“WE MEAN BUSINESS WITH VALUES”
The Strategic Plan sets out the college’s priorities for July 2026 to June 2029, with an outlook to June 2031. It turns our long-term aspiration, to be Asia’s leading business and management institution, driven by the values and principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) for a prosperous and sustainable future, into commitments we can measure and be held to. It builds on the transformation of the past three years, from January 2023 to June 2026, including new industry-aligned degrees and national accreditation at A+. This page is a summary of the plan.
BUILT TO INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
The plan is structured around international standards for business schools. It takes into account the standards of AACSB, EQUIS (EFMD) and AMBA-BGA, together with those of our programme accreditations. Its objectives, measures and review cycle reflect what these bodies expect of an accredited school, including assurance of learning, faculty qualifications, research impact and continuous improvement. GCBS has been an AACSB member since 2019, and our goal is to earn accreditation from AACSB, EFMD and AMBA-BGA by 2032.
GCBS is a mission-driven business school. We know why we exist, we keep our sights on achieving our vision, and we carry out our mission with our values in place.
Purpose
Why we exist
Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) exists to nurture ethical and capable business leaders who contribute to Bhutan’s sustainable and inclusive economic future. As a public Higher Education Institution (HEI) under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), our purpose is grounded in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping responsible leadership for the benefit of our nation and beyond.
Mission
What we do
Develop internationally competent business and management professionals
Deliver industry-relevant, values-driven business and management education
Conduct impactful research leading to innovation and shaping policy and practices
Drive a sustainable future through thought leadership and community initiatives
Collaborate with strategic partners to enable meaningful changes
Vision
Where we are heading
Asia’s leading business and management institution, driven by the values and principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Values
How we work
Our LEADS values, Leadership, Enterprising, Agility, Diversity and Sustainability, guide how we teach, work and lead.
Mental image of success
How GCBS will continue to envision itself as we grow strategically to be a participant in Bhutan’s economic development goals.
1. A contributing factor and a participating driver for Bhutan’s development of a vibrant business and management professional workforce.
2. A key contributor to the economic development of Bhutan and Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Four organisational strategic aspirations
These four long-term aspirations set the direction for the seven strategic pillars that follow.
Aspiration One
International accreditation by 2032 and a Top 250 Asia business school ranking for GCBS by 2035
Aspiration Two
Internationally recognised as a thought leader for GNH principles with sustainable business development
Aspiration Three
Internationalisation and diversification of the faculty and student body
Aspiration Four
Internationally recognised for our holistic development of business and management professionals
The plan is organised around seven pillars. Each one carries measurable objectives, named owners and regular review.
Pillar 1
Academic Excellence and Curriculum Relevance
Ensuring GCBS programmes are rigorous, relevant, future-ready and GNH-aligned.
Pillar 2
Student Success, Well-Being and Retention
Ensuring every GCBS student thrives: academically, professionally and holistically.
Pillar 3
Research, Innovation and Knowledge Creation
Building Bhutan’s most impactful business research institution.
Pillar 4
Faculty Excellence and Organisational Capacity
Investing in our people as the foundation of institutional excellence.
Pillar 5
Partnerships, Industry Engagement and Global Positioning
Connecting GCBS to the world, and the world to Bhutan.
Pillar 6
Digital Transformation and Infrastructure Modernisation
Building the physical and digital environment GCBS needs to excel.
Pillar 7
Institutional Sustainability, Governance and Financial Resilience
Ensuring GCBS has the resources, governance and resilience to fulfil its mission.
WHAT SETS GCBS APART
GNH Education
Business schools around the world tend to teach the same frameworks and to measure success by profit and employment. GCBS is rooted in Bhutan, where national progress is measured by Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH Education brings that philosophy into how we teach business, so that every graduate learns to weigh a decision by its effect on people, community, culture and the environment as well as on financial return.
This is how we live our purpose of nurturing ethical and capable business leaders, and how we pursue our vision to be Asia’s leading business and management institution, driven by the values and principles of GNH.
Explore GNH Education
July 2026 – June 2029
Three-year strategic plan
Establishing systems, strengthening quality, building capacity and showing measurable early results across all seven pillars.
July 2029 – June 2031
Two-year outlook
Moving from institutional strengthening towards regional recognition, stronger external partnerships and readiness for international accreditation.
By 2032
Long-term aspiration
Accreditation by AACSB, EFMD and AMBA-BGA, and recognition as Asia’s leading GNH-inspired business school.
