Professor Jeremy Clegg delivers AIB 2020 presidential address

Professor Jeremy Clegg delivered his inaugural presidential welcome address to the Academy of International Business 2020 Conference in July, as it took place virtually for the first time.

Jeremy Clegg, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration and International Business Management, commended the efforts and hard work of all involved in bringing the Academy of International Business (AIB) annual meeting online at short notice during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing a large number of delegates across the world to participate and connect safely.

In his address, Professor Clegg spoke of the united resolve of the International Business community to gain a new and deeper understanding in the subject field for the betterment of the world, and the global importance of both the International Business field and AIB community in helping with the global economic and social recovery in the wake of coronavirus.

Professor Clegg stressed that while the AIB are unable to meet physically, their commitment to hosting online events in the future will enhance the sharing of knowlege and allow for a greater diversity of voices, critical for advancing the field of International Business and to support global recovery. Professor Clegg also took time to reflect on the human cost of the pandemic, where many across the world have lost family and friends to the virus. 

I believe that we can help, and the virtual domain will be our ally in this.

The AIB was established in 1959 and is based at Michigan State University. Its membership is drawn from scholars at the leading global academic institutions as well as consultants, researchers, government and NGO representatives. Professor Clegg was appointed President-elect of the AIB in August 2019, taking up the position in February 2020. 

As well as the purchase of software licenses available to use by all Chapters, shared interest groups and journals, Professor Clegg committed to advancing global sustainability through the AIB’s new shared interest group and progressing research and activity in developing economies of the world, along with key regions such as Asia. Professor Clegg commented:

At a time of division between nations and within nations, we have the tools and determination to show that international engagement is better than isolation, and to address the biggest issues of our time.

Watch Professor Clegg’s full AIB Presidential Welcome.

Read more about the International Business Division at Leeds University Business School.