SBM ITB officially launched its Thought Leadership Vision at the SBM ITB Campus in Bandung (February 11). This event aims to redefine SBM ITB’s position as a thought leader on the global stage and respond to reflections on the AACSB International accreditation mandate.
“We must ask ourselves once again: Is SBM really a leader? In which field? Who regards us as leaders? And is the value we provide genuinely beneficial to our stakeholders?” said Dedy Sushandoyo, Thought Leadership Coordinator of the SBM ITB Sustainable Business Unit.
According to Dedy, the AACSB framework should be a tool to strengthen and highlight SBM ITB’s potential. Thought Leadership serves as a mirror for assessing SBM’s identity, enabling it to become more prominent in the eyes of the world.
Dedy emphasized the importance of competitive advantage for an organization. Without this excellence, an institution will struggle to survive. For SBM, this excellence is deeply rooted in its mission: educating innovative leaders, instilling an entrepreneurial mindset, and disseminating impactful knowledge.
“SBM was founded with innovation at its core. We are pioneers in several respects, being the first to offer an English-language program and the first business school in Indonesia to operate outside of a traditional economics faculty. This is the message the AACSB conveys to us: let’s build upon the foundation we’ve established,” Dedy added.
A key aspect of Thought Leadership is having a strong foundation in research. At SBM, research should not merely replicate Western theories without considering local contexts. Instead, it should focus on addressing real-world issues faced by Indonesian society and businesses. This approach will allow SBM to engage more effectively in international discussions.
Dedy then introduced the main focus of SBM ITB’s Thought Leadership, namely “Entrepreneurial Business.” This term places an entrepreneurial spirit as a key characteristic in running every business unit. This includes a passion for always introducing novelty, being observant of opportunities, and ensuring that every innovation provides significant benefits to both the company and society.
Dedy urged all parties to commit to the next five-year strategy. Through three main stages, in-depth research, effective dissemination to students and industry, and accurate impact measurement, SBM ITB is optimistic about continuing to lead thinking in the international business world.
