DBA Testimonial: Dr. Ray Bowman reflects on how the DBA both influenced his work and played a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and economic growth.
DBA 2020 Graduate
Dr. Ray Bowman, DBA
Director, EDC Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
linkedin.com/in/drraybowman/
"As I reflect on my Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) journey, I am struck by the profound transformation it has brought about in my life. The journey has been challenging, enlightening, and ultimately rewarding, shaping me academically, professionally, and personally. The skills and knowledge I acquired have not only influenced my work but have also played a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and economic growth.
My DBA journey began with a quest for knowledge and a desire to enhance the effectiveness of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program, which I have been directing for the past 13 years. The program’s mission is to contribute to the public good by strengthening the economy through providing technical assistance to small businesses.
However, I quickly realized that there was a deficiency of information on best practices and the causes and effects associated with the organization of the program and the delivery of knowledge to the small business clients we served. This realization led me to the topic of my dissertation and the subsequent research that has shaped my professional life.
The research process was a collaborative exercise, and I am grateful for the support and insights I received from my Grenoble mentors, colleagues, and friends. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mentor Dr. Grégoire Croidieu, Dr. Valérie Sabatier, Dr. Michelle Mielly, and fellow Grenoble student Dr. Mickaël Buffart (co-author) for their invaluable contributions. Their insights and collaboration have been life-changing, and a great demonstration of the importance of the connections you make in your DBA journey.
The most significant support, however, came from my wife, Lolita. Her unwavering support, valuable input, and endless patience during countless hours of discussions, debates, and revisions were instrumental in my journey. The love and support you get from loved ones are also keys to success in your DBA journey.
The skills and knowledge I acquired during my DBA journey have had a profound impact on my work. My research findings have been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of the SBDC program, leading to its recognition for outstanding achievements in exports with the prestigious President’s “E” Award for Export Service as well as the US Small Business Administration Excellence and Innovation Award. The program has become one of the most successful in the United States, contributing significantly to the local economy and promoting sustainability and national thought leadership.
My research has also led to the publication of a study in the Journal of Policy Research, demonstrating that government-funded economic programs that enact a two-step “collaborative learning” model ultimately produce the most economically successful ventures. I am also excited to announce that I will be published in the «Journal of Evolutionary Economics» with an article on innovation during the pandemic that surveyed over 22,000 SMEs who are clients of the SBDC program.
The DBA journey has taught me that excellent work is a collaborative exercise and that we need to socialize our problems. It has also reinforced my belief in the importance of sustainability and the role of small businesses in promoting economic growth. As I look to the future, I am excited about the potential for further research and the opportunity to continue contributing to the field of business administration and sustainability.
In conclusion, my DBA journey has been a transformative experience, influencing my work and promoting sustainability and economic growth. I am grateful for the support and insights I received along the way and look forward to continuing my research and contributing to the field."
Read More: Doctoral Knowledge Journal, issue #19
GettyImages: Makhbubakhon Ismatova
Dr. Ray Bowman accepts the prestigious Presidential E Award for Exporting Excellence on behalf of the EDC Small Business Development Center (SBDC) from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo. This award is the highest honor the United States of America can bestow on a business or business support organization.
- DBA
- Sustainability
