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Professor Rudolf Sinkovics

Professor of Strategy and International Business


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Professor of Strategy and International Business in the Business School

Biography

Rudolf R. Sinkovics (Dr.rer.soc.oec, WU-Vienna, Austria) is Professor of Strategy and International Business at Durham University, United Kingdom, and Visiting Professor at LUT University, Finland. He previously worked at University of Glasgow (UK), University of Auckland (New Zealand), University of Manchester (UK), and WU-Vienna (Austria). His research covers issues of inter-organizational governance, and the role of advanced technologies, focusing on responsible business. He is included in the Stanford/Elsevier list, highlighting the top 2% of the most cited scientists across the globe in terms of citation impact. He is Co-Editor-in-Chief for Critical Perspectives on International Business and serves on several editorial boards. rudolf.sinkovics@durham.ac.uk, https://www.sinkovics.com/rudolf 

PhD supervision - themes

PhD supervision - Broad themes and opportunities

I welcome PhD applications that fall within the broader domains of the research themes listed below.

1. Global value chains and international business

Global Value Chains (GVCs) have reshaped the global business landscape by dispersing design, production, marketing, and distribution activities across borders. This theme explores the integration of GVC frameworks into international business theories, focusing on the opportunities and challenges firms face when participating in these networks. Particular attention is given to smaller firms and their ability to navigate governance dynamics within a changing socio-political landscape.

2. Digital transformation and disruptive technologies

The rapid proliferation of Industry 4.0 technologies, ICTs, and platform-based innovations is transforming international business activities, from inter-firm partnerships to the geographical organisation of operations. This theme investigates how digital transformation shapes business strategies, fosters innovation, and enhances competitive advantage. However, it also addresses challenges, including the darker aspects of digitalisation and the uneven distribution of economic outcomes, such as labour displacement and profit concentration.

3. Sustainability and Net-Zero strategies

This theme examines how multinational businesses design and implement strategies that align with net-zero goals and broader environmental, social, and governance objectives. Emphasis is placed on aligning these sustainability efforts with business goals to enhance competitiveness and resilience.

4. Knowledge networks and innovation in strategy and IB

The structure and dynamics of knowledge networks play a pivotal role in shaping academic disciplines. This theme uses bibliometric and network analysis to examine the relationships between authors, institutions, and journals, uncovering how collaboration networks and power dynamics influence research impact and visibility.

PhD students - completed

Research interests

  • International Business, Global strategy, Global value chains, Responsible business

Publications

Chapter in book

Edited book

Journal Article

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