www.ssbr-edu.ch
In a world where traditional academic models often lag behind the demands of modern professionals, the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR) is boldly rewriting the rules of executive education. Founded in 2020 by visionary leader Dr. Stephen Harrison, SSBR emerged as a purpose-built institution for senior professionals seeking flexible, high-impact learning without pausing their careers. With its groundbreaking “PhD by Portfolio” and tech-forward approach, SSBR has rapidly become a global force—serving learners in over 94 countries and partnering with academic institutions across five continents. At its core, SSBR blends academic rigor with real-world relevance, integrating AI, digital delivery, and modular programmes tailored to the evolving needs of today’s leaders. This article explores how SSBR is not only disrupting the landscape of global education but also empowering executives with the tools, recognition, and innovation needed to lead in a dynamic, interconnected world.
1. Can you provide an overview of the foundation and growth of the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR)? What inspired the creation of such a forward-thinking academic institution?
The Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR) was founded in 2020 with a bold mission: to radically reimagine business education for the modern world. Its creation was driven by the vision of Dr. Stephen Harrison, a decorated military officer, global entrepreneur, and academic leader who recognized the glaring disconnect between traditional education models and the real-world needs of senior professionals. He sought to build an institution that prioritized flexibility, practical relevance, and global accessibility—offering executive learners a pathway to advanced qualifications without putting their careers on hold.
SSBR was established to serve those who operate at the highest levels of leadership—CEOs, entrepreneurs, public sector strategists, and innovators—by offering programmes that reflect their lived experience and professional impact. The flagship PhD by Portfolio was launched as a direct answer to the outdated, time-consuming models of doctoral study. It allows senior professionals to earn a doctorate in one year by submitting a portfolio of previous research, innovation, and applied knowledge.
Since its founding, SSBR has grown rapidly into a globally recognized institution. It currently serves students from over 94 countries and partners with 35 academic institutions worldwide. With Swiss accreditation, a fully digital delivery model, and programmes like the Peace-Making MBA, SSBR has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation in executive education—blending academic excellence with real-world relevance in a way that few institutions can match.
2. In what ways does SSBR stay ahead of technological advancements in the education sector, and how have these innovations shaped your academic offerings and student experience?
SSBR was designed from the outset to be a technology-first institution. Unlike traditional business schools that have struggled to adapt to digital transformation, SSBR built its academic framework on the principles of agility, innovation, and digital fluency. Our online ecosystem is not a response to change—it is a deliberate foundation that enables us to deliver world-class education to executives, regardless of where they are in the world.
Our programmes are delivered through a sophisticated learning management system that supports asynchronous study, live faculty interaction, and mobile accessibility. We understand that senior executives require flexibility without compromising quality, which is why our platform is optimized for personalized learning, real-time engagement, and continuous support. Students have access to global resources, virtual networking, and mentorship from industry-leading faculty who are themselves active entrepreneurs, CEOs, and thought leaders.
Moreover, SSBR’s commitment to innovation extends to its curriculum. Courses are designed around emerging global trends—digital transformation, sustainability, ethical leadership, and geopolitical strategy. They are continuously updated in collaboration with international industry partners to ensure that graduates leave with knowledge that is not only relevant but immediately applicable in their professional contexts.
The result is an educational experience that is immersive, impactful, and deeply aligned with the demands of today’s interconnected business environment. For executives who require both convenience and credibility, SSBR offers a truly transformative learning experience.
3. How is SSBR integrating artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into its educational delivery, operational framework, or future strategic planning?
At SSBR, we believe that the future of business education will be defined by intelligent, adaptive technologies—and we are leading that transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being strategically integrated across multiple layers of our academic and operational systems. From AI-driven learning personalization to predictive analytics for student engagement, we are committed to using technology to enhance both outcomes and experience.
We are currently developing an AI-enabled academic advising system that will provide tailored learning pathways for each student, adjusting recommendations based on individual progress, goals, and learning styles. This allows for a highly customized educational journey that respects the diverse needs and backgrounds of our global executive cohort.
Strategically, SSBR is committed to remaining at the forefront of digital education. Our investment in emerging technologies is not reactionary—it is part of a long-term vision to redefine the delivery, credibility, and global accessibility of business education. By integrating AI, blockchain, and immersive learning into our core infrastructure, we are not just future-proofing our institution—we are preparing our students to lead the future itself.
4. What are some of the most significant challenges SSBR has faced in the competitive global education market, and how has the institution successfully navigated them?
Operating in the increasingly saturated and highly competitive global education market, SSBR has encountered several key challenges—each of which has served as a catalyst for innovation and growth. The first challenge was establishing credibility and recognition in a landscape traditionally dominated by century-old institutions with entrenched reputations. In response, SSBR focused relentlessly on building academic integrity through rigorous programme quality, securing Swiss accreditation early in its lifecycle, and forging global academic partnerships that reflected both substance and scale.
