The Dunning Centre for International Business
The Dunning Centre studies how global businesses operate worldwide, examining leadership, processes, and performance. We research international trade, economic geography, and the impact of international business on development, creating practical policy recommendations for sustainable growth and reducing inequality. Our work also explores how innovation shapes business decisions and location choices, while also considering the historical context that influences today's business strategies.
The Centre was renamed in honour of the late Professor John H Dunning. Internationally-renowned members of the Centre include Professor Mark Casson, Professor Rajneesh Narula, Professor Alain Verbeke, Prof Chris Brewster, and Professor Davide Castellani. As befitting a premier research centre in the 21st century, we participate in a number of global affiliates, including:
- Dunning Centre Europe, headquartered at the Politecnico di Milano
- The Dunning Africa Centre, based in Henley South Africa.
- Dunning Latin America Centre, headquartered at EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Explore the centre
Our Research
Research in the Centre straddles the fields of international business, strategic management, innovation, development, and human resource management, and balances the necessity of a deep theoretical grounding with the added value of a strong applied focus. With our network of partners, we address both management- and policy-related real-world challenges, working with firms, NGOs, and international organizations.
10th Reading IB Conference 2026
Reimagining International Business: Is there still a link between theories and impact?17–18 April 2026 | Henley Business School, University of Reading The landscape of international business has exploded with complexity over the past 60 years. Our IB frameworks made sense to international managers, when IB was once a relatively straightforward endeavour, focused on optimising outcomes for a largely home-centric MNE. Today's managers face a barrage of considerations that would leave their 1960s counterparts bewildered: ESG, global value chains, intricate supply networks, and a multitude of stakeholders in multiple locations with conflicting demands. The 10th Reading IB conference challenges us to step back and ask a critical question: In our pursuit of scholarly research, have we lost sight of the fundamental business of international business? Are our theories keeping pace with the real-world complexities faced by 21st-century managers?
Governance of the Dunning Centre
Learn more about our governance board and global partners. The Dunning Centre is guided by a distinguished governance board and supported by a global network of partners. Together, they ensure the Centre’s continued excellence in international business research and foster strong collaborations worldwide.
Members of the Dunning Centre
The Dunning Centre comprises faculty members of the International Business and Strategy department and associate members, visiting fellows across our 3 bases.
Doctoral and Training Opportunities
We support the PhD programme of the International Business Strategy Department at the University of Reading by offering a series of doctoral and postdoctoral trainings in addition to our renown IB masterclasses.
Projects & Activities
The Dunning Centre organises a biennial conference series, now a key event in the international business (IB) community. True to Henley Business School’s tradition, we focus on big-picture thinking and a critical, multidisciplinary approach. Also find out more about our regular International Business & Strategy Wednesday Seminar Series.
Visiting the Centre
The are many opportunities to collaborate with the Dunning Centre, including our Prestigious Fellowships: Dunning and Rugman Fellowships.
History of the Centre
The Dunning Centre for International Business is one of the world’s leading research centres in International Business for almost 60 years and home to the so-called “Reading School of International Business”.