Business and Management Engineering - IEGE-01/A

The research group contributes to the scientific debate through a systemic and integrated approach to business processes. The research activity focuses on Innovation management, Sustainability transition management, Innovation process design, Operations management, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial universities, and Science and public policies.

Innovation management

This research area examines economic and managerial aspects related to technological innovation. One theme is related to digital transformation. A second theme is related to innovation financing mechanisms, including crowdfunding, venture capital, proof of concepts, and university seed.

Sustainability Transition Management

The group deals with the design and implementation of systems for measuring and managing corporate performance, with a particular focus on sustainable transition. The research activity focuses on three distinct levels of analysis:

• Policy: topics related to transition scenarios of European regions and the impact of emission trading policies on hard-to-abate industries are addressed;
• Businesses and value chains: topics related to decarbonization strategies, circular economy, and sustainability reporting are studied through social network analysis methodologies.
• Individual: cognitive biases in sustainable operations and supply chain management processes are analyzed.

Design of innovation process

The group studies and designs processes that facilitate product or service innovation. The topics touch on the integration of technology and collaborative frameworks to facilitate innovation processes, with an interest in innovative approaches (design thinking, open innovation, ..). The affiliation to oper.space, the innovation factory of the University of Bologna, contributes to a research that involves students, R&D teams and innovation intermediaries.

Operations Management

This research area examines the economic and managerial aspects related to the corporate production system and supply chains, to effectively organize the internal operational processes of companies, build efficient supply chain relationships, and develop sustainable production strategies. Among the topics: Customer-supplier relationships and production localization.

Entrepreneurship

The group studies issues related to the creation, growth and development of businesses, with a perspective on the entrepreneurial processes underlying the great changes and transformations of our society. Some topics are entrepreneurial behaviors, female and immigrant entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial teams, and organizational mechanisms to support entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial universities

The group delves into the relationship between industry and universities, and studies the mechanisms that regulate technology transfer, patent development and intellectual property management. The topics covered include the role of universities in promoting student entrepreneurship, and the micro dynamics of knowledge transfer (motivational aspects, satisfaction and alignment of incentives).

Science and Public Policy

The group examines the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies in support of science, innovation, social cohesion, and sustainability. With multidisciplinary approaches and a rigorous study of evidence-based policy making, we study how public intervention can effectively address economic and social challenges.