PhD Position in Industrial Marketing

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How does AI transform how firms create value and compete? We are launching a new research project to explore how specialised AI models are reshaping the conditions for value creation and innovation.

The overall aim of the project is to investigate how firms can leverage specialised AI models to develop innovative offerings, business models, and ecosystem collaborations. While much of the public debate on AI focuses on general-purpose models, this project addresses the strategic and organizational implications of AI embedded in specific industrial and commercial solutions.

As a PhD student, you will explore:

• how firms use specialized AI to strengthen their competitive position
• how new offerings and business models emerge
• how value creation and collaboration in ecosystems change when firms develop or adopt AI models
• how firms can retain strategic control in an economy where global platforms often set the rules of the game.

You will work closely with both startups and established firms, in Sweden as well as internationally, and have the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers at universities around the world. Through the project, you will build unique expertise at the intersection of AI, innovation, and marketing strategy—competencies increasingly sought after in both industry and academia.

The PhD position is part of a research project funded by ELLIIT (Excellence Center at Linköping–Lund in Information Technology) and will be carried out in close collaboration with industry partners. You are expected to participate in international conferences and will have opportunities to spend part of your doctoral studies at well-renowned universities abroad.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Eligible applicants must have completed a Master of Science degree, a research master’s/M.Phil degree, a comparable degree relevant to a Marketing or Innovation Management specialisation, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses. An MBA degree does not fulfil the requirements for admission.  The requirement for a degree must be met no later than the time the employment decision is finalized, which occurs when the employment contract is signed.

You should have a strong interest in marketing strategy, AI-driven innovation, and digital business development.

Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in Swedish is an advantage but not a requirement.

A project proposal (2–4 pages) must be included, in which you outline your preliminary ideas regarding the research area, possible research questions, and how the project could be designed and carried out. The proposal is used to assess the applicant’s interest in doctoral studies and their ability for analytical and independent thinking.

The Division of Industrial Management at the Department of Management and Engineering (IEI) conducts research and provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education in marketing and management. As a PhD student, you will also be affiliated with the Centre for Business Model Innovation (CBMI), which conducts research on how new business models and business logics can create sustained competitive advantage (https://liu.se/en/research/cbmi ). You will work under the supervision of Professors Christian Kowalkowski and Daniel Kindström.

Research at IEI spans a broad range of areas, from economics and management to technology and design. The department is characterized by a strong focus on renewal, development, and innovation as means to contribute to a sustainable society. Many PhD graduates from IEI have pursued careers at internationally renowned business schools and universities, as well as at leading consulting firms and industrial companies.

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement, but no later then autumn 2026.

Background screening may come to be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants .

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 16 of April 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities .

We look forward to receiving your application!

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