Geopolitical Risks and Global Business
"When markets fragment and alliances shift, business as usual becomes business at risk."
Dr. Siyana Gurova, Research Associate & Lecturer ZHAW School of Management and Law
Political tensions, trade conflicts, and shifting alliances are fundamentally reshaping the environment for global business. Understanding geopolitical risks is now essential not only for developing strategies but for rethinking entire business models. At the Center for Geopolitics and Competitiveness, we analyze how major geopolitical developments impact companies’ operations, supply chains, and market positions. We support businesses in adapting to a more fragmented and uncertain global economy.
Focus Areas
Our current research and consulting activities focus on the following areas of expertise:
- Geopolitical risks in a fragmented economy (Innosuisse-funded project)
- Swiss Managers Survey
- ZHAW International Business Podium: A series of events that addresses political and economic developments and engages with experts and scholars to discuss current issues.
Revival of the strongman – really?
15.04.2025
In an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty, traditional toughness is no longer enough. Successful leadership in global business now demands situational strength, soft power, and strategic flexibility. This article analyzes why classic ideals of masculinity are losing relevance amid geopolitical risks—and which leadership skills matter today: (link to the article in german)(PDF 80,2 KB)
Switzerland is not a G-20 member - and yet it is involved
24.10.2024
Switzerland is not an official G-20 member – yet it remains actively involved in shaping global economic policy. Dominique Ursprung and Mira Braun detail this unique role in Die Volkswirtschaft: (link to the article in german)
Trans Pacific Partnership CPTPP
21.09.2023
Momentum around the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is growing, with six countries seeking membership—while Switzerland remains on the sidelines. Dominique Ursprung explains why CPTPP is becoming increasingly important for Switzerland in Die Volkswirtschaft: Waiting Line at the Trans-Pacific Free Trade Zone. (Article in German)
-
2017.
Bringing the benefits of David to Goliath : special economic zones and institutional improvement.
Regional Studies.
52(10), pp. 1309-1321.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2017.1346371
-
Keil, Thomas; Maula, Markku; Syrigos, Evangelos,
2017.
CEO entrepreneurial orientation, entrenchment, and firm value creation.
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
41(4), pp. 475-504.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/etp.12213
-
Duygan, Mert; Stauffacher, Michael; Meylan, Grégoire,
2017.
Discourse coalitions in Swiss waste management : gridlock or winds of change?.
Waste Management.
72, pp. 25-44.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.11.006
-
Duma, Fabio; Popcsev, Mark; Seelhofer, Daniel,
2017.
In:
Global Fashion Management Conference.
2017 Global Fashion Management Conference, Vienna, 6-9 July 2017.
Global Alliance of Marketing & Management Associations.
pp. 343-350.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.15444/GFMC2017.04.08.01
-
2017.
Foreign banks and the business environment in transition : a cointegration approach.
Post-Communist Economies.
30(1), pp. 19-35.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/14631377.2017.1361703
-
2017.
In:
Warwick Luxury & Innovation Hub: the Evolution of Luxury, London, United Kingdom, 25 July 2017.
-
Ebnöther, Christoph; Lopez, Erica,
2017.
Hochschulpolitische Entwicklungen : Juli - Dezember 2016.
Winterthur:
ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften.
-
Ebnöther, Christoph; Lopez, Erica,
2017.
Hochschulpolitische Entwicklungen Januar – Juni 2017.
Winterthur:
ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften.
-
2017.
Interne Krisenkommunikation : Herausforderungen, Ziele und Lösungsansätze.
KMU Magazin.
2017(5), pp. 88-91.
Available from: https://www.kmu-magazin.ch/wissen/forschung-entwicklung/herausforderungen-ziele-und-loesungsansaetze
-
Seelhofer, Daniel,
2017.
Interpersonal leadership : an applied guide.
Zürich:
Ogma Education.
Fundamentals of leadership ; 1.
ISBN 978-3-9523944-9-6.