By Torben Haugaard Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.
Photos: Henning Bagger and Jens Morten Sørensen

It began in 1984 with a proposal from five students.

They studied Economics and Business Administration at Aalborg University Centre (AUC) and could see how the world economy changed after the difficult years of the oil crisis.

Danish companies wanted to go out into the world. So experts were needed who could advise companies on global business economics and managing international activities.

According to the students, the solution was to create a master's degree programme with a focus on companies' internationalization and activities in international markets.

And the idea was well received, says Olav Jull Sørensen, who is the students’ former teacher.

"They were absolutely right – judging by how popular the programme quickly became and how interested the many small and medium-sized companies in Northern Jutland were in welcoming our students and researchers."

Foundation stone of a business school

With the new master's degree programme came a research environment in international business administration. The environment was established at the Department of Production by Olav Jull Sørensen under the name International Business Center. 

Today, the master's degree programme and the research environment are anchored at AAU Business School which is celebrating the 40th anniversary of international business on 4 October.

And according to Mette Vinther Larsen, Head of Department and Professor MSO there is good reason to celebrate.

"International business is one of the traditional basic disciplines in a business school. So it’s fair to say that back in 1984, the students helped to sow a seed that would lead to a strong research environment, paving the way for a business school at AAU," says Mette Vinther Larsen.

Great need for experts continues

Danish companies are still seeking experts in international business, and the interest in AAU graduates will only increase in the future.

This is according to Dmitrij Slepniov, Associate Professor at AAU Business School and head of the research group for international business, the successor to the International Business Center.

"Danish companies continue to expand their international reach, and our graduates can provide strategic and cultural insights that are crucial in a complex, globalized world with unpredictable fluctuations that affect international trade and cross-border investments," says Dmitrij Slepniov.

Focus on current issues

The master's degree programme's strong focus on concrete, current problems in international business also makes AAU graduates sought after, points out Svetla Trifonova Marinova, Professor of International Business at AAUBS.

"Our research results cover all continents, and the students are therefore continuously presented with contemporary, international business phenomena, opportunities and challenges in their studies as well as during their project work with international companies from all over the world."

Dmitrij Slepniov and his colleagues look forward to building on the research achievements of the past 40 years and helping to ensure the strategic direction and continued relevance of AAU Business School, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Read more about the 40th anniversary of international business at AAU Business School