Center for International Business 24-25 Annual Report

BUSINESS BEYOND BORDERS

Business Beyond Borders: Letter from the Director

Dear readers,

It is with great pride and gratitude that I present the inaugural Annual Report of the Center for International Business. This document is both a record of our accomplishments and a reflection of our commitment to preparing future global leaders who will thrive in an interconnected world I want to particularly thank Mrs Pam and Mr Bill Ryan, for their generosity in establishing the Jack and Vada Reynolds Endowed Chair of International Business. Your continuous support and your generous contributions have allow us, at the Center for International Business, advanced your vision and the vision of Loyola University New Orleans

Among this year’s milestones was the launch of the first cohort of CIB Fellows exceptional students whose projects embody Loyola’s mission to pursue excellence with a global perspective and mindset. We also introduced the Gumbo of Opportunities podcast, created specifically for students as a tool to understand and critically assess current events and challenges in international business

Our faculty advanced global scholarship through new publications, while our outreach extended beyond campus at conferences and through events here at Loyola A highlight was the workshop Creative Sparks 2 0 in April 2025, which brought together international scholars discussing economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We now look forward to Creative Sparks 3.0 in April 2026, continuing this tradition of creativity and collaboration.

Equally central to our work is the promotion of study abroad programs. Our programs in Italy and Costa Rica provide students with invaluable immersion in different cultures and markets, cultivating adaptability and global awareness

We also recognize that our progress depends on a broad community of stakeholders students, faculty, alumni, donors, and friends. This Annual Report reflects our accountability to them and our determination to share openly the impact of our efforts.

As we look ahead, we are always guided by the Jesuit values of the pursuit of excellence with an international and global perspective These principles inspire us to think broadly, act boldly, and educate with purpose. In doing so, we reaffirm our mission: to advance international business education that empowers our students to lead with purpose, compassion, and vision on the global stage

Together, we will continue building bridges, opening doors, and shaping a future without borders.

Sincerely,

Prof. Gustavo Barboza

Professor, Jack and Vada Reynolds Endowed Chair of International Business Director of Center for International Business

C I B F e l l o w s P r o g r a m

In January 2025, the Center for International Business launched its inaugural Fellowship Cohort, a signature initiative of Loyola’s College of Business. Each year, up to ten exceptional business students are selected to join this community of future global business leaders.

Fellows go beyond the classroom by engaging in peer-led learning, study abroad reflections, research discussions, and timely conversations on international business. They also take on leadership roles in the Center, organizing language and cultural events and participating in scholarly programs that enrich the Loyola community.

Business Beyond Borders:

For Their Future

What is the Center of International Business?

This inaugural session introduced new Fellows and participants to the Center’s mission, goals, and activities, alongside a foundational discussion of the scope and importance of international business today.

How to Set Up and Write a Research Paper

A hands-on session designed to guide students through the stages of academic research— from formulating a research question to organizing and writing a paper fit for scholarly submission.

How to Organize Language Events

This practical session provided guidance on planning and executing successful cultural events, focusing on outreach, recruitment, logistical planning, and effective promotion strategies.

AI Tools for Study and Business Purposes

Led by guest speaker Dr. Andrea Martin, this colloquium explored emerging AI technologies and their applications in academic study, research enhancement, and international business practices.

5 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

Spain, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the U.S.

Language Series

Italian Spanish

Students reflected on their experiences studying in Italy, discussing lifestyle differences between Italy and the U.S., and comparing campus life across the two cultures.

Participants explored cultural norms and customs in Spain versus the United States, sharing observations and insights from academic or travel experiences abroad.

This year’s cohort continued the tradition of excellence, demonstrating a strong commitment to international engagement, scholarship, and leadership across all aspects of their involvement with the Center.

Looking forward to the next Academic Year, the CIB Fellows Program will run for a full 9-month cycle, allowing multiple and diverse opportunities and modes of engagement for the upcoming Fellows cohort.

G u m b o o f O p p u r t u n i t i e s P o d c a s t

On September 2024, The Center of International Business launched the Gumbo of Opportunities podcast, a learning platform for students where we dive deep into the landscape of international business, with a closer look at the state of Louisiana and New Orleans.

This podcast is curated by dr. Alessandro Braga, prof. Gustavo Barboza and the team at the Center of International Business. It focuses on discussing recent events affecting regional, national and global markets and interviewing academics and experts in international business.

Business Beyond Borders:

Building Connections

ProfessorGustavo BarbozaandDr AlessandroBraga

S t u d y A b r o a d

During the Academic Year 20242025 the Center for International Business promoted and activated two Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica and Italy thanks to the invaluable support of the Center for International Education.