Another challenge was differentiating SSBR’s offerings in a market flooded with generic online programmes. SSBR met this by creating distinctive programmes tailored specifically for senior executives—most notably the PhD by Portfolio, a one-of-a-kind doctoral pathway that recognizes professional accomplishments and research already achieved in the field. This pioneering approach offered something few institutions could: speed, relevance, and respect for real-world impact.
The global COVID-19 pandemic presented both a challenge and an opportunity. While many institutions scrambled to adapt, SSBR was built from the ground up for remote, high-quality digital education. This technological readiness allowed the institution not only to maintain continuity but to thrive—attracting professionals seeking uninterrupted, flexible academic advancement amid global uncertainty.
In essence, SSBR has succeeded by remaining agile, deeply aligned with market demands, and fearless in challenging outdated educational norms. Rather than following the crowd, the institution has chosen to lead—and in doing so, has carved a distinctive niche in global executive education.
5. What is SSBR’s approach to strategic planning and academic leadership when developing new programmes and expanding its global reach?
SSBR’s strategic planning is grounded in responsiveness, relevance, and impact. Our academic leadership team follows a proactive, market-driven approach to programme development—identifying unmet needs within global industries and designing curriculum solutions that address those gaps with precision and speed.
When developing new programmes, SSBR begins by consulting with a network of global industry experts, alumni, advisory board members, and academic partners. This stakeholder-driven process ensures that every new programme reflects both academic integrity and market alignment. For example, our Peace-Making MBA was born out of growing global demand for leadership that integrates business strategy with humanitarian, diplomatic, and ethical competencies. Its development involved close collaboration with the Flame of Peace Association and experts in conflict resolution and international relations.
Expansion efforts are also carefully strategized. We evaluate regional markets for strategic fit, partnership potential, and demand for executive education, enabling SSBR to enter each new geography with purpose. Our current network spans institutions and professional organizations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—reinforcing our status as a truly global institution.
Importantly, SSBR’s leadership prioritizes agility and scalability. Programmes are designed to be modular, adaptable, and digitally deliverable, ensuring that expansion does not compromise academic quality or student support. Through this deliberate and consultative process, SSBR ensures that each new initiative strengthens the institution’s mission while providing lasting value to learners around the world.
6. How does SSBR foster an inclusive, innovative, and intellectually enriching academic culture—both for students and faculty in a fully online environment?
Creating a vibrant academic culture in a fully online environment requires more than digital tools—it demands intention, innovation, and a deep understanding of human connection. At SSBR, we’ve cultivated a learning ecosystem that prioritizes inclusivity, intellectual stimulation, and innovation, regardless of geography or time zone.
SSBR welcomes students from nearly 100 (currently 96) nationalities, and this diversity is not only celebrated—it is central to our learning model. Our global classroom allows students to learn alongside peers from vastly different cultural, professional, and industry backgrounds, generating a rich, cross-border exchange of ideas and perspectives. Faculty are drawn from similarly diverse backgrounds, bringing real-world expertise as CEOs, entrepreneurs, policy advisors, and thought leaders who actively shape their respective industries.
Our online infrastructure is more than a virtual classroom—it is an interactive, community-based platform offering forums, live webinars, one-on-one mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities. This system facilitates both academic discourse and peer-to-peer networking, ensuring that students feel engaged and connected throughout their learning journey.
Innovation is also woven into the cultural fabric of SSBR. Faculty are encouraged to continually update course content based on emerging trends, and students are empowered to contribute to discussions that shape curriculum development. Our institution actively promotes open dialogue, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making the online space as intellectually stimulating—if not more so—than traditional, physical campuses.
Ultimately, SSBR’s inclusive and enriching environment stems from a shared purpose: to elevate global leadership through education that is both accessible and transformative.
7. How does the institution remain adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of today’s learners, especially professionals pursuing executive education remotely?
SSBR’s core strength lies in its uncompromising adaptability—a direct result of our commitment to serving working professionals and senior executives who demand relevance, responsiveness, and results. Unlike traditional institutions that retrofit digital capabilities into legacy systems, SSBR was purpose-built for remote executive education. Our systems, content delivery, and student engagement models are designed to move in lockstep with the changing needs of today’s global learners.
We maintain close, ongoing dialogue with our student body through surveys, virtual town halls, alumni feedback sessions, and industry advisory boards. This continuous loop of feedback allows us to refine our programmes, update course materials, and introduce new content in real-time, rather than waiting for outdated academic cycles. For example, when executives expressed a growing need for training in sustainability leadership and ESG frameworks, SSBR promptly integrated modules on ethical business, climate risk, and sustainable finance into its MBA and doctoral curricula.
Additionally, SSBR leverages flexible, self-paced learning models enhanced by live faculty mentorship, enabling learners to study on their own terms while still receiving personal guidance and academic support. Time-zone agnostic delivery, mobile-accessible learning environments, and modular course formats all reflect SSBR’s understanding of the modern executive lifestyle.
Looking ahead, SSBR is implementing AI-powered personalization tools, blockchain certification for verifiable digital credentials, and immersive business simulations to further elevate the remote learning experience. These tools are not technological add-ons—they are core components of our mission to provide adaptive, forward-thinking education for global leaders.
