Murat Arik

Dr. Murat Arik is the Director of the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at the Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). His expertise spans regional economic analysis, strategic management, and innovation management. He has conducted over 100 consulting projects for government agencies, chambers of commerce, and private businesses, focusing on economic conditions, industry trends, and workforce dynamics.

Education:

• PhD, University of Connecticut (2001)
• MA, Syracuse University (1994)
• BA, Ankara University (1989)

Research Interests:

Dr. Arik’s research emphasizes regional economic analysis, including business climate assessments, wage surveys, and cluster analysis. He also focuses on industry outlooks in healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education, as well as feasibility studies for infrastructure and mixed-use developments. His work explores strategic management practices and the management of innovation in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

Recent Research Trends:

His recent publications address post-pandemic human resource management, the evolution of Nashville’s healthcare industry, and challenges in manufacturing workforce retention. He also examines the impact of tuition reimbursement programs and preventive health measures in workplaces, reflecting his commitment to bridging academic research with practical business solutions.

Professional Contributions:

• Serves on the boards of Leadership Middle Tennessee, Mind2Marketplace, and the Institute for Global Business Research.
• Associate Editor of the Global Journal of Management and Marketing (GJMM).
• Consultant for state/local governments and private entities on economic development strategies.

Labs/Teams:

Leads the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) at MTSU, which focuses on applied research in regional economics, industry impact assessments, and innovation management.