Research

The Center for International Business pursues research on a variety of topics that affect business throughout the world. The center's research not only covers specific countries and regions, but also focuses on issues that cut across geographies, such as firm and industry responses to globalization.

Recent work by center director Andrew Bernard has analyzed the effects of trade with low-cost countries such as China on firm strategy and performance, the relationship between exporting and productivity, transfer pricing by U.S. exporters, and the role of multinationals in international trade and production.

Much of senior associate director Matthew Slaughter's recent work has focused on the global operations of multinational firms, in particular how knowledge is created and shared within these firms and how their activities are structured across borders. He has also researched the labor-market impacts of international trade, investment, and immigration, and has studied the political-economy question of individual attitudes about globalization.

Each year, the center's MBA Fellows conduct research on a global business topic under the direction of professors Bernard and Slaughter. The 2006 - 2007 research project focused on the responses of the consulting industry to globalization.

The center's research findings are disseminated as books, in scholarly publications, at industry conferences, and as case studies. The center welcomes opportunities to collaborate with academic researchers from other universities. If you have questions on these or other topics, please email Andrew Bernard, the center's director.