In essence, SSBR doesn’t merely react to change—it anticipates and harnesses it, ensuring our learners are always one step ahead in their careers and leadership journeys.
8. Can you highlight a recent programme, research initiative, or academic partnership that represents a significant innovation or success for SSBR?
One of SSBR’s most pioneering and successful programmes is the PhD by Portfolio, a truly disruptive model in the realm of doctoral education. Designed specifically for experienced professionals, this programme allows senior executives, researchers, and industry leaders to earn a doctorate within one year based on pre-existing research, published work, and professional achievements. It recognizes that the traditional academic pathway—often requiring several years of study—is neither practical nor necessary for individuals who have already demonstrated doctoral-level expertise in their careers.
The PhD by Portfolio challenges conventional academic frameworks by validating real-world knowledge, offering a rigorous yet time-efficient process that enables professionals to formalize their contributions and elevate their authority in their fields. The programme has gained significant traction globally, with applicants from over 60 countries and alumni now holding senior positions in multinational corporations, government ministries, and global NGOs.
This initiative reflects SSBR’s deep commitment to educational innovation. It not only redefines how doctoral qualifications are earned but also democratizes access to academic recognition, particularly for working professionals whose impact has traditionally gone unaccredited. The success of the PhD by Portfolio has also catalyzed interest in similar flexible models across disciplines, positioning SSBR as a trendsetter in modern executive education.
9. What are the long-term goals for SSBR in terms of academic impact, institutional growth, and international influence? What strategies are in place to realize these objectives?
SSBR’s long-term vision is to become the global benchmark for flexible, high-impact, and executive-oriented business education. This vision is anchored in three strategic goals: academic innovation, institutional growth, and international influence.
Academically, SSBR aims to further develop advanced degree programmes like the PhD by Portfolio, which exemplify its commitment to relevance and practicality. New variations of the portfolio-based model are being explored, including domain-specific doctorates that recognize impact in fields such as digital transformation, sustainability, public policy, and entrepreneurship. In addition, SSBR is planning the launch of executive certificates and micro-credentials that align with fast-evolving industry needs.
Institutional growth will focus on expanding the SSBR ecosystem through the development of regional hubs, local academic partnerships, and alumni-led learning networks in key markets across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Our student body already spans 95nationalities, and we are actively cultivating global faculty, strategic alliances, and multilingual programme offerings to strengthen this worldwide footprint.
On the international stage, SSBR is positioning itself as a thought leader in educational reform. Hosting our 2025 graduation at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, for example, is not only a celebration of academic success but a symbolic affirmation of the institution’s rising prestige and global vision. Additionally, with SSBR graduates and faculty participating in high-level policy dialogues—such as Dr. Miray Zaki’s presentation at the UK Parliament’s House of Lords—we continue to embed our academic voice in influential global forums.
To realize these goals, SSBR is pursuing a strategy built on agility, technological innovation, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.
10. What guidance would SSBR offer to emerging educational institutions or academic entrepreneurs seeking to innovate in the space of online, flexible, and executive learning?
SSBR’s evolution offers a roadmap for institutions aspiring to lead in the realm of online and executive education. Our foremost advice is to build with your learners, not just for them. Understanding the time constraints, career goals, and real-world experience of your target audience—particularly executives—is essential for crafting programmes that are truly impactful.
The success of the PhD by Portfolio stems from this very principle. We recognized that countless professionals already operate at a doctoral level in terms of innovation, research, and leadership—but lacked formal academic recognition. By designing a model that honored their expertise while maintaining academic rigor, we created a pathway that empowered them without disrupting their careers. This is a lesson in respecting professional knowledge as a legitimate and valuable form of learning.
Another key insight is to embrace innovation without abandoning quality. Use technology strategically—AI, blockchain, and immersive simulations can enhance learning, but they must be aligned with pedagogical goals and learner needs. Flexibility should never mean dilution; it should mean precision, relevance, and personalization.
Institutions must also commit to continuous evolution. The market for executive education changes rapidly, and agility is not optional—it is foundational. Create feedback loops with alumni, industry leaders, and faculty; use these insights to refine curricula, introduce new offerings, and phase out outdated content.
Finally, ground your mission in purpose and accessibility. Academic prestige should never come at the expense of inclusion. The future of education lies in models that elevate talent, wherever it exists, and provide scalable pathways for lifelong learning.
At SSBR, we believe the next generation of academic entrepreneurs must combine vision with execution, and disruption with empathy. The world doesn’t need more traditional schools—it needs impact-driven institutions ready to redefine what learning looks like in a global, digital, and rapidly changing world.
By Dr. Stephen Harrison
Dean and Chairman, Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR)
Dr. Stephen Harrison is a decorated military veteran, entrepreneur, author, and academic innovator. As the founder and Dean of the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR), he brings over four decades of leadership experience across aviation, international business, and higher education. Known for pioneering the PhD by Portfolio and championing executive education that values real-world impact, Dr. Harrison continues to challenge conventional academic paradigms and shape the future of global learning.
