- Why was the IUSBN created?
- What are the IUSBN’s core competencies?
- What are the fundamental principles by which the IUSBN operates?
- How, specifically, does the IUSBN facilitate, promote and support project-oriented initiatives and collaborations for its members?
- What differentiates the IUSBN from the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and how do they collaborate?
- Does the IUSBN work closely with large, well-established organizations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) or the American Chamber of Commerce in India?
- Does the IUSBN play a lobbying or advocacy role in Washington, D.C. or New Delhi?
- How specifically does the IUSBN manage information, education and knowledge sharing opportunities?
- How is the IUSBN membership package distinct from government (federal, state or city) services or private international trade services based in the US or India?
- How does the IUSBN promote member visibility and business interests?
- How does a long-term relationship with the IUSBN continue to build and sustain value over time?
- Is membership available only to Tri-State (OH, IN, KY) residents?
- What are the sources of revenue for the IUSBN?
- How do I become involved?
A confluence of factors led to the creation of the IUSBN. Although there are many organizations built around Indo-US relations--either at the social, cultural and networking event level or at the national “strategic partnership” and “bilateral relationships” level--there were very few organizations focused on the “business” element of a whole range of groups linking India and our region. There was clearly a need for a professional platform for businesses (with primary focus on small and medium-sized businesses), government agencies, investment firms, academic institutions, service providers. Our ambition is to advance the business interests of our member companies by scouting for commercial partnerships and by fostering business transactions and collaborations between companies in India and the US.
What are the IUSBN’s core competencies?
The IUSBN’s singular focus on advancing the business interests of its membership is strongly supported by an experienced Board and Advisory Board members who represent a cross-section of industrial sectors, professional services and market niches.
Building on Board member functional and industry expertise and professional affiliations/contacts, the IUSBN has established several strategic areas of focus (“pillars”). There are currently four: Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Diagnostics, Devices and Healthcare), Education, Cold Chain and Renewable Energy/Clean Energy Technologies), with more to be added as growth opportunities and subject matter experts are identified.
What are the fundamental principles by which the IUSBN operates?
The IUSBN is a non-profit public resource, tied to no political or partisan interests, committed to creating strong, sustainable commercial partnerships between socially responsible enterprises in India and the US. While the IUSBN doesn’t have a “sustainability” agenda, per se, corporate sustainability is now widely accepted as a core business issue and competitive differentiator. We believe corporate sustainability creates long-term value by not only following a “green” strategy aimed toward the natural environment, but also by taking into consideration every dimension of how a business operates in the social, cultural and economic environment.
The IUSBN’s strength lies in our team of experienced international executives and professionals from across a wide range of industrial sectors and professional services, who can provide access to industry experts and company leaders with complementary commercial aspirations in the US and India. IUSBN members become part of a network of companies providing unparalleled opportunities for productive collaboration.
The IUSBN has a close and collaborative working relationship with the US Commercial Service, along with other relevant US Government (USG) agencies. That said, the IUSBN is uniquely position to add value where their USG agency status (and mission) may constrain their reach when it comes to a member company’s desired commercial outcomes (e.g., the US Commercial Service can’t explicitly drive specific company-to-company match-ups, it doesn’t promote foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, and it can’t advocate for a particular U.S. city or region over another, given political sensitivities).
As an independent entity, the IUSBN has the advantage of working with whichever combination of private or public-sector organizations in India and the US will help advance the interests of our membes. Most recently, the IUSBN co-sponsored an event hosted by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber for a CII delegation visiting the US--“The India/U.S. Business Relationship: Opportunities for Collaboration.”
Does the IUSBN play a lobbying or advocacy role in Washington, D.C. or New Delhi?
The IUSBN’s time, energies and resources are dedicated to providing our members with access to information, individuals and enterprises we believe will advance their commercial interests. The IUSBN will, of course, seek to educate and engage public figures, but it does NOT put forth specific policy recommendations, seek representation to influence government policies, or provide public policy advocacy, in the US or India.
How specifically does the IUSBN manage information, education and knowledge sharing opportunities?
Up-to-date, relevant and accurate information is critical to advancing the business objectives of our members. The IUSBN’s goal is to manage information sharing in such a way as to increase connectivity and productive collaboration between our members, and we employ a number of different channels (e.g., forums, Webinars, face-to-face meetings, virtual tours, etc.) to give our members a competitive edge and to power their growth. The IUSBN will employ the latest generation of Web interaction to facilitate that communication.
The IUSBN provides a range of services and benefits that complement, rather than compete with, governmental agency or private enterprise initiatives dedicated to advancing trade-related initiatives. Our membership program focuses on the key attributes of relevance, effectiveness and value-added benefits. For example, secure private access to the “Members-Only” section of the IUSBN website includes an online Membership Directory, with powerful and convenient search options.
How does the IUSBN promote member visibility and business interests?
There are many promotional platforms, starting with the IUSBN’s website and online directory, offering members several opportunities to promote their businesses. The easy-to-use Membership Directory also gives members visibility to other businesses and potential partner organizations. In addition, there are several networking programs open to members only, and there are a number of IUSBN Committees, covering a range of functional areas, industry sectors and geography.
How does a long-term relationship with the IUSBN continue to build and sustain value over time?
The IUSBN is committed to understanding what drives value for our members, periodically conducting a “value analysis” of the benefits and experiences attributed to membership.
Is membership available only to Tri-State (OH, IN, KY) residents?
Although the IUSBN is Cincinnati-based, its membership ranks are not limited by geography.
What are the sources of revenue for the IUSBN?
The IUSBN is a member-based organization with funding generated through membership dues, fee-based services (e.g., market research studies, match-making services, due diligence, organized trade delegations) and formal events.
We would welcome your direct and active participation in advancing the IUSBN’s strategic objectives, starting with your membership and participation in one of our Strategic Areas of Focus (“pillars”) or Committees.
