About Us

International Business Center/MSU-CIBER

The International Business Center (IBC)/MSU-CIBER in The Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University was designated in 1990 as a Center for International Business Education and Research Center the U.S. Department of Education (CIBER). The mission of IBC is to leverage our leading-edge knowledge and skills to provide superior education, research, and assistance to businesses, multiplier groups, faculty, and students on issues of national significance for international competitiveness. The International Business Center is funded by: The Title VI B grants through the International and Foreign Language Education Program Office of the U.S. Department of Education, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The Eli Broad College of Business at MSU, Office of the Provost at MSU, The Office of Research and Graduate Studies at MSU, Libraries, Computing, & Technology at MSU and individual donors.

IBC/MSU-CIBER focuses on four critical areas of national significance to accomplish its mission:

Need for Developing a Global Mindset in Higher Education

Developing a global mindset among students and faculty is a critical focal area for IBC/MSU-CIBER because a global mindset among students and faculty enhances the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses. A Global Mindset is one of the guiding principles and expectations for accredited schools by AACSB International, the leading, global accreditation institution for business schools. Developing a Global Mindset in a business school among faculty and students should imbue the understanding of other cultures and values, as well as the global nature of business and the importance of understanding global trends.
Need for Developing a Global Mindset among Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Developing a global mindset among business leaders and entrepreneurs is a critical focal area for IBC/MSU-CIBER because a global mindset should provide a better understanding of the global business environment and individual country markets, which in turn should enhance the global competitiveness of businesses. MSU-CIBER will continue to train and educate business leaders and entrepreneurs employing several low-cost and high-impact projects and activities that will reach wide audiences.
Need for Strong Partnerships and Collaboration for Maximum Reach and Optimal Scale

Developing strong partnerships for maximum reach and optimal scale to enhance global competitiveness is a focal area for IBC/MSU-CIBER because strong partnerships provide the platforms that enable us take advantage of economies of scale and scope to achieve maximum reach. In this way, we can enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses much more effectively and efficiently. MSU-CIBER is a platform that connects several institutions of higher education (e.g., MSU, Broad College and the area studies and centers at MSU, CIBERs, universities, community colleges, Minority Serving Institutions), educational agencies (e.g. Department of Education), professional and academic associations (e.g., Academy of International Business AIB, NASBITE International, CUIBE, Lansing Economic Club, CCID, NACCE), government agencies (MEDC, U.S. Commercial Service) and businesses to promote the development of international skills, awareness and expertise in students, faculty and members of the business community.
Need for Research/Discovery to Enhance the Global Competitiveness of U.S. Businesses

Enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses though discovery is a focal area for IBC/MSU-CIBER because research/discovery can help U.S. companies enhance their competitive advantages in the global marketplace. In brief, though research/discovery U.S. companies can better understand the global business environment and develop the appropriate strategies to succeed in this environment. In addition, they can measure and monitor the impact of their strategies, and improve their internal processes through research/discovery.

Photograph of Beaumont Tower on a sunny day at Michigan State University

IBC at Michigan State University

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

IBC offers several curricular and non-curricular programs that enhance a global business mindset at the Broad College and MSU. These programs continue to embed our DEI efforts pervasively in our curriculum, scholarly activity, and interactions with the community. Moreover, our educational programs targeting Community Colleges and Minority Serving Institutions specifically encourages and supports all students, faculty, and staff to help build inclusive communities where diversity and differences are acknowledged as strengths.
About Michigan State University and the Broad School

Since its founding, Michigan State University has been a leader in international education, research, and outreach. With a focus on equity, inclusiveness, and diversity, as well as quality and connectivity, MSU is committed to fostering partnerships that are collaborative, participatory, empowering, systemic, and transformative. MSU serves around 50,000 students with more than 200 academic programs, of which 37 are ranked in the top 25 nationally. MSU is home to around 10,000 students from more than 140 countries and had one of the nation’s leading education abroad programs offering around 275 programs to 90 countries, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, MSU has an excellent international infrastructure that includes 25 international centers and institutes, a top-ten placement for foreign students, and some 1,400 faculty who conduct research, teach, or provide service in over 175 countries. In 2020, MSU faculty were involved in 761 international projects tackling current challenges that humanity faces and that affect U.S. businesses, including food security, cyber-security, and climate change. In brief, MSU is a leading research university that has been internationally engaged for more than 150 years with a legacy of global collaboration in pursuit of innovation, enhanced research, scholarship, and education (isp.msu.edu).

The Eli College of Business is the largest of the 17 colleges within MSU, home to approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Broad’s undergraduate programs comprise seven majors and nine minors; the graduate program portfolio consists of two MBA programs, three joint-degree programs with other MSU colleges, and seven standalone master’s programs; and the college offers Ph.D. programs in seven areas. These academic programs and the outreach to many business professionals through Broad executive education programs are delivered by 172 full-time faculty that include 41 endowed professorships and over 120 full-time staff. The Broad College of Business has a strong reputation as a top-of-the-mind business school globally with faculty members from 24 countries, 92 of whom engage in international teaching, research, and/or service annually. The Broad College ranks 13th among public universities and has several highly ranked undergraduate and graduate programs, such as Supply Chain Management (#1), Marketing Research (#1), Production/Operations Management (#5), International Business (#20), Management (#13), and Accounting (#21). Enhancing a global mindset is central to the college’s mission and aspirations along with the digital economy, ethics and integrity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. MSU. The Global Mindset strategic theme of the Broad College aims to develop diverse, rigorous, innovative undergraduate and graduate educational programs that prepare students to succeed in a global business environment and enrich lifelong learning with a global mindset. In brief, the Broad College’s internationalization strategy focuses on research, educational and engagement programs at the nexus of the university and college’s thematic strengths, regional expertise, and global partnerships (broad.msu.edu).
Advisory Board

A distinguished Advisory Board for MSU-CIBER first met on 15 February 1989 under the leadership of Mr. Robert Stempel, a graduate of Michigan State University’s Executive MBA Program and then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, Detroit. The Council members convened initially on a monthly basis to formulate the mission, objectives, and desirable programs for the MSU-CIBER.

