This paper identifies the current research agenda on trade and international business, ranging from the different positions in the academic literature to the institutional perspectives at world, regional, and national and local levels (Colombia). The aim of this paper is to build a framework for the understanding of global trends in the field, in order for students, teachers, researchers and entrepreneurs may increase their knowledge in the areas of foreign trade and international business, as well as to frame research and academic processes in these fields, promoting an interdisciplinary approach with other academic disciplines. (C) 2015, Konrad Lorenz University Foundation. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.