Every organization part of GBSN shares a common vision, for the developing world to have the talent it needs to generate prosperity. Within the context of the emerging economies mission, GBSN’s activities, programs and projects enable the creation of new knowledge, provide meaningful international experiences, and build relationships that can transform management education, as well as provide broad visibility to our members as a champion and change maker for economic and social development. In addition to engaging in a worthy purpose, membership in GBSN is motivated by the opportunities created for faculty, administrators, and students; to participate in externally funded development programs, receive discounted participation in events, access to exclusive scholarships and fellowships, and increased visibility associated with inclusive and sustainable development.

120+ members
6 continents
1 mission
Engage.
Four focal points shape the design of GBSN programs and services that help differentiate GBSN from other networks and associations.
Regardless, of whether they are for students, faculty, or administrators, programs carrying the GBSN label have the following characteristics:
Social Impact
The network amplifies the social as well as economic impact of business schools. By working together through GBSN, business schools can and do contribute to achieving the SDGs.
Mission Centered
In the spirt of GBSNâs overarching purpose, network activities are relevant to achieving the mission of GBSN and at the same time has some form of community impact at the core of its purpose.
International
Whether it involves traveling across borders or collaborating digitally, GBSN programs are built on the idea that diversity fosters innovation and growth.
Locally Relevant
Management and entrepreneurship is contextual, especially when it comes to the developing world. GBSN helps create locally relevant business and management knowledge and provides meaningful experiences in and for the developing world.




Every organization part of GBSN
shares a common purpose.
Types of Membership
GBSN offers four types of membership. Select the level of membership appropriate for your organization.
Academic Leadership Council Membership
Corporate Membership
Full Membership
Associate Membership
Membership Criteria
Academic Leadership Council I $10,000 USD annual contribution
The Academic Leadership Council is the premier level of membership. Member schools on the Academic Leadership Council are strong advocates of the GBSN mission and take a leadership role in designing and delivering member programs and activities for the network. Academic Leadership Council Membership is available to universities, colleges, schools or other bodies that meet all of the following criteria:
- Exhibits a commitment to GBSNâs mission
- Triple crown accredited institution: EFMD EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA
- Strong faculty profile
- Academic institutions that award business degrees that have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and innovation in their region
- The institution must have been in existence and operating for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years
- Membership in at least one regional association (AABS, AAPBS, CLADEA, PRME) within the higher education community
- Maintains impactful institutional partnerships with multiple GBSN members on teaching, research and student engagement
Institutions applying to join the Academic Leadership Council require formal support of one existing Full member (via their Dean or Main Ambassador) to provide a letter of support with its application.
Full Membership I $5,000 USD annual contribution
Full Membership is available to universities, colleges, schools or other bodies that meet the following criteria:
- Grant degree programs in business administration or management
- Have been in existence and operating for a minimum of five consecutive years
- Is an impact leader in business education and will bring something powerful and distinctive to the network
- Exhibits leadership, innovation, and impact through programs that serve local communities
- Has the the institutional bandwidth to engage faculty students and academic leaders in GBSN activities, projects, programs, and events
- Holds minimum of one out of the three international accreditations (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA)
- Strong faculty profile
- Demonstrates leadership in its region through programs that address challenges in areas like healthcare, human rights, climate leadership, access to education, and more
- Rankings and Awards related to academic excellence, but also to responsible business education
- The institution must have been in existence and operating for a minimum of five (5) consecutive years
- Maintains impactful institutional partnerships with multiple GBSN members on teaching, research and student engagement.
Institutions that are granted full membership can use the GBSN member logo in their documentation and publicity materials. Full Members have the opportunity to lead and partner on GBSN programs, events, projects, grants, and other activities focused on topics and audiences that are important to the institution and fall within the GBSN mission. Full members can partner and collaborate on grant proposals for topics that align with the mission.
Corporate Membership I $10,000 annual contribution
Companies become members of GBSN to collaborate on programs and projects that directly engage its membership base of leading institutions across the globe. GBSN works with corporate members to design, manage, and administer programs related to social impact and directly engages individuals from academic member institutions.
Associate Membership I $2,500 USD annual contribution
Associate membership is for organizations who plan to engage with GBSN differently. Associate members do not lead or develop network programs and activities, but they do have full access to participate in GBSN programs and activities.
Associate members’ actively participate in programs and activities (such as events, projects, professional development, research, etc) offered by GBSN and its Full Members. Associate members are not expected to lead GBSN programs or serve on GBSN boards or committees.
Institutions that are granted Associate membership can use the term, âAssociate Member of GBSNâ and the GBSN member logo in their documentation and publicity materials.
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Interested in Joining?
GBSN does not have open membership. Organizations need to be invited to join the network. Submitting a membership expression of interest form and scheduling an introductory call with GBSN staff are the initial steps to learn more and become a member.
GBSN membership is not the right fit for every institution. At GBSN we want to ensure the school’s core values and priorities align with the network. The introductory call is a space to connect the dots on areas of overlap, potential engagements and to learn more about your institution. In addition, we will share information about membership criteria, opportunities, expectations, cost, value and more.
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