The second-highest number of doctoral theses in Sweden on entrepreneurship

In a recent study by ESBRI examining which Swedish higher educational institutions have delivered the most dissertations in innovation and entrepreneurship research over the past four years, Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), Jönköping University, takes second place.

Between 2020 and 2023, a total of 159 individuals earned their doctorates in innovation and entrepreneurship research across 23 universities in Sweden. 16 of them were published at JIBS. Lund University takes the top spot, having published 19 dissertations during this period.

"It is very honorable for us to rank so high on the list. Entrepreneurship research has been a central focus for us for many years. To further strengthen our position for the future, we are strategically investing in our profile area, which we call 'Entrepreneurship in Context.' It involves attracting talented researchers with various specialties, united by their interest in entrepreneurship," says Johan Klaesson, Dean and Managing Director at JIBS.

Combining scientific excellence and practical relevance

JIBS has focused on combining scientific excellence and practical relevance since its inception in 1994. Småland and the Jönköping region have a long tradition of entrepreneurship and is home to many small and medium-sized enterprises with a high degree of internationalization. The ambition has always been to develop and maintain close relationships with companies and other organizations in the region. JIBS has chosen to focus its research on the three interdisciplinary areas of entrepreneurship, ownership, and renewal, resulting in relevant research and internationally recognized results. JIBS research in entrepreneurship is ranked among the top tier in the world.

A majority of women

According to ESBRI's list, a majority of the doctoral candidates who have defended their theses in innovation and entrepreneurship research in Sweden are women – a trend also observed at JIBS.

"It's fantastic to see how research in the field of innovations and entrepreneurship continues to thrive. While some institutions may produce more dissertations, I note that a majority of all Swedish educational institutions are engaged in this research area. It's also gratifying to see that women continue to take the lead, just as in previous years," says Johan Klaesson.