Business Beyond Borders:

Across the World

J-Term in Costa Rica

In January 2025, the Center for International Business led a 10-day study abroad program in Costa Rica, combining cultural exploration with professional immersion. Students traveled through San José, Cartago, Alajuela, and Puntarenas, experiencing the country’s natural and cultural landmarks while engaging with its dynamic business environment. This is the second time we run this program in Costa Rica, and we already looking forward to the next cohort. The cohort visited CINDE, creating market opportunities for multinational companies, and the La Lima Metropolitana Free Trade Zone, gaining insights into foreign direct investment, global supply chains, and Costa Rica’s relationshipcentered business culture. These experiences deepened students’ understanding of how strategy, operations, and culture intersect in international markets. The program also included visits to the University of Costa Rica and the Lankester Botanical Garden, culminating with a closing gala at Maderos Restaurant. This immersive experience prepared students to navigate the complexities of global business and cross-cultural collaboration.

Summer Session in Rome

From May 19 to June 20, Loyola’s Summer Study Abroad Program in Rome, in partnership with the American University of Rome, co-led by Dr. Alessandro Braga and Prof. Rob Rambo, immersed students in European business, culture, and governance. Anchored by the course Business Environment & Practices in Europe, students examined strategy, policy, and cross-cultural practices within the context of the European Union and global markets. This is the fourth consecutive year for this program.

Highlights included a guided visit to the Italian Senate, where students engaged with Senator Elena Murelli, and participation in Italy’s Republic Day celebrations. Beyond academics, students experienced Roman life and explored Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and major cultural landmarks such as the Vatican and the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Coinciding with Rome’s Jubilee Year, the program blended academic rigor, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection, offering students a transformative global learning experience rooted in Jesuit values.

C o n f e r e n c e s a n d

V i s i t i n g S c h o l a r s

During the Academic Year 2024–2025, the Center for International Business at Loyola University New Orleans welcomed distinguished visiting scholars and actively participated in international conferences, fostering global academic exchange and advancing the Center’s mission to connect research, practice, and education across borders.

Business Beyond Borders:

Through Opportunities

KSTE&I

Prof. Barboza and Dr. Braga attended the “Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (KSTE&I)” workshop and networking event honoring Distinguished Professor Al Link. Prof. Barboza presented research on foreign direct investment, while Dr. Braga presented on artificial intelligence and innovation spillovers.

Teaching Personal Finance Conference

In September, the Center participated in the Third Annual Teaching Personal Finance Conference at Stanford, featuring panels on financial literacy, housing, and personal finance, with a keynote by Tim Chen, CEO of NerdWallet.

CUIBE Fall Goverance Meeting

Prof. Barboza attended the Fall Governance Meeting and Administration Conference at the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, engaging in discussions on governance and advancing international business education.

Business Beyond Borders:

Through Opportunities

GSEM Conference

Prof. Barboza presented research on second-generation knowledge spillover effects and specialized exporting companies at the 8th GSEM Conference at EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey.

IATM Conference

Prof. Barboza moderated the “Meet the Editors” session at the IATM Conference, sharing insights on publishing and advancing contributions to the field.

Córdoba Open to the World

On June 24, 2025, Prof. Barboza participated in “Córdoba Open to the World: Tariffs as an Anti-Globalization Measure, Towards a New Regionalism” in Córdoba, Spain.

CUIBE Annual Spring Meeting

Prof Barboza attended the CUIBE Admin Spring 2025 Annual Meeting, where he also served on a panel about AI in International Business.

Business Beyond Borders:

Through Opportunities

PEA Presentation

Prof. Barboza presented research on second-generation knowledge spillover effects and specialized exporting companies at the Pennsylvania Economic Association Conference.

Global Scholars Conference

Prof. Barboza presented research on AI and academic productivity with longtime collaborator Dr. Sandra Trejos, continuing work on the impact of emerging technologies.

Advancing Personal Finance Education

The Center co-hosted the “Advancing Personal Finance Education” virtual conference with Stanford, bringing together representatives from 17 Jesuit and Catholic institutions to advance financial literacy. Key contributions included leadership from Dr. Annamaria Lusardi, presentations on FRED data by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and Loyola initiatives in teaching personal finance.

