Recently, we sat down with Dr. Gianluigi Giustiziero, Senior Lecturer in Strategy, who joined Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR) at the beginning of the academic year. Gianluigi (or ‘GG’) received his doctorate from the University of Michigan, and has previously held positions at IE Business School in Madrid as well as the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

From Michigan to Manchester

We began by discussing GG’s academic path:

“I did my PhD in the US at the University of Michigan. My background was in business—I attended business school in Bocconi—but I felt something was missing in my understanding of the economy. That curiosity drove me to pursue a PhD.”

During his time at Michigan (and despite departmental warnings!), GG undertook challenging economics classes. “It was an incredibly stimulating time. I remember every seminar, every equation. It shaped how I think about research today,” he shared.

This led to GG’s initial interest and engagement with formal modeling, (again!) a method not encouraged by his advisors. “They thought it was a waste of time, but I found my vocation. It’s something I enjoy, and people seem to value what I do. I think you are in a lucky place when your passion aligns with what others find useful.”

For those unfamiliar with formal modeling, GG explained it as a mathematical approach to understanding trade-offs in economic decision-making. “You need to be clear about your assumptions and the strategic interactions of economic agents. A good model is like a good joke—there’s a moment of surprise, but it ultimately makes perfect sense.” GG continued that “the best models surprise you. They provide insights that are empirically testable, and that’s where the real value lies.”

Tackling Big Questions in Research

When asked about the problems that he seeks to solve through his research, GG explained that “whether it’s division of labor, competition, or regulatory dynamics, I’m interested in the underlying mechanisms that drive these phenomena.” GG’s PhD focused on the division of labor, whilst his most influential publication has been “Hyperspecialization and Hyperscaling: A Resource‐Based Theory of the Digital Firm” which was published in in Strategic Management Journal  in June 2023. The paper examines how digital technologies and specialization influence the structure of large firms. “Platforms like Amazon and Google, which are highly specialized yet operate on a massive scale, challenge traditional assumptions about scale and scope,” he explained. The paper describes how digital firms can achieve competitive advantage through hyperspecialization—focusing on niche areas—and hyperscaling—rapidly expanding their operations. These strategies rely upon unique digital resources and capabilities, which allow such firms to adapt swiftly to market changes and technological advancements. Other notable publications of  GG’s include a study on whether the division of labor is constrained by market size in SMJ (Giustiziero, 2020) and a study exploring how firms learn and adapt in dynamic, innovation-driven (“Schumpeterian”) environments, which highlights the interplay between competitive pressures and the evolving nature of organizational knowledge (Giustiziero, Kaul & Wu, 2019).

Currently, GG is working on a paper about competition, examining the tension between creating value and finding a distinctive position in the market with Aseem Kaul (University of Minnesota) and Dirk Martignoni (University of Lugano). Separately, GG is working on a project examining lobbying with Benjamin Barber (IE Business School) and Simon Weschle (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). In this paper, they investigate how regulatory dynamics are influenced by firms sharing—or withholding—information from regulators..

Reflections on Doctoral Education

Given GG’s new role as PGR Coordinator for the Innovation Management and Policy (IMP) division, we discussed the differences in doctoral education between the US and Europe. Drawing on his own personal experience, GG suggested that “in the US, you’re on your own—it’s tough love, or sometimes just tough! In Europe, there’s more emphasis on pastoral care. The ideal system might find a balance, fostering autonomy while also providing support.”

His advice for current and prospective PhD students is simple: “Less is more. Obsess over quality, not quantity. See yourself as an artist, creating something that reflects your unique perspective on the world. It’s not just a job; it’s about breaking new ground and understanding the world through your lens.”

Another important topic for doctoral researchers is their mental health and well-being. GG emphasized the importance of balance, explaining that “you don’t have to work for 10 hours a day. Six to eight hours of focused work is sufficient. Beyond work, feed your brain with quality experiences—read a book, go for a walk in nature. What you do outside of work is as important as the hours you spend working.”

Beyond Academia

GG enjoys spending time in nature—a key reason he and his family chose to settle in the UK, near to Leeds. He’s also a huge Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, recalling how they were “part of my identity!” during his formative years. Having grown up in Taranto, Italy, the sea holds a special place in his heart, with a beach escape (unsurprisingly) GG’s perfect holiday. His favourite meal? Something fresh and fish-based, ideally enjoyed by the beach in his hometown.

GG’s final remarks? “Research isn’t just a job; it’s an art. It’s about breaking new ground and understanding the world through your lens.”

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