PhD
Economic Sociology
Economic Sociology at MIT Sloan trains scholars to use sociology to understand how organizations and economies work. This group meets the growing need for sociologically trained faculty in business schools and the expanding field of economic sociology. Leading researchers like Ezra W. Zuckerman Sivan, Emilio J. Castilla, Johan Chu, Kate Kellogg, and Ray Reagans explore the links between organizations, institutions, and the economy. Their work uses qualitative research (e.g., fieldwork, case studies, ethnography), quantitative research (e.g., surveys, archival databases, social network analysis), and modeling (e.g., systems dynamics, game theory, agent-based models) to explain economic processes.
Research from Economic Sociology Faculty
Beyond Silicon Valley: How Tapping Into Innovation Ecosystems Drives Organizational Competitive Advantage
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In their new book, Phil Budden and Fiona Murray offer leaders a practical guide to a landscape of resources and a framework for strategic engagement with specialized global 'innovation ecosystems.'
Entrepreneurship and innovation strategy books from MIT
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Fundamentals and frameworks for first-time and serial entrepreneurs alike. Plus, a practical new guide to engaging with innovation ecosystems.
The MIT New Colossus Project
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The MIT New Colossus Project celebrates the success stories of first-generation immigrant trailblazers in America.
MIT Sloan reading list: 7 books from 2024
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New books this year include a retirement how-to, the reissue of a classic entrepreneurship guide, and a look back at the California energy crisis.
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DIRECTOR
Ezra W. Zuckerman Sivan
Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy
Ezra Zuckerman Sivan is the Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship. He is also cofounder of MIT Sloan's PhD Program in Economic Sociology.Zuckerman Sivan is an economic sociologist whose research focuses on showing how…
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Emilio J. Castilla
NTU Professor of Management
Emilio J. Castilla is the NTU Professor of Management and a Professor of Work and Organization Studies at the MIT Sloan School of Management.Castilla is currently the co-director of the Institute for Work and Employment Research. He joined the MIT…
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Johan Chu
Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor
Johan Chu is the Sarofim Family Career Development Assistant Professor and an Assistant Professor of System Dynamics at the MIT Sloan School of ManagementJohan’s research examines the shifting bases of social power and corporate advantage. Recently…
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Kate Kellogg
David J. McGrath jr (1959) Professor of Management and Innovation
Kate Kellogg is the David J. McGrath Jr Professor of Management and Innovation, a Professor of Business Administration at the MIT Sloan School of Management.Kate's research focuses on helping knowledge workers and organizations develop and implement…
Learn MoreExample PhD Thesis Topics
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Summer Jackson (2021)
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Brittany Bond (2020)
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James Whitcomb Riley (2020)
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Duanyi Yang (2020)
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Laurel Grassin-Drake (2019)
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Minjae Kim (2018)
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Tristan Botelho (2017)