The current Advisory Board has a very diverse composition with representatives from the academic community within Broad College and MSU, from the Government & various associations and civil organizations, as well as from the local and global business community. With the help and guidance of its advisory board, IBC/MSU-CIBER will continue its high-impact activities for the university community and for the State of Michigan, as well as for the region and the nation.

MSU CIBER Advisory Board_2024-2026

Partners and Affiliates

Partners

A number of organizations provide funding, resources, and support for the operations of the MSU International Business Center and to collaborate with our world-leading faculty at Broad College and MSU. We are very grateful for their support. Each is listed below with a description of the organization and our relationship.

Interested in becoming a partner? Please contact us at ibc@msu.edu

CIBER Network

The U.S. Department of Education provides funding to schools to support activities related to U.S. trade and competitiveness. MSU-CIBER has been designated a national “Center for International Business Education and Research” since 1990. MSU-CIBER has been serving the IB community for over 30 years as one of the first CIBERs in the country.

International Studies and Programs

International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach at Michigan State University. ISP’s efforts expand and deepen MSU’s global research and help create the scientific knowledge needed for responding to the world’s emerging opportunities and global goals. ISP works to position MSU as a leader in international research and scholarship, the internationalization of higher education, and as an indispensable partner in global collaborations.

Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Michigan State University

A-CAPP

The Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP) is the first and preeminent academic body focusing upon the complex global issues of anti-counterfeiting and product protection of all products, across all industries, in all markets and strategies to work effectively to detect, deter, and respond to the crime.

MEDC

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership serving as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, tourism, film and digital incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth. IBC partners with MEDC on multiple projects aimed to increase the global competence of Michigan’s small and medium sized companies that often have resource and knowledge constraints in exporting and international trade.

U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. IBC partners with U.S.C.S. on multiple projects aimed to increase the global competence of Michigan’s small and medium sized companies that often have resource and knowledge constraints in exporting and international trade.

MDARD

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of six divisions that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agriculture sector. In conjunction with various partners and service providers, the International Marketing Program offers Michigan businesses a variety of export marketing programs and services. MSU-CIBER works with MDARD as a part of the Global Business Club of Michigan.

EXIM Bank

The Export-Import Bank (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales.

Michigan SBDC

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers expert assistance at no cost to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing consulting, training, market research and more.

SBA

The Michigan District office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. They can also connect you to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

East Michigan District Export Council

EMDEC Members works in conjunction with the U.S Commercial Service to demystify and to promote exports of East Michigan businesses. Members are leaders from the local business community whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice for local firms. EMDEC currently has representatives from academic institutions; government offices; law and accounting firms; and the banking, manufacturing, computer, and high-tech industries.

West Michigan District Export Council

MDEC West works in conjunction with the U.S Commercial Service to demystify and to promote exports of West Michigan and Upper Peninsula businesses. MDEC West is an all-volunteer board whose members represent a broad range of business capabilities, including sales and marketing, distribution, legal, financial, risk mitigation, logistics and related areas.

Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) and a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. They facilitate public-private partnerships by connecting industry, education and government to fuel Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation.

Foster Swift

Foster Swift Collins & Smith is a Michigan law firm built upon age-old philosophies that embrace integrity, hard work, camaraderie and community involvement. Foster Swift attorneys have assisted foreign and U.S. clients with joint ventures, acquisitions, export control and import issues, manufacturing agreements, sales and supply agreements, distributor relationships and more. MSU-CIBER works with Foster Swift as a part of the Global Business Club of Michigan.

Lansing Regional Chamber

With over 2000 chamber members, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitates area economic development through the support of existing business and the attraction of new businesses. MSU-CIBER works with the Lansing Chamber as a part of the Global Business Club of Michigan.

LEAP

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (Leap) is a collaboration of Lansing area businesses, executives, elected official, non-profit organization leaders, and university presidents who have united to further Lansing in the global marketplace. Their goal is to increase Mid-Michigan’s efficiency while it is competing for people, jobs, and investment.

LCC

Lansing Community College (LCC) is a public two-year college located four blocks from the Michigan State Capitol Building. LCC serves almost 40,000 students each year (with students from more than 125 countries in the last four years). IBC collaborates with LCC on the Global Business Club of Michigan and the IB Institute.

Community College for International Development 47th Annual Conference Washington DC

CCID

Founded in 1976, CCID has been helping members further their internationalization initiatives and develop globally competent workers for the past 40 years. Today more than ever, employers are looking for graduates with multi-cultural experiences and CCID is committed to helping our members meet that need.

McGraw-Hill

McGraw-Hill addresses all aspects of the education market from pre-K through professional learning. McGraw-Hill is a leading provider of reference and trade publishing for business. MSU-CIBER provides internationally oriented assignments, based on globalEDGE™ material, in McGraw-Hill’s textbooks.

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