Business research

Our vision

The Greenwich Business School (GBS) seeks to be recognized as an outward-facing, challenge-oriented institution, dedicated to solving real-world problems through collaboration with businesses and communities.

We aim to:

• Build a unifying, cohesive brand which encompasses diverse research centres across GBS.
• Develop talent, with an Early Career Academics (ECA) development programme to nurture staff and advance personal and professional growth.
• Respond to industry needs, proactively engaging with companies, local authorities and other relevant groups to establish a Knowledge Exchange Hub which offers trusted consultancy services.
• Support the ‘knowledge triangle’ of research, learning, and practice by creating new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses, SMEs, and larger corporations to address current challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Our Research Centres

The most effective approach to tackle the intricate social, economic, and environmental issues confronting the world is through the prism of interdisciplinary research. Within the Greenwich Business School (GBS), we have established a dynamic framework consisting of four distinct Research Centres. These centres serve as dynamic hubs, fostering innovative research endeavours that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. By seamlessly amalgamating diverse fields of study, these Research Centres play a pivotal role in not only nurturing ground-breaking research but also in providing the necessary support, mentorship, and guidance to researchers at various stages of their careers.

At the heart of our commitment to interdisciplinary research is the recognition that the complex challenges we face require a multifaceted and collaborative approach. The GBS Research Centres function as incubators, facilitating the convergence of ideas, methodologies, and expertise from disparate disciplines. This interdisciplinary synergy is essential for generating comprehensive insights and sustainable solutions.

Moreover, these Research Centres are meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of researchers, offering a structured environment that encourages collaboration and the exploration of new avenues. The support system extends beyond mere infrastructure, encompassing mentorship programs and guidance initiatives tailored to address the specific challenges encountered by researchers at every stage of their academic and professional journeys.

In alignment with our commitment to excellence in research, the GBS Research Centres actively collaborate with the University's broader academic community. This collaborative network ensures that our researchers have access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and opportunities. By fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and providing a nurturing ecosystem, we aim to not only address the pressing challenges of today but also contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society at large.

See our centres below

Our impact on the world

GBS exists to address the biggest challenges now facing societies in the UK and globally. These include:

• Local Empowerment: Helping local communities and businesses achieve their potential.
• Worldwide Vision: Expanding partnerships globally to influence positive change in communities worldwide.
• Environmental Impact: Contributing to sustainable practices, circular economies, and environmental protection.

Our researchers bring diverse expertise, experience and perspectives to these challenges. While individually passionate about our fields, we share a collective commitment to making a positive difference which unifies them. Our dedication to addressing overarching objectives and challenges aligns with the GBS mission of making a difference.

Our work directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key examples from GBS Research Centres include:

• A recent project for the Scottish Government, led by the Centre for Research on Employment and Work (CREW), on re-evaluating the value of women’s work, as part of the ‘Fair Work’ agenda. The research supports Gender Equality (SDG5) and Reducing Inequalities (SDG10) through investigating in-work poverty, income and pay distribution, and gender and ethnic pay gaps.
• Recent EU projects at the Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC), which explored less environmentally harmful transport and tourism sectors, along with research into ways to reinvigorate the high street, contributing to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11). NUSC researchers have also conducted pioneering work to map global value chains using rigorous quantitative approaches, which supports Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG9).
• Research projects at the Centre of Political Economy, Governance, Finance and Accountability (PEGFA) on greening the economy and finance for ecological and financial sustainability, and on tackling climate change and the energy crisis. This work promotes Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7) and Climate Action (SDG13). Meanwhile, PEGFA’s research on the effects of technological innovation supports Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG9).
• Work at the Tourism & Marketing Research Centre (TMRC) on the potential for marketing to deliver health messages to marginalised communities, and research on how to ensure tourism benefits all stakeholders, which supports both Reduced Inequality (SDG10) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11).

Knowledge exchange

GBS works closely with many different external organisations, policy-makers, communities and individuals to co-create new knowledge and ensure it is used for the benefit of the economy and society. Recent examples of knowledge exchange include:

• Our 'Help to Grow' Courses for small and medium enterprises, which have received exceptional feedback and fostered enterprising projects.
• Our local authorities collaborations, including work with British and French councils to build business skills for market traders (Go Trade (gotrade-markets.eu), support for some 200 refugees in setting up businesses (Social Integration of Refugees through Education and Self Employment | 2 Mers Seas Zeeën (interreg2seas.eu), and aid for women in entrepreneurship and establishing social enterprises in geographically and socially isolated regions (SuNSE | Generator | University of Greenwich).
• Our support for businesses, through for example, facilitating the adoption of circular entrepreneurship in the tourism and leisure sector in businesses across the UK and three European countries (Facilitate the Adoption of Circular Entrepreneurship in the Tourism and leisure sector | 2 Mers Seas Zeeën (interreg2seas.eu)).

Postgraduate research

All those undertaking postgraduate research at GBS enjoy the following benefits:

• A comprehensive and holistic academic and PGR training experience, offering insights into the academic world.
• Exposure to experienced academics passionate about research and knowledge exchange, teaching training and practice opportunities, enhancing professional development and employability.
• Affiliation with a research centre, providing opportunities to network, present work, and gain exposure.