Number two in Sweden in entrepreneurship research

Between 2020 and 2025, 234 people were awarded doctorates in innovation and entrepreneurship research in Sweden. Jönköping University presented the second highest number of theses, with 19 doctoral candidates defending their dissertations during this period.

Esbri, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Research Institute, has mapped which Swedish higher education institutions produced the most dissertations in innovation and entrepreneurship research during 2020–2025. Jönköping University once again ranks among the top.

“For me personally, it means a lot to know that my research on women entrepreneurs in Bahrain is one of many contributions to this ongoing tradition. I continue to develop this line of work by for example exploring how women entrepreneurs frame themselves and construct their legitimacy, especially in digital spaces,” says Sumaya Hashim, Assistant Professor at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) at Jönköping University. She was awarded her doctorate in 2021 with the thesis Women Entrepreneurship: Masculinity, Legitimacy and Well-being.

Småland and the Jönköping region have a long-standing and strong tradition of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. The business landscape is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises with a high degree of internationalization. Against this backdrop, research in these areas, as well as close collaboration with society and industry, has become central guiding principles for Jönköping University – particularly at two of the schools, JIBS and the School of Engineering.

The outcome of long-term and purposeful work

“This result clearly demonstrates the strong and stable position we hold, particularly in entrepreneurship research in Sweden. Our top ranking is the outcome of long-term and purposeful work, where our researchers and doctoral candidates continuously contribute new knowledge that is relevant to both society and industry. I am very proud of the breadth and quality of our dissertations, and of the dedication that drives our research forward,” says Johan Klaesson, Acting Dean and Managing Director at JIBS.

Research at JIBS is concentrated in three interdisciplinary areas: entrepreneurship, ownership, and renewal. This long-term commitment has produced clear results, and entrepreneurship research now belongs to the international top tier. The School of Engineering hosts the SPARK research and education environment, whose research projects are carried out in collaboration with small and large companies across various industries, developing, among other things, innovative technologies for a sustainable industry.

“Entrepreneurship research is important because it helps us better understand how individuals shape their lives and respond to different societal and environmental challenges across different contexts. Entrepreneurship is at the heart of JIBS’ DNA, and it is nice to see how we continue to build on this legacy, reflected not only in the number but also in the quality of doctoral theses produced,” says Sumaya Hashim.