This podcast discusses a JIBP article that explores how firms in developing regions can turn foreign technology into real wins for the planet. It shows that the biggest gains happen when companies have the skills, drive, and freedom to use new tools to cut waste and emissions. The podcast calls for smarter policies that not only share technology but also build local know-how, reward green innovation, and clear away red tape so that businesses can actually make change happen.

Citation: Hendriks, G. (2025). When does foreign technology help firms from periphery countries improve their environmental impact? An ability–motivation–opportunity framework. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-025-00225-7

This podcast episode discusses a new article that argues that Africa’s thousands of languages create a barrier to trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and proposes Kiswahili as a single trade language to boost communication, economic integration, and poverty reduction. It presents a 25-year roadmap using institutional theory’s three pillars: rules and enforcement (regulative), shared norms (normative), and common ways of thinking (cognitive) to guide governments, businesses, and educators in making Kiswahili a continent-wide trade language. The podcast concludes that adopting Kiswahili could lower trade costs and strengthen African unity but will require sustained investment in education, policy harmonization, and cultural acceptance.

Citation: Chrysostome, E. V., Adegbile, A., Boafo, C., & Ogunsanya, F. (2025). From Thousands of African Languages to a Pan-African Language for the African Continental Free Trade Area: A Framework Promoting Kiswahili as Common Language for Intra-African Trade. AIB Insights. https:/​/​doi.org/​10.46697/​001c.136476.

Climate change is a critical issue, largely driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) contribute significantly to global emissions but also have the resources to combat climate change. This podcast episode discusses an article that explores whether and how worsening ecological conditions motivate MNEs to innovate climate solutions.

Citation: Genin, A., Bu, J. (2025). Global ecological dependence and multinationals’ climate innovation: the role of climate risk exposure and institutional conditions. Journal of International Business Studies https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-025-00793-z

Middle-income countries are rushing to stake their claim in the booming green economy, but the real prize lies in moving beyond simply “joining” global value chains to actually upgrading within them. Solar, wind, and bioenergy projects are opening doors, yet lasting gains come only when governments blend demand incentives, supply support, and technology policies in the right mix. The message is clear: seizing green windows of opportunity isn’t automatic. Instead, it takes bold, well-crafted industrial strategies to turn participation into real power.

Citation: Lema, R., Rabellotti, R. & Ambrogi, J. (2025). Seizing windows of opportunity in green global value chains: the role of industrial policies in middle-income countries. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-025-00219-5

Behind the glossy façade of philanthropy, corporations are funneling millions into charities tied to politicians, turning donations into covert power plays. From South Korea’s explosive Choi-gate scandal to U.S. defense contractors funding pet causes of lawmakers, the cases show a global pattern of “charitable bribes” reshaping corruption’s playbook. This investigation reveals how firms dodge scrutiny, distort competition, and why transparency is now the frontline battle in corporate influence.

Citation: Jeong, Y., & Siegel, J. 2025. Charitable Bribes? The Concealed Form of Corporate Influence and a Road to Greater Transparency Worldwide. AIB Insights, 25(4). https:/​/​doi.org/​10.46697/​001c.143042.

Why do some films find success globally while others fizzle out? This podcast dives into the hidden power of social influence such as how critics, stars, and even press freedom can make or break a movie’s international success, discussing a recent article that studies how cultural industries expand internationally.

Citation: Huang, X., Fan, D. & Soo, C. (2025). A social influence view of the internationalization of cultural products. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-025-00797-9

Hydrogen is being hailed as the fuel of the future, but the real story is how latecomer countries are racing to grab a slice of the action. From Namibia to India, governments are rolling out bold strategies to turn sun, wind, and gas into global exports, green industries, and even new tech niches. The contest isn’t just about clean energy. It is about rewriting industrial policy and reshaping who gets to win in the next energy revolution.

Citation: Altenburg, T.,& Strohmaier, R. (2025). Low-emission hydrogen: global value chain opportunities for latecomers and industrial policy challenges. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-025-00217-7

Global crises, climate shocks, and AI advances are challenging the old rules of management education, leaving leaders scrambling to keep up. A new teaching approach called the “fire-mindset” offers a path forward by focusing on curiosity, intellectual rigor, and co-creation of knowledge in the face of disruption. It’s a call to rewire how we teach international business so future leaders can better navigate through an unpredictable world.

Citation: Hasse, V.C. (2025). International Business Education in the Age of Disruption. AIB Insights, https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.143158