AUB and FBN Levant Sign MoU to Strengthen Ties Between Academia and Family Enterprises

The American University of Beirut (AUB), through the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB), and the Family Business Network (FBN) Levant signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for collaboration aimed at advancing family business development, fostering knowledge exchange, and strengthening engagement between academia and family-owned enterprises across the region.

The signing ceremony brought together Dr. Zaher Dawy, AUB provost; Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business; Carole El Moudaber, president of FBN Levant; along with representatives from both institutions and members of the family business community.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to supporting the growth, sustainability, and long-term impact of family-owned enterprises by promoting closer collaboration between academic institutions and business families. Through this partnership, AUB and FBN Levant aim to facilitate access to knowledge resources, professional networks, and educational opportunities that contribute to the development of family businesses and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The agreement establishes a flexible framework for future collaboration and lays the groundwork for a range of initiatives to be developed through supplemental agreements. Areas of cooperation include providing FBN Levant members with access to OSB executive education programs, including group rates for Executive Education and Executive MBA offerings; co-hosting events featuring internationally recognized speakers on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership succession, and ecosystem development; and exploring the creation of a family business research and engagement center supported by AUB's academic and institutional resources.

The partnership also envisions the development of a collaborative publishing initiative focused on family business governance, succession planning, and strategic leadership, as well as the implementation of joint research projects and case studies examining the governance and operations of family-owned enterprises. In addition, the two institutions will explore opportunities to facilitate internship placements and applied project engagements for OSB students within family-owned businesses that are members of FBN Levant.

This MoU marks an important step toward strengthening the family business ecosystem in Lebanon and the region. By bringing together academic excellence and the practical experience of business families, AUB and FBN Levant aim to support sustainable enterprise growth, foster innovation, and contribute to the long-term success and resilience of family-owned businesses.