Henley Business School and Yeditepe University launch a new chapter of global collaboration

The Henley Business School delegation consisted of Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova, Vice-Dean (International), and Dr Rifat Kamasak, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship, and was part of the wider International Applied Study Challenge module. A group of 28 Masters students spent the time engaging with Turkish peers, exploring Istanbul's innovation landscape and co-developing entrepreneurial solutions with real-world relevance.

This intensive programme immersed students in cross-cultural teamwork and exposed them to the Turkish start-up and business ecosystem through company visits to Technopark Istanbul, Arçelik, Beko and Sanipak, among others. Hosted by the Yeditepe University Management Application and Research Centre, the week offered students a rare opportunity to blend academic theory with practical insights, all while building valuable international networks.

In parallel with the student programme, a strategic academic meeting took place between Professor Kalyuzhnova and Professor Mehmet Durman, Rector of Yeditepe University. They discussed future pathways for collaboration including double degree programmes, research projects and the expansion of the International Applied Study Challenge initiative, culminating in the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

Henley Business School's partnership with Yeditepe University has built on past research collaboration, most notably with the Impact Acceleration Fund project. This next step in the collaboration underscores Henley Business School's mission to strengthen its global impact and prepare responsible leaders with a global mindset, grounded in real-world experience.

A return visit to Henley Business School for Yeditepe University representatives was co-ordinated by Dr Tatiana Rowson, Associate Professor in Organisational Behaviour. Three members of Yeditepe University faculty, Professor Hamdiye Tuba Şavlı İbiş, Professor Elif Erişen and Dr Özge Kirezli, were invited to the UK as part of research visit from 28 April 2025 to 2 May 2025, alongside a Kazakh-British Technical University delegation from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This return visit was part of the Developing Double Degree Partnerships research project funded by the British Council and featured a range of activities and workshops, including a session titled 'Enhancing Teaching and Learning in a Global Context' to enhance transnational education practices and design globally relevant curricula. A group of three Yeditepe University students were also granted a place on Henley Business School's renowned Henley Summer Start-Up Boot Camp 2025 to get hands-on with turning a business idea into a reality.

Reflecting on the visit to Istanbul and the collaboration between the two institutions, Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova remarked: "This programme is a testament to the power of global academic exchange. It not only enriches our students' perspectives, but builds lasting bridges between institutions. Yeditepe University has shown itself to be a forward-thinking partner and I look forward to all the exciting collaborations that lie ahead. A heartfelt thank you goes to Professor Natalya Ketenci and her team for their warm hospitality and exceptional support throughout the week."