The doctorate is the highest academic degree. During their doctoral studies, doctoral candidates acquire particularly profound knowledge in a scientifically relevant area and develop idiosyncratic contributions. Accordingly, for us at the Chair of Strategic Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, a doctorate means more than just an academic exercise.

Fundamental research and contribution to management research

Doctoral candidates at our chair perform basic research and contribute substantially to central conversations in the scientific community, especially in management research. Doctoral candidates conduct research on particularly challenging topics and apply and develop state-of-the-art scientific methods. Our doctoral students often publish in leading international journals. Many of our prior doctoral candidates have received distinguished research awards. Quality of scientific work is more important to us than mere quantity.

Participation in scientific conferences and development of international networks

During their doctoral studies, our doctoral candidates develop into active members of the scientific community. They present their work in colloquia and at conferences, both at the University of Passau and on a national and international level. The chair has a particularly large international network (see "Partners" on this website), which is of great benefit to the doctoral students. They participate in conferences such as the Annual Meetings of the Academy of Management or the Strategic Management Society and thus become part of this community. Many projects are also carried out directly together with top researchers, for example at the University of Georgia, Florida International University, WHU Vallendar, IMD Lausanne, University of Oxford, King's College, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Seoul National University, and the University of Notre Dame. The chair also sees itself as a link between the chairs at the Faculty of Economics and other Faculties at the University of Passau. We cooperate intensively with other chairs in numerous projects, have joint colloquia and support each other. Doctoral students thus also have the opportunity to receive continuous feedback at the faculty and to network with top international researchers. Staying abroad as, for example, research fellows, is highly encouraged. Various doctoral candidates or postdoctoral students have developed into academics and gained full time professorships. Other candidates have become leaders in organizations, as managers or entrepreneurs.

Interdisciplinary research and responsibility in science

Being part of the scientific community also means adopting a certain scientific attitude. Our research, and thus our doctoral projects, are often interdisciplinary and require openness, critical thinking, and a taste for science. We consider doing basic research a privilege, and therefore always try to consider possible specific implications of our research for business practice and society. We live in a time of particularly great challenges - Grand Challenges. Doctoral students develop a keen sense of their responsibility to be aware of the normative implications of their work and to use this privilege in the interest of a democratic society and a sustainable economy.

Teamwork and intensive supervision

The doctoral students of the chair - whether external or internal - are part of the chair’s team and are in close exchange with each other. In our research projects we usually work in teams, so that we always have an intellectual sparring partner. Prof. König aims to be a close mentor to all doctoral students. Each doctoral student makes a large, individual contribution, but basic research, due to its complexity, its specificity, and the need for reliability, often occurs in tandems or even larger teams of doctoral students. Over time, doctoral candidates often acquire specialized knowledge that often surpasses that of their supervisors. Our work is therefore characterized by flat hierarchies, transparency, and openness. We maintain contact with our alumni and thus form a constantly growing community even after the doctorate.

Enjoyment of cutting-edge research and support for doctoral candidates

The doctoral period is a special phase in the life of doctoral candidates. Top-class research is exhausting - conceptually, and also because we sometimes face harsh criticism from the scientific community. However, the inquiry of particularly relevant topics and our creative teamwork are gratifying and enjoyable. Moreover, aspects of equal opportunities and the compatibility of family and doctoral work are particularly important to us. Being family-friendly is central to our organizational identity.