CIBS History
The Center for International Business Studies was officially established in 2012 through an administrative transfer of the subject of economic geography to the Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) within the Department of Business Administration at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. Due to the close collaboration with teaching and research colleagues within CIBS, this was the most natural placement within the school’s new departmental organization. As such, CIBS became a unique interdisciplinary research group, combining international business and economic geography in research on global and regional business, economic development, and trade.
Founders
At the center for international business studies, we are proud to have been hosting Prof. Emeritus Jan-Erk Vahlne for last 20 years. Professor Jan-Erik Vahlne is one of the most influential scholars in the field of international business (IB). He is best known for his work on the Uppsala Internationalization Process Model, which has shaped how scholars and practitioners understand the expansion of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Throughout his distinguished career, he has contributed to theoretical advancements, empirical research, and policy implications in international business. Prof. Vahlne’s work remains highly cited and continues to influence both academia and business strategy. His work has transformed our understanding of internationalization, shifting it from a static economic model to a dynamic, knowledge-driven process. His research remains essential in the study of multinational firms, global strategy, and international market entry. As the world becomes more digitally interconnected, his insights into networks, learning, and firm adaptation will continue to guide both scholars and business leaders for years to come
Vahlne’s most significant contribution is his co-authorship of the Uppsala Model, first introduced in 1977 with Jan Johanson in their landmark paper: Johanson, J., & Vahlne, J.-E. (1977). "The Internationalization Process of the Firm - A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitments." Journal of International Business Studies.
The model proposes that firms gradually internationalize by developing market knowledge and making incremental commitments to foreign markets. This process is driven by experiential learning (firms gain knowledge from operating in international markets) and the establishment chain (firms start in psychologically close markets before expanding further).
This model challenged and refined previous theories, offering a dynamic perspective on how companies engage with foreign markets. Over the decades, Vahlne has continuously updated the Uppsala Model to account for new realities. These refinements have kept the Uppsala Model relevant in a rapidly changing business environment.
Professor Vahlne’s work has had a profound and lasting impact in shaping theoretical frameworks. His research has influenced transaction cost theory, network theory, and international entrepreneurship, offering a behavioral perspective on firm expansion.
His work has also bridged theory and practice since the Uppsala Model is widely used by practitioners, policymakers, and multinational corporations (MNCs) in strategic planning. His greatest contribution is arguably inspiring generations of scholars since his work is foundational in PhD programs, MBA courses, and executive training programs in international business.
Professor Emeritus Claes-Göran Alvstam was a distinguished scholar in the field of Economic Geography at the University of Gothenburg. His extensive research and academic contributions have significantly influenced our understanding of international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the globalization of industries. Throughout his tenure at the University of Gothenburg, Professor Alvstam was deeply involved in both teaching and research. He played a pivotal role in fostering a research environment that bridged theoretical frameworks with practical applications in international business and trade. His commitment to academia was evident in his mentorship of students and collaboration with fellow researchers.
Professor Alvstam's research primarily focused on the dynamics of international trade and the globalization of industries. He was particularly interested in the patterns and effects of FDI, analyzing how multinational enterprises influence and are influenced by global economic changes. His work provided valuable insights into the complexities of global supply chains and the evolving nature of international business operations. In recognition of his profound impact on the field and his dedication to the academic community, the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg organized a seminar in his memory. This event featured esteemed researchers discussing contemporary issues in international trade, reflecting the themes that Professor Alvstam was passionate about. Professor Claes-Göran Alvstam's legacy continues to inspire scholars and practitioners in the fields of economic geography and international business. His contributions have left an indelible mark, enriching our understanding of the global economic landscape.
