Dr Ashkan Pakseresht is an Assistant Professor in Strategy and Innovation at Brunel Business School, London, and a lecturer in International Business Economics. With a PhD in Business Economics, an MSc in Economics and Management, an MBA in International Business, and a BSc in Engineering, he has a multidisciplinary background that informs his research and teaching. Dr Pak Seresht is an advocate for sustainability, specialising in the blue and circular economies, with a focus on integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) into business practices. His research spans innovation management, internationalisation processes, the role of data and digital technologies in food supply chains, exploring the complexitiesand intricacies associated with them. Additionally, his teaching endeavors encompass a wide range of subjects, including economics for business and management, international trade, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. Dr Pak Seresht is passionate about student experience, and research-led teaching. He is closely involved with business practice through research projects, executive and professional education programs, and in speaker and advisory roles. Some of the published journal articles are listed on this page under the "Newest selected publications". For more details, please visit my Google Scholar page link below: Ashkan Pakseresht - Google Scholar Student feedback and drop-in sessions term 2: Tuesdays and Fridays 13:00-14:00
Are you interested in how small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt and manage open innovation?
We’re looking for motivated PhD candidates to explore how managerial cognition and organisational dynamics shape the way SMEs work with external innovation partners. It’s a chance to contribute to research at the crossroads of innovation management, organisational behaviour and strategic decision‑making.
The Managerial Cognition and Open Innovation Adoption in SMEs project aims to uncover how SME leaders interpret, evaluate and respond to the opportunities and challenges of open innovation. Although open innovation - popularised by Henry Chesbrough - has become an important approach to developing new ideas, many SMEs still struggle to adopt it effectively because of limited resources, uncertainty and organisational tensions.
This project will examine how managers’ cognitive frames, perceptions of strategic tensions and organisational capabilities influence decisions to adopt and implement open innovation practices. It will also explore how SMEs balance collaboration with external partners while managing risks around knowledge sharing, intellectual property and organisational control.
Research area
This project sits within innovation management and organisational strategy, with a focus on open innovation in SMEs. It looks at how managerial cognition and organisational processes shape innovation strategies in firms with limited resources.
Research questions
Example questions that could guide your proposal include:
- How do SME managers interpret the opportunities and risks linked to open innovation?
- What organisational tensions emerge when SMEs collaborate with external partners?
- How do managerial cognition and organisational capabilities influence open innovation adoption?
- What role does absorptive capacity play in helping SMEs benefit from external knowledge?
- How do SMEs stay open to collaboration while protecting proprietary knowledge?
Research approach
The project may use qualitative, quantitative or mixed‑method designs, depending on your proposal. Possible methods include:
- Case studies of SMEs involved in open innovation partnerships
- Surveys of SME managers to explore cognition and decision‑making
- Network analysis of collaboration within innovation ecosystems
- Longitudinal studies of SME innovation strategies
The research may also involve working with industry partners and innovation networks to gain practical insights into how SMEs put open innovation into practice.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a curious and motivated candidate with a strong interest in innovation management, organisational behaviour or strategy. You’ll be enthusiastic about understanding how firms collaborate and innovate in complex ecosystems. You should hold a master’s degree in business, management, innovation studies, entrepreneurship or a related field. Experience in research methods, innovation management or SME studies would be helpful, but it’s not essential.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:
- Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
- Click on the "Apply here" button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
- Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.
Good luck!
This is a self-funded topic
Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.