Foreign companies often face more regulatory challenges than local ones when operating in different countries, which is partly due to unfamiliarity with local rules and networks. However, discrimination against foreign firms has not been studied as much, as discussed in this podcast episode focusing on a new study that explores how the political beliefs of a host country’s government can increase the regulatory risks for foreign firms, particularly through discrimination.

Citation: Muratova, Y., Dhanaraj, C. & Svystunova, L. (2025) Revisiting the liability of foreignness: political ideology, globalization, and discrimination. Journal of International Business Studies). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-025-00782-2

This podcast dives into policies that can make value chains more resilient and the potential reactions of firms to these policies. It’s a fresh take on value chain reconfiguration with practical insights from the frontlines of public health and the global pharmaceutical industry, discussing a recent JIBP article about value chain disruptions and policy responses to antibiotic shortages in GVCs.

Citation: Baraldi, E., Ciabuschi, F. & Fratocchi, L. (2025). Value chain disruptions: policy responses to antibiotic shortages in global value chains. Journal of International Business Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-025-00214-w

How can we better understand the challenges and strategies of emerging market multinational companies as they expand globally? One answer lies in this podcast, which describes a new multilevel approach that helps firms and policymakers see how macro conditions, institutions, industries, and firm-specific choices all shape success, and thereby guide companies as their own GPS that provides navigation advice through complex markets.

Citation: Shukran, K. (2024). Rethinking Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises: Implications for Management and Policy. AIB Insights, 25(3), https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.133788.

While multinational enterprises often aim to do good through corporate social responsibility and other initiatives, their efforts are not always seen positively by local stakeholders. The article discussed in this episode examines how MNEs are perceived by local communities in East Africa in relation to their societal impact. It explores why some MNEs have better reputations for societal impact than others and how their actions influence these perceptions.

Citation: Makarius, E.E., Kahindi, A.M., Stevens, C.E. et al. (2025). Reputational judgments of foreign MNEs’ societal impact in frontier markets: the role of compatible, crossed, and conflicting signals. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-025-00795-x

In recent times, the world has seen the deep effects of violent conflicts on the global economy. This podcast episode discusses a recently published study addressing how multinational enterprises (MNEs) are affected by violent conflict and how they respond.

Citation: Liu, C., Eden, L. & Li, D. (2024). Violent conflict and multinational enterprises: identifying key frontiers in international business policy research. Journal of International Business Policy 7, 260–275. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-024-00187-2

This episode discusses the concept of an ethical organizational culture, an organization's "personality" regarding ethics, by exploring how the Academy of International Business (AIB) developed its ethical culture. It points out useful lessons for other global academic groups.

Citation: Eden, L.(2024). Virtuous circles in the academy: Insights from AIB’s ethical organizational culture. Journal of International Business Policy 7, 397–415. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-024-00198-z

This podcast discusses the complexities of cross-border data transfer regulations among major economies like the EU, the U.S., and China, highlighting how differing laws create challenges for multinational companies. It emphasizes that while each region has its own approach—focusing on privacy, market freedom, or national security—there is a growing need for a balanced global framework to facilitate data movement. The podcast calls for further research and international collaboration to address these regulatory discrepancies and promote effective data governance.

Citation: Rong, K., Ling, Y., Yang, T. & Huang, C. (2025). Cross-border data transfer: patterns and discrepancies. Journal of International Business Policy 8, 10–32. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-025-00209-7

Uncertainty from Brexit has affected the UK's services exports, revealing a decline of 9.2% annually, resulting in a total loss of about $146.8 billion from 2016 to 2019. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were particularly impacted, while larger multinational companies often relocated operations to mitigate risks. There is a need for clear regulations and support to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by this uncertainty.

Citation: Du, J., Shepotylo, O. & Yuan, X. (2025). How did the Brexit uncertainty impact services exports of UK firms?. Journal of International Business Policy 8, 80–104. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-024-00202-6