Sitha Maliwa
In today’s volatile and fast-changing economy, local success is no longer driven solely by local effort. Increasingly, it is international business networks that determine how quickly and effectively companies can grow. According to Dr. Alexander Oluka, an academic at Regent Business School, it is more evident every year: businesses that plug into global networks tend to be more resilient, more innovative, and more agile than those that don’t.
He says international networks are not simply an advantage – they are essential. From securing funding to spotting global trends early, these connections help businesses leap ahead, while others are left playing catch-up. “Global connections are no longer a nice-to-have – they are a must-have,” says Dr. Oluka, adding that businesses that embrace international relationships are better positioned to navigate change, seize opportunity, and lead their industries.
Dr. Oluka emphasises that breaking into a new market is often one of the biggest challenges for a growing business. But when a company is supported by an international network, that leap becomes less daunting. He explains that the right global contacts provide insight into market regulations, customer expectations, and local business culture – factors that no market report can fully capture. “Take, for example, a mid-sized logistics firm that joins an international trade association. Through its global contacts, it builds relationships with overseas distributors, expands operations, and drives new revenue. These aren’t one-off wins – they’re results of strategic network engagement,” he elaborates.
Once entry barriers are overcome, localisation becomes easier too. Global partners help businesses adapt marketing strategies, tweak pricing, and even modify product features to better suit local demand.
Dr. Oluka further adds that cross-border collaboration doesn’t just expand reach – it accelerates innovation. In sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, international partnerships have become a launchpad for new ideas and faster development cycles. “When a company partners across borders, it doesn’t just grow—it evolves,” Dr. Oluka explains. “These relationships bring together diverse expertise, technology, and problem-solving methods that simply don’t exist in one location.”
Moreover, sourcing talent, technology, or raw materials from various countries strengthens supply chains. In an era marked by global disruptions – from pandemics to geopolitical instability -companies with international resilience are quicker to adapt and bounce back.
At its core, the value of international networks lies in people. Global mentors bring fresh leadership perspectives. International colleagues offer new cultural and strategic approaches. And through these relationships, professionals become more adaptable, more capable, and more competitive. This exposure cultivates a global mindset – an essential trait for modern leadership. It enables teams to work across time zones, navigate cross-cultural negotiations, and thrive in international environments.
“People want to work for globally minded companies,” says Dr. Oluka. “They want to grow, connect, and lead on a world stage. Businesses that embrace this thinking attract stronger talent – and keep it.” Dr. Oluka notes that business schools play a foundational role in building these global competencies. “Education is one of the most powerful gateways into international business networks,” he emphasises.
Many companies now go a step further by investing in tailored international learning experiences for their teams, ensuring their workforce is globally aware and strategically equipped. In business today, it’s not just about going global – it’s about growing global. Companies that look outward gain the insight, agility, and talent they need to thrive at home. – @NewsSA_Online