NCSU partners with French school

The Triangle region and its universities are expanding their horizons into international business with a foreign university moving to the Centennial Campus at N.C. State.

The French business school SKEMA will bring students to learn American business by capitalizing on the opportunities in the Research Triangle Park.

SKEMA approached UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and N.C. State before choosing N.C. State.

“We would have been delighted to have them,” said Jean Elia, associate dean for strategy and administration at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. “But there are a variety of ways for us to engage each other.”

SKEMA could still be the driving force for collaboration among the three Triangle schools.

Elia said that while past collaborations have taken place, the opportunity to work with an international university is bringing the three schools together.

By choosing Centennial Campus in Raleigh, SKEMA has the opportunity to be a part of a community built by quality academic institutions and RTP businesses.

“Originally the companies in the Research Triangle Park are what attracted SKEMA, but the Triangle area is known for education and the strength of education,” said Adrienne Cole, executive director of economic development for the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. “Moving here gives them that advantage.”

Although SKEMA chose N.C. State, UNC and Duke are both currently talking with SKEMA about possible collaborations, but no official plans are in place, said officials from both schools.

“We’re competitive in a friendly way — like we are on the basketball court — but there are unique opportunities for all four schools to come together,” Elia said.

Collaborating with an international school in the Triangle area will provide new opportunities for RTP to benefit the entire region, Cole said.

SKEMA was first attracted to the area because of opportunities to work with companies in RTP, such as IBM Corporation and GlaxoSmithKline.

The Research Triangle Park Foundation CEO and President Rick Weddle said he eagerly anticipates the opportunity of international students working with the area’s universities and businesses.

“We look forward to encouraging interaction between SKEMA, Park companies and the region’s flagship universities, while furthering the RTP brand as a knowledge-rich, technology-based environment,” Weddle stated in an e-mail.

Weddle said he hopes that SKEMA’s perspective in areas of international business will excite the Research Triangle Park area and benefit the entire Triangle.

“Talent is the Research Triangle Park’s most valuable asset,” Weddle said. “SKEMA Business School will both augment and complement the existing knowledge resources in the Park and the region.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.