Ron Kalafsky

Ron Kalafsky is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee. His research focuses on economic geography and geography education, with particular emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, international trade strategies for SMEs, and innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education. He holds a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

His work explores how small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome global market barriers through mechanisms like trade fairs and business networks, while also analyzing the role of manufacturing in regional economic development. Notable studies include investigations into firms and policies in Canada, Korea, the UK, and the US.

In geography education, he designs online case studies to teach economic geography concepts, such as supply chains, international trade, and globalization impacts. He teaches courses like Geography of the Global Economy and Emerging Landscapes of East Asia.

Recent research highlights include analyzing export geographies of Southern US cities, Brexit's impact on Scottish SMEs, and the strategic use of trade fairs for SME internationalization. His publications bridge theoretical frameworks with practical applications, emphasizing global-local linkages and educational innovation.