Georgia State CIBER Expands Role as Critical Link Between Academia and Business

This article is contributed by GSU CIBER Faculty Director Cuneyt Evirgen as part of the organization’s annual partnership with Global Atlanta.

Georgia State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) is expanding its role as a critical link between academia and industry, providing more opportunities in 2025 that foster global business competencies among students, educators and businesses, says CIBER faculty director Cuneyt Evirgen. 

Dr. Evirgen encourages the Atlanta business community to utilize GSU CIBER’s services, including: 

• providing scientific knowledge about international business,  

• writing case studies about companies, and  

• providing in-depth research to address specific challenges. 

“Business outreach is a fundamental part of the program’s mission,” Dr. Evirgen says, emphasizing the importance of CIBER creating a “bridge between academia and business.”  

Through webinars and other engagements, CIBER brings together academics and practitioners for discussions on various international business topics, like sustainability, supply chain management and geopolitics, to address the challenges and opportunities that businesses face in today’s global marketplace. 

CIBER is exploring new ways to engage with the business community, including the potential to offer certificate programs for professionals at all levels. These programs would be designed to deliver the latest in international business knowledge in a flexible, accessible format, Dr. Evirgen explains.  

“We are working on offering snapshot or micro-credentials for managers, professionals and executives,” he says. “The idea is to provide relevant material in bite-sized formats or longer modules, so professionals can stay up-to-date on the latest global business trends.” 

Equipping Students and Faculty 

One of GSU CIBER’s key accomplishments over the past year has been its leadership in a consortium of 10 CIBERs nationwide. This consortium has placed a special focus on minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), helping to elevate the participation of students and faculty from these institutions in the international business arena. 

Additionally, CIBER’s case competitions offer undergraduate and graduate students at MSIs and HBCUs the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges faced by actual companies. Students involved in the competitions work together with peers from different universities to develop solutions.  

Competition judges are members of the business community, who underscore the practical impact of these exercises that prepare students for the dynamics they will encounter in their future careers. 

Through these initiatives and others, CIBER offers the chance for students to learn directly from business leaders.  

“We regularly invite panels of executives to share their experiences,” Dr. Evirgen explains. “It sparks interesting conversations and allows students to gain insights from those who are currently shaping the business world. At the same time, it gives executives a chance to hear directly from the younger generation, which represents their future customers and employees.” 

CIBER also supports GSU’s Master of International Business (MIB) program, providing some 40-50 guest lecturers each year and organizing site visits for students to local companies. These interactions provide a real-world context to classroom learning, fostering a deeper understanding of global business operations, according to Dr. Evirgen. 

Through its partnership with the Academy of International Business, GSU CIBER has also played a leading role in establishing the AIB Doctoral Academy. This initiative offers PhD students across disciplines the opportunity to deepen their understanding of international business and apply this knowledge in their own teaching and research. 

In addition to preparing students, CIBER is equally invested in the professional development of faculty.  

Through programs like the Faculty Development International Business Workshop, CIBER has reached educators from over 30 countries and 30 U.S. states, ensuring that the teaching of international business is both relevant and accessible to a diverse array of students. 

Preparing the Next Generation of Global Leaders 

As CIBER continues to expand its global reach, the program remains focused on its long-term goal: preparing the next generation of global business leaders.

“Our mission is to support students, faculty and businesses, that’s our passion.” Dr. Evirgen says. “It’s not just about doing activities for the sake of doing them. It’s about making an impact.” 

Through initiatives like writing case studies, facilitating open dialogues between students and executives and supporting lifelong learning for business leaders, CIBER is creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.  

“I think we have something to offer to every level, to every industry, and we can support them to be even more competitive in the global arena,” Dr. Evirgen asserts. “Our role is the keystone that brings together students, teachers, researchers and businesses to create synergies that strengthen everyone involved.” 

Atlanta’s business community is invited to participate in CIBER’s International Business Webinar Series beginning Feb. 6, 2025, and CIBER’s 2025 International Business Case Competition to be held on Feb. 27 – 28, 2025, at the GSU Buckhead Center in Atlanta.  

Learn more about the case competition, webinars and other CIBER activities at or contact Dr. Evirgen at [email protected]. 

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