hinges on timing and awareness, rather than endless innovation—where I see creativity in investment as the key driver. The CEE and SEE markets hunger for new investment vehicles, particularly REITs. Big thanks to John Worth, as well as Jacques Gordon and Greg MacKinnon. #REITs #NAREIT #MITCRE #InvestmentStrategy #MCRE

Vukile’s Community-First Approach to Sustainable Retail Growth Vukile Property Fund is transforming South Africa's retail property sector by prioritizing community engagement. Through initiatives like the Vukile Retail Academy and transparent community forums, Vukile integrates social responsibility with sustainable growth. Community-Centric Model By hiring locally and reflecting local culture in its management teams, Vukile ensures its retail centres resonate with the communities they serve. Managing Director Itumeleng Mothibeli states, “At Vukile, our focus is on being part of the places we serve. This isn’t just business; it’s about engaging authentically with people to understand their needs.” Aligned Vision and Mission Vukile’s success is driven by a clear mission to understand and serve shoppers. By tailoring tenant mixes to local needs, Vukile fosters customer loyalty, ensuring sustainable growth for tenants and investors. Mothibeli emphasizes, “Our people-first approach ensures that tenants provide what communities need.” Community Forums and CSI Vukile engages local Community Forums, empowering residents to shape corporate social investment (CSI) projects. In Dobsonville, forums address drug-related issues, while Phoenix supports education through bursaries. Mothibeli notes, “These forums build trust and long-term partnerships, enhancing the community fabric.” Supporting Local Entrepreneurs Vukile promotes local entrepreneurship through an innovative kiosk model, offering secure spaces for informal traders to transition to formal retail. These kiosks feature diverse services, contributing to community vibrancy. Mothibeli explains, “This model allows informal traders to thrive and cater to local preferences.” The Retail Academy The Vukile Retail Academy connects informal traders with formal retail, providing mentorship and rent-free trading for the first year. Mothibeli states, “We lower barriers for small businesses, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship as they grow.” Reflecting Heritage through Design Vukile’s commitment to community heritage extends to mall design. For instance, the Basotho hat is featured in Maluti Crescent’s lighting, while another centre honors local boxing champions. These design elements ensure retail spaces reflect the history and culture of their communities. Driving Sustainable Change Through initiatives like a women’s empowerment campaign with Action Breaks Silence and the Retail Academy, Vukile drives social change in underserved communities. Mothibeli highlights the importance of community feedback: “When members feel acknowledged and supported, that’s what truly matters.” Building Trust through Authenticity “Vukile’s essence is about people and communities,” Mothibeli concludes. “By listening and delivering transparently, we build trust, forming the foundation of our success and legacy.” Photo: Itumeleng Mothibeli, Managing Director Vukile Southern Africa

We are thrilled to having you in our Global Real Estate Leaders Program Stevan Lojovic. Your insights from your deep experience in the south east European real estate markets are a invaluable contribution to our modules! We are looking forward to seeing you in April 2025 again!

Last week in the MIT Center for Real Estate classroom, we had the privilege of learning from Nathalie Palladitcheff a remarkable leadership specialist. Her original examples and practical insights were immensely helpful, offering fresh perspectives that really resonated with the group. Nathalie’s charming and inspiring attitude made the session not only engaging but also motivating. Her ability to connect with others and inspire confidence is truly impressive, and we’re grateful for the impact she made during our time together. Looking forward to the next meeting, Nathalie! #RealEstateLeadership #GlobalInvestments #PropTech #Innovation #MIT #MaastrichtUniversity

Module 2 of the Global Real Estate Leaders Program is taking place the MIT Center for Real Estate - joint with Maastricht University A great cohort of #realestate professionals, with a diverse program covering both #leadership and many topics relevant for the industry. And of course, a stellar location! Thanks to our partners Urban Land Institute Nareit PENSION REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION (PREA) and of course Siqi Zheng Juan Francisco Palacios Piet Eichholtz

Closing the week in Boston with a masterclass in #Proptech as part of our MIT Maastricht Global Real Estate Leaders Program! We wrapped up an incredible week looking into the future of real estate with a masterclass led by Steve Weikal from the MIT Center for Real Estate, a renowned expert in property technology. How is technology transforming the design, development, and use of properties? Steve offered our cohort a fantastic outlook on proptech, sharing valuable insights about this evolving field. The day also featured an engaging panel of investors from the VC proptech industry, including Gregory Dewerpe from Noa Capital and Scott Kaplanis from GroundBreak Ventures. We were inspired by groundbreaking technologies presented by Benjamin Rocci from Lamarr.ai, Daphne Pariser, Ph.D. from HeronAI, and Lucas Cassiano from Vitrus. A lot of knowledge to bring back home from Boston! What an inspiring day! Want to accelerate your growth as a leader in the real estate industry? Join our next cohort! Check our website here: https://lnkd.in/eVFBxF2F #realestate #newcities #urbanplanning #proptech #innovation #leadership #investment