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
How universities can help more women become inventors
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And why. Plus, an inclusive innovation scorecard.
U.S. universities are filling a regional innovation gap
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Universities can seed regional economic growth by attracting and training top talent who go on to file patents and found local companies, a new study shows.
Download: Insights for success in entrepreneurship
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From MIT Sloan experts, practical guidance for launching ventures, shaping strategy, and making innovation work.
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.'
Select Economic Sociology Faculty
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
Hear name pronounced.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
Hear name pronounced.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)