Business Beyond Borders:

Through Opportunities

Creative Sparks New Orleans: Entrepreneurship and Growth

The Center for International Business at Loyola University New Orleans hosted an inspiring, diverse, and inclusive conference featuring scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. Presentations included Dr. Braga’s co-authored work on “Placebased Entrepreneurship Pathways for Civic Wealth Creation.” The event represented participants from all continents, over 8 languages, and numerous global organizations. Prof. Barboza presented the co-authored paper “Second Generation Knowledge Spillover Effects and the Triangularity of innovation, entrepreneurial activity and economic development.

F a c u l t y P u b l i c a t i o n s

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During the Academic Year 2024–2025, the Center for International Business faculty advanced academic scholarship through impactful research and publications that contributed to the global dialogue on business and management.

Faculty Publications

Foreign Direct Investment and Multinational Enterprises’ Impact on Local Entrepreneurship Development via Knowledge Spillover Effect: The Transformational Experience of Costa Rica

Gustavo Barboza & Alessandro Braga

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, 2025

This chapter presents the case of the evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems of Costa Rica, by focusing on the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) on entrepreneurial activity and economic development in the local economy.

Technology transfer, knowledge spillover and foreign direct investment

Gustavo Barboza, Alessandro Braga & Aubin Duchier et al.

Journal of Technology Transfer, 2025

This study explores the role of Multinational Enterprises and Foreign Direct Investment have in fostering regional economic development in emerging markets, via the process of technology transfer within the context of the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship, using the transformational case of Costa Rica.

Enhancing knowledge spillover of innovation through artificial intelligence: an empirical investigation

Maksim Belitski, Alessandro Braga et al.

Journal of Technology Transfer, 2025

This study investigates the role of AI and knowledge collaboration in firm innovation. We explore how AI adoption impacts knowledge spillover of innovation. The results help us to rethink resource allocation for knowledge spillover of innovation in the era of AI and digital technologies.

Faculty Publications (cont.)

Public service logic (PSL) and its practices: towards a new era for public services management?

Alessandro Braga et al.

Public Service Logic and Public Service ReformState of the Art, New Perspectives, and Future Directions, 2026

This piece discusses how Public Service Logic offers a renewed understanding of the unique identity of public management. It highlights the theory’s potential to redefine the field by focusing on the distinctive nature of managing public services and advancing it as an autonomous area of study and practice.

Missing links of knowledge spillover effects on firm intensity and regional development

Gustavo Barboza

Small Business Economics, 2024

This paper investigates the presence and extent of missing links that prevent the transmission and condition the flow of knowledge spillover effects (KSE) across space and time. Findings indicate that missing links related to observed differences in industry structures and availability of pools of skilled human capital amount for large and persistent differences in terms of firm intensity differential across neighboring regions.

C o u r s e s T a u g h t b y

C I B F a c u l t y

022

During the Academic Year 2024–2025, the Center for International Business faculty enriched the curriculum by teaching globally focused courses that equipped students with the knowledge and skills to navigate international business environments.

Business Beyond Borders:

Flourishing Academia

Fall Offerings

International Management (Prof. Barboza & Dr. Braga)

Explored the complexities of managing across borders, with students building cross-cultural understanding and negotiation skills through case studies, participatory exercises, and a group research project.

Global Production Networks (Prof. Barboza)

Examined the strategies, organization, and dynamics of global production networks, with emphasis on their role in international business development.

Spring Offerings

Special Topics: Costa Rica (Dr. Braga)

Provided an immersive learning experience abroad, where students engaged with the Costa Rican business environment through company visits, cultural excursions, and discussions on competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability.

Multinational Business Strategy (Prof. Barboza)

Strengthened students’ analytical and strategic skills through case discussions and an applied project in which students developed and defended a global strategy for a multinational company.

Emerging Markets in Latin America

(Prof. Barboza)

Offered an in-depth understanding of Latin America’s economic, social, and political environment, equipping students to analyze opportunities and challenges for business in the region.

Business Beyond Borders:

Flourishing Academia

Spring Offerings (Cont.)

Personal Finance (Prof. Barboza)

Integrated economics and finance to build financial literacy, preparing students to evaluate investments, assess projects, and plan for long-term financial goals.

Special Topics: Sustainability in Business (Dr. Braga)

Focused on integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into business practices, using case studies and applied exercises to explore responsible growth strategies.

Summer Offerings

International

Management (Prof.

Barboza)

Offered again during the summer term, continuing to develop students’ global management and negotiation skills.

Business Environment & Practices in Europe (Dr. Braga)

Anchored in Rome, this program examined European business practices, the role of the EU, and the impact of current events on international strategy, providing students with first-hand insight into conducting business in Europe.

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