“Business Schools are an excellent conduit of knowledge between the global and the local”

What is your feeling about this reward from the city of Rennes?

I feel that this is a great honour. It is gratifying to me especially because I have long standing links in France generally (Visiting Professor at University of Paris I, Pantheon -Sorbonne 1994-1998) and in Brittany (Visiting Professor University of Rennes I 1994-1999) and now Member of the International Scientific Committee of Rennes School of Business since 2018.

“To receive such an award from the City is marvellous recognition !”

As members of the Rennes SB ISC, what do you want to bring to the school?

I have a great deal of experience of Universities around the world, not just in Europe but also in China – where I have held visiting Professorships and hold a Cheung Kong Scholar Chair – USA and Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and ASEAN countries. Additionally, I have advised many international institutions, such as United Nations Conference on Trade & Developpement (UNCTAD), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and multinationals. This gives me an understanding of the global context of business that informs research and teaching – and the job market for graduates. My research is similarly international and underpins my contribution to the school. A clear understanding of international trends is vital for all Business School staff, students and alumni. I hope to advise from a sympathetic yet realistic view of the great potential of the School.

“Business Schools are an excellent conduit of knowledge between the global and the local”

How is Rennes School of Business and its ISC a bridge between the territory – Rennes & Brittany – and “the international”?

Business Schools are an excellent conduit of knowledge between the “global “ and the “local”. They transmit and absorb knowledge and expertise (and personnel) between the territory of Brittany and its surrounding nation, continent and world. This is true not only of technical “business“ knowledge but also of culture and friendships. Research is a key part of this but so is the teaching and learning aspects of the School. In addition, Rennes School of Business provides enrichment to its local areas, not only in knowledge creation and employment, but its educational mission benefits the local and regional economy by providing opportunities and adding value to those who come into contact with its many outreach activities.

Professor Peter J Buckley OBE, FBA

• Centre for International Business, University of Leeds
• Cheung Kong Scholar Chair Professor in the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing.
  Founding Director, Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds (BCIUL)
• Founding Director, Centre for International Business, University of Leeds (CIBUL)
• Discover the International Scientific Comittee of Rennes School of Business