The general rise of anti-globalization sentiment in the U.S. and other Western democracies had probably its most notable expression in the Brexit vote. The U.K. is on the path of leaving the European Union (EU) and entering into a yet unknown global institutional arrangement. It is difficult to overstate the magnitude of these events for firms located in the U.K. or interacting with the U.K. market, or for entrepreneurs envisioning potential projects in the country.

Access to EU markets has made the U.K. particularly attractive for firms in “Global Value Chains.” Shipping of goods along the value chain is facilitated by the single market, with firms able to purchase inputs straightforwardly from other EU countries subject to minimal non-tariff barriers. Moreover, the U.K. has been able to attract highly skilled workers, managers, and entrepreneurs from the entire EU market. Will these arrangements and location advantages be preserved? If not, what will be the characteristics of the new environment? How will they affect the firms’ capabilities and strategies? These are the challenges our students will face upon graduation. 

The teaching programs at the LSE Management Department prepare graduates for this uncertain and fast-moving global environment. We sit at the center of the global city of London, at the heart of a leading social science institution, which gives our graduates both an academic perspective and a real-world context in the social, economic and political environment. Most importantly, our teaching programs emphasize excellence, critical analysis, and innovative thinking, which are the best tools for agile and strategic leaders.