Research at GBSB Global Business School
Advancing Innovation, Scholarship, and Global Research Excellence
Advancing Knowledge, Driving Innovation
Prof. Dr. M.F. Harake
Full Professor,
Manager at GBSB Global Research Center
“It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the Research Center, an academic home designed to cultivate inquiry, foster innovation, and nurture the next generation of scholars. We are evolving from a primarily teaching-oriented institution into a research-driven university committed to producing meaningful, globally relevant knowledge.
Our mission is clear: to advance high-impact research in innovation, management, finance, sustainability, and digital transformation, areas that are reshaping industries, organizations, and societies across the world. At the heart of this mission is our commitment to supporting faculty, doctoral candidates, and international collaborators as they develop research that is both academically rigorous and practically significant.
As you explore our research axes, projects, and publications, I invite you to engage with the bold questions our community is asking questions that challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and contribute to a more innovative and resilient future. Whether you are a prospective member, partner, or scholar, we welcome you into this growing network of thinkers and innovators.”
About Us
The GBSB Global Research Centre is a dedicated academic research unit established to enhance GBSB Global’s transition into a research-active institution. The centre serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, faculty development, and international collaboration in key business and economic areas.
Located at GBSB Global’s Barcelona campus, the research centre provides a structured platform for faculty and PhD students to conduct high-quality research, publish in recognized academic journals, secure external funding, and engage with global research communities.
The centre is committed to:
- Conducting high-quality research in business sciences and management.
- Supporting doctoral training and research development.
- Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across various domains.
- Facilitating the transfer of academic knowledge to businesses and policymakers.
- Strengthening international research partnerships.
The research centre is also a doctoral training hub, supervising PhD candidates and providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and platforms to present their work through doctoral workshops and colloquiums.
Mission Statement
The GBSB Global Research Centre is committed to advancing knowledge and global research collaboration in the fields of business, management, sustainability, and digital transformation. Its mission is to:
- Promote excellence in research and scholarship, fostering impactful and interdisciplinary studies.
- Enhance GBSB Global’s academic reputation through high-quality publications and international partnerships.
- Support faculty and student researchers by providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
- Facilitate global research collaboration to address pressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
- Position GBSB Global as a leading institution in applied business research, with a focus on GBSB Global Research Centre, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Vision
To position GBSB Global as a leading international institution in applied business research, fostering collaboration, interdisciplinary inquiry, and knowledge transfer that shapes the future of business and management science.
Strategic Objectives
Upcoming Event
Doctoral Conference 2026
June 15, 2026 – Online
Showcasing doctoral research in innovation, digital transformation, and management sciences.InnoVision Conference 2026
November 5-6, 2026 – Madrid, Online
Rethinking Business in an Era of Complexity: Foresight, Leadership and Innovation
Thematic Research Axes
Innovation Management
Axis 1: Innovation Management
Focus: This axis explores how organizations develop, implement, and sustain innovation in products, services, processes, and business models. The goal is to enhance competitiveness, adaptability, and value creation in dynamic global markets.
Key Research Themes:
- Innovation ecosystems and open innovation models
- Design thinking and agile methodologies
- Technology adoption and digital transformation (AI, IoT, Blockchain)
- Innovation metrics and performance evaluation
- Strategic innovation and intrapreneurship
- Sustainable innovation and circular economy practices
Strategic Importance: In today’s rapidly evolving environment, innovation is a key driver of economic growth and organizational survival. GBSB Global positions itself at the forefront by researching how companies, especially SMEs and startups, can embed innovation into their DNA.
Business Administration & Management
Focus: This axis addresses the foundational and strategic aspects of managing organizations, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively.
Key Research Themes:
- Strategic management and organizational design
- Leadership, talent development, and human capital management
- Corporate governance and decision-making processes
- Operations and supply chain management
- Public Management and Public Policy
- International business and cross-cultural management
- Organizational resilience and crisis management
Strategic Importance: As global business challenges become more complex, effective management practices are crucial for sustaining organizational performance. This research axis supports the development of adaptable and visionary managers prepared for global leadership roles.
Accounting, Finance & Economics
Focus: This axis investigates financial decision-making, economic environments, and accounting systems that influence business sustainability, profitability, and regulatory compliance in a globalized economy.
Key Research Themes:
- Corporate finance and investment strategies
- Financial technologies (FinTech, blockchain, digital currencies)
- Risk management and financial regulation
- International accounting standards and ethical reporting
- Behavioral economics and decision-making under uncertainty
- Economic policy, development, and macroeconomic analysis
Strategic Importance: Financial acumen and economic insight are essential for informed strategic decisions. This research area empowers organizations to navigate financial challenges, leverage technological disruptions, and contribute to economic policy discourse.
Marketing & Business Communication
Focus: This axis explores how businesses communicate value to customers and stakeholders through strategic marketing, branding, and communication strategies across traditional and digital platforms.
Key Research Themes:
– Digital marketing, social media, and content strategy
– Consumer behavior and customer experience management
– Brand management and storytelling
– Integrated marketing communications and public relations
– Data-driven marketing and marketing analytics
– Cross-cultural communication and global branding
Strategic Importance: In an era of information overload and digital engagement, effective marketing and communication strategies differentiate successful companies. This research stream aligns with GBSB Global’s international focus and commitment to digital transformation.
On Going Projects
Past Projects & Impact
Featured Research Project
AI-Driven Workforce Transformation in Emerging Economies
A cross-country study exploring how artificial intelligence supports upskilling and organizational adaptability in SMEs.
Publications
GBSB Global’s research findings reflect current and emerging business challenges and provide actionable insights for academics, executives, and policymakers. From sustainability initiatives to technological innovation, our publications inform decision-making at the highest levels.
Ph.D. Program
Research at GBSB Global is mission-driven and focused on solving pressing business challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. We explore cutting-edge topics in management, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, ensuring our findings influence both academic thought and business strategy.
Our state-accredited Ph.D. program in Innovation Management is more than a degree – it’s a launching pad for visionaries, innovators, scholars, and thought leaders determined to shape the future of business. Designed for those who refuse to settle for the status quo, this program combines rigorous academic research with real-world application, empowering you to drive change and make a significant impact in the ever-evolving landscape of global business.
Contact Us
The G-Accelerator Entrepreneurship Center is ready to discuss open innovation programs with companies through its Sponsor Membership Program, which is designed to foster innovation in all types of organizations through our community of students, alumni and startups. The goal is to leverage entrepreneurial ideas that can improve a company’s processes and drive innovation.
