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Kristin Brandl

Associate Professor

Subjects
Service Value chains International relations Internationalisation Multinational company Social responsibility

Primary research areas

International Services and Policy

I study how international services can be characterized and how complex challenges shape global service value chains. Sub-projects explore the characterization and policy development of international services as well as the offshoring and outsourcing process of knowledge-intensive services to developing countries. Some of this work is researched in the context of the Indian knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) industry.

Multilateralism and International Relations in International Business

This stream examines how multilateralism and international relations, particularly in the context of intergovernmental organizations and international agreements, affect the international business environment. In various different sub-projects I analyze the role of EU and UNCTAD policies (both hard and soft) on foreign investments and firms, the design and diversity of trade and investment agreements, and the consequences of policy violations or misalignments between national and supranational levels.

International Business for Development

I also focus on the links between FDI, trade, and country development, with a particular emphasis on sustainable business behavior in emerging and developing economies. Different sub-projects investigate, for example, how natural-resource-seeking FDI affects rural communities, poverty, labor opportunities, and inequality in emerging and developing countries, offering insights into the broader development implications of global business activity.

I am connecting international business and policy for fairer futures

My research sits at the intersection of international business, global governance, and development. It explores how international business and global governance can be harnessed to promote more sustainable and inclusive development. I investigate how international services, trade, and investment shape opportunities for firms and societies, and how multilateral institutions and international agreements influence the rules of the global economy.

A key motivation in my work is to understand how globalization can reduce rather than reinforce inequality. I examine how foreign direct investment and trade affect labor markets, poverty, and community development in emerging economies, while also considering how firms and policymakers can better align business practices with societal goals.

Through this research, I aim to generate insights that not only advance academic debates but also help companies adopt more responsible strategies and assist policymakers in designing global frameworks that support sustainable growth and fairer development outcomes.

Outside activities

Associate Professor at the University of Victoria

Teaching, service, and research