Finnish companies must dare to dream big – insights from distinguished international business Professor Gary Knight
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Professor Gary Knight, a leading scholar in international business and the Helen Jackson Chair at Willamette University in the United States, has dedicated decades to pioneering research on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) succeed in global markets. He is renowned for his influential work on born global firms, companies that internationalize rapidly from their inception, and has collaborated closely with the University of Vaasa for several years.
Prof. Knight’s research is multidisciplinary and stands at the intersection of international entrepreneurship, internationalisation, international marketing, and the role of technology in global business. Before entering academia, he worked as an executive in international business for several years. Leveraging his successful academic and practitioner career, today Prof. Knight is a globally renown thought leader who shares his insights with various business and academic communities, including participants of the University of Vaasa Summer School.
– One of the key dimensions of international entrepreneurship is the identification and pursuit of opportunities. That’s what entrepreneurs do: identify and act on business opportunities, often with remarkable agility.
Prof. Knight emphasizes that globalisation and digital technologies have made it easier than ever for SMEs to go international. Tools like video conferencing, digital platforms, and even emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), has lowered the barriers for global expansion. This brings incredible opportunities for companies around the world and here in Finland.
– For Finnish companies, going international isn’t just a strategic choice, it’s often a necessity due to the small domestic market. To grow and stay competitive, firms need to expand early. A smart approach is to dream big but start small: begin with an easy market like Sweden or Germany to gain experience before tackling more complex ones.
In addition to his academic work, Prof. Knight currently serves as the President of the Academy of International Business (AIB), the world’s leading professional organization for international business scholars, with over 3,500 members globally. This opportunity opens various opportunities for academic development and executive engagement.
– Each year, AIB honors a global business leader whose work has driven success and positive impact worldwide, offering inspiration to leaders in Finland and beyond. For academics, AIB provides valuable opportunities to grow, from doctoral training to leading research and discussions through panels, webinars, and interest groups. We’re proud to see University of Vaasa scholars actively involved and look forward to welcoming more.
Prof. Knight has collaborated with the University of Vaasa several years, actively engaging in research and teaching collaborations. He has contributed to workshops, conferences, and student mentoring, particularly in the areas concerning international entrepreneurship.
– The University of Vaasa is agile and forward-looking. Its emphasis on innovation, technology, and internationalisation aligns perfectly with what Finnish companies need to succeed globally.
Looking ahead, Knight hopes to continue supporting the university’s international entrepreneurship programmes and deepen collaborative ties.