Centers & Initiatives

Pioneering business research can prepare students to be transformational business leaders, and equip companies to transform themselves and their markets.

At the Smith School we have created a cluster of Centers of Excellence that serve as the intersection of scholarship and the marketplace, putting breakthrough research at the service of students and companies. Each of our centers immerses our students in complex and evolving marketplaces in which success depends on critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship. 

We have also added exciting new Initiatives to further augment the learning experience, align with industry and government trends, and chart the future of business.

Centers

Center for Artificial Intelligence in Business

The Center for Artificial Intelligence in Business pioneers AI research and outreach. With a focus on human judgment and creativity, it fosters safe, innovative products and services through intentional AI-enabled design and governance frameworks.

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Center for Excellence in Service

The Center for Excellence in Service (CES) is an academic research center with a network of Smith faculty members who are thought leaders in service marketing and management. 

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Center for Financial Policy
Center for Financial Policy

The Center for Financial Policy leverages the Smith School’s world-renowned faculty, leading research, and proximity to Washington, D.C. to promote a collaborative exchange of ideas on the key issues that affect financial markets.

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Center for Global Business

The Center for Global Business (CGB) is the driver of internationalization and global mindset education at the Smith School and a preferred partner for international commerce in the state of Maryland, specifically in regard to training and supporting students, companies, and current and future business leaders to engage successfully in global business.

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Center for Social Value Creation

The Center for Social Value Creation embodies a passionate mission: to educate, engage and empower the Smith community and the world through thought-provoking dialogue, thought leadership, and hands-on experience.

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Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship

At the Dingman-Lamone Center, we create an inclusive environment where we educate, empower and equip students with the business skills needed to be an entrepreneur and the resources necessary to make their business ideas a reality.

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Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets

The guiding principle for the Ed Snider Center is that social progress is born of free and creative individuals who, driven by self-motivation, passion, and a positive approach to trading value for value, make the world a better place. 

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Supply Chain Management Center

The Supply Chain Management Center at the Robert H. Smith School of Business is dedicated to conducting research and education designed to further the discipline of supply chain management.

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Initiatives

Smith Analytics Consortium

Expanding understanding of business analytics and relevant careers, the Robert H. Smith School of Business runs the Smith Analytics Consortium (SAC). A partnership between industry and Smith’s diverse, inclusive community, the Consortium serves as a central hub for networking, thought leadership, experiential learning, co-curricular activities and collaboration opportunities enhancing the Smith student experience and giving back to the business community.

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Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership
Initiative for Veteran Lifelong Leadership

Promoting veterans as strategic assets for a united economy.

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Future of Government Management Initiative

The imperatives facing America's government and market leaders have rarely overlapped with the complexity they do today. At the Smith School, we aim to help with new programs and partnerships to promote the future of U.S. public-private talent, training, and research.

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Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium

Corporate risk officers are grappling with a host of nontraditional risks associated with and ranging from cyber to climate. The Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium recognizes these emerging risks and endeavors to address them through research, tools and education.

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Climate Finance and Risk Management at UMD

The University of Maryland combines its world-class expertise in climate science, finance, and public policy to prepare our partners to plan for and respond to the opportunities and risks of a changing climate. 

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Financial Wellness

The Financial Wellness Center at the University of Maryland is poised to revolutionize financial literacy among students, empowering them to make informed financial decisions that pave the way for lifelong success.

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News

March 11, 2026
Smith Students Take Studies Abroad During Winter Session
Between the fall and spring semesters of 2025-26, 90 undergraduates at the Robert H. Smith School of Business studied international business in the UAE, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore and Switzerland, exploring global markets, culture and industry through immersive courses and hands-on learning experiences.
Read News Story : Smith Students Take Studies Abroad During Winter Session
March 9, 2026
Smith Giving Day Support Surpasses Last Year

The University of Maryland’s (UMD) annual 24-hour fundraising event, Giving Day, invites alumni, staff, faculty, students, parents and friends of the university to raise critical funding to advance the mission of the UMD. 

Read News Story : Smith Giving Day Support Surpasses Last Year
March 2, 2026
Annual Embassy Day Provides Immersive Global Opportunity for Students Without Leaving the Country
Nearly 80 Robert H. Smith School of Business students visited embassies along Washington’s Embassy Row for the Center for Global Business’s annual Embassy Day, gaining firsthand insight into global economies, trade relationships and business cultures from representatives of nine countries.
Read News Story : Annual Embassy Day Provides Immersive Global Opportunity for Students Without Leaving the Country
February 26, 2026
Tata Innovation Dialogue connects students with industry leaders
The Center for Social Value Creation hosted its annual Tata Innovation Dialogue on Oct. 22, 2025, featuring Tata Consultancy Services executive P.C. Thomas and Michael McCabe. The event connected 100 students with industry leaders to explore technology, retail innovation and global internship opportunities.
Read News Story : Tata Innovation Dialogue connects students with industry leaders
February 19, 2026
Distinguished Speakers in International Business Event Shines A Light on Synthetic Biology, Economic Security and More
Erik Peterson of Kearney outlined five “global wildcards” shaping 2026-2031 at the Center for Global Business Distinguished Speakers in International Business Series at the Smith School. He cited geopolitical instability, economic fragmentation, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology as forces reshaping business and government.
Read News Story : Distinguished Speakers in International Business Event Shines A Light on Synthetic Biology, Economic Security and More
December 9, 2025
Maryland Businesses Express Cautious Optimism for 2026 Following a Rough 2025
Maryland businesses faced rising costs, federal workforce cuts and new tariffs in 2025, but a statewide survey shows cautious optimism for early 2026. Firms reported weaker performance yet increased investment, while structural challenges continue to weigh on the state’s business climate.
Read News Story : Maryland Businesses Express Cautious Optimism for 2026 Following a Rough 2025
November 18, 2025
Amid Competitive Job Market, International Skills Give Students an Edge
New research from the Center for Global Business shows that study abroad programs enhance students’ career outcomes—leading to quicker job placement, higher salaries, and stronger global skills—highlighting how international experiences help graduates stand out in a competitive, tech-driven job market.
Read News Story : Amid Competitive Job Market, International Skills Give Students an Edge
November 10, 2025
Maryland Veteran Small Businesses Owners Honored During 3rd Annual Event
The University of Maryland’s Smith School hosted the Maryland Veterans Small Business Week Celebration in College Park, honoring 12 veteran-owned businesses statewide for excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation and community service during National Veterans Small Business Week 2025.
Read News Story : Maryland Veteran Small Businesses Owners Honored During 3rd Annual Event
November 3, 2025
Speakers Present Contrasting Views on Elimination of DEI Policies in Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour Debate
Experts debated government bans on DEI programs at the Smith School during the Steamboat Institute’s Liberty Tour. Jason Riley argued for merit-based color blindness, while Rick Banks defended DEI’s nuanced value. Leaders emphasized open, reasoned, and empathetic discourse.
Read News Story : Speakers Present Contrasting Views on Elimination of DEI Policies in Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour Debate
October 30, 2025
Students From Across Campus Team up for Global Case Competition
Students from across the University of Maryland participated in the Center for Global Business’ Careers Crossing Borders Case Interview Competition, developing global business skills while presenting market expansion strategies for biotech firm AkriVita. The event fostered cross-campus collaboration, networking, and professional readiness.
Read News Story : Students From Across Campus Team up for Global Case Competition
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