PhD Position: AI-Driven Innovation and Value Creation in Firms – Marketing and Business Model Strategy Linköping University in Sweden

Linköping University invites applications for a PhD position focused on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on value creation, innovation, and competition in firms. This research project, funded by ELLIIT (Excellence Center at Linköping–Lund in Information Technology), aims to investigate how specialized AI models are reshaping business models, offerings, and ecosystem collaborations. Unlike much of the public debate centered on general-purpose AI, 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, and how value creation and collaboration in ecosystems change when firms develop or adopt AI models. You will also examine how firms can retain strategic control in an economy dominated by global platforms. The research involves close collaboration with both startups and established firms in Sweden and internationally, and offers opportunities to work with leading researchers at universities around the world.

The position is based at the Division of Industrial Management within the Department of Management and Engineering (IEI), and you will be affiliated with the Centre for Business Model Innovation (CBMI). 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 successful careers at internationally renowned business schools, universities, consulting firms, and industrial companies.

Employment is for four years full-time, with possible extension up to five years based on teaching and institutional assignments. You will initially be employed for one year, with renewals based on progress. The position includes participation in international conferences and opportunities to spend part of your doctoral studies at well-renowned universities abroad. Teaching or other departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of full-time.

Applicants must have completed a Master of Science degree, a research master’s/M.Phil degree, or a comparable degree relevant to Marketing or Innovation Management, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits (at least 60 in advanced courses). An MBA degree does not fulfil the requirements. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required; proficiency in Swedish is an advantage but not required. A 2–4 page project proposal outlining preliminary research ideas, questions, and project design must be included with the application.

The PhD position is supervised by Professors Christian Kowalkowski and Daniel Kindström. The research environment offers a unique opportunity to build expertise at the intersection of AI, innovation, and marketing strategy—skills highly sought after in both industry and academia. The position is fully funded, with salary determined by locally negotiated salary progression and employment benefits provided by Linköping University.

Applications must be submitted online by 16 April 2026. Diversity and equal opportunities are core values at Linköping University. For more information about the Centre for Business Model Innovation, visit CBMI. For application details and to apply, use the provided application link.