Lectureship International Business

As a result of globalisation and greatly improved communication due to internet, companies that want to continue competing successfully will almost certainly have to internationalise in some form or other. International activities range from export and import to direct foreign investments such as offshoring and setting up joint ventures.

In the Rotterdam region there are a large number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and together they had 1.100 foreign locations in 2007. In addition 25% of SMEs indicated that they will investigate starting international activities in 2008. Because most of the SMEs have a strong link to the port of Rotterdam, the majority of their international activities take place in Europe and Asia.

The professor of International Business will promote knowledge development in the field of internationalisation of SMEs. SMEs will be encouraged to approach Rotterdam Business School regarding challenges they face when dealing with internationalisation. Lecturers will conduct research in this field together with students in the form of projects, outplacements or a thesis. This research will result in practical theories and applications which can be directly implemented by SMEs.

By combining the skills and knowledge present at SMEs and Rotterdam Business School a win-win situation is created: the SMEs can apply the research results directly in their business activities and at the same time Rotterdam Business School can use the experience and information on the international activities of SMEs in improving their courses and better preparing students for international business.

We will also be inviting guest professors from abroad twice a year for the period of a semester. This flexibility will enable Rotterdam Business School to temporarily supplement the research group with lecturers or businessmen who have specialised experience in the field of the research being done at that time. To further improve knowledge dissemination, the lectureship will aim to set up an extensive network of (inter)national universities and institutions participating in research on international business.