Ermal Hetemi

My name is Ermal Hetemi and I'm a Researcher at the Department of Computer Science at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. My research focuses on understanding how firms, governments, academia, and other stakeholders negotiate different priorities when facing the societal challenges of our time. I explore the micro-foundations of responsible and sustainable business practices, such as organizational purpose, societal innovation & value in multi-stakeholder collaborations. I have published in peer-reviewed journals, such as the California Management Review, International Journal of Project Management, and Knowledge Management Research & Practice. 

I am an active contributor to the academic community, serving on the international editorial board of the International Journal of Project Management and reviewing for theAcademy of Management Conference OMT, TIM, and STR interest group, and also journals like Long Range Planning, Journal of Business Research, and Knowledge Management Research and Practice. My research has been recognized through awards such as the Best Reviewer Award at the 2023 European Academy of Management (EURAM) conference, and the Donald S. Barrie Best Paper Award at the PMI Global Conference.

I work closely with leading capital equipment firms that develop their digital and sustainable strategy, such as Trafikverket, Siemens, Scania, Volvo (in Sweden), ProRail (in the Netherlands), and Adif (in Spain). These collaborations allowed me to examine strategic, organizational, and technological challenges across diverse organizational contexts. I've led and participated in various projects that have led to co-authored book chapters and white papers. A notable example is my involvement in the High-Capacity Transport (HCT) transformational project within the Swedish innovation policy framework, which spans the Transportation Sector and Forest Industry and involves collaborations with business organizations and governmental autonomous agencies.

I employ a variety of research methods, predominantly qualitative and empirical but also quantitative, such as SQL analysis and database research (see research publications). The multiple methods I have used in my research include (i) ethnographies and in-depth case studies, (ii) semi-structured and group interviews, and (iii) social network analysis. These methods have allowed me to tackle relevant questions in strategy and management, particularly in contexts of innovation and digital transformation.

I am currently the course coordinator for Contemporary Issues in Management (4FE534) and Methodology and Degree Project Management courses at LNU. The former second-cycle course addresses pressing topics in management, such as sustainability, innovation, and organizational dynamics, engaging students in critical discussions about the future of management practices. The course emphasizes learning through case assignments and group projects, encouraging students to connect theoretical insights with challenges faced by the industry. By integrating industry insights and the latest research, I aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary management issues.