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PhD Defense | Navigating the present and future of innovation: Marie Bemler’s doctoral exploration

Dr. Marie Bemler has recently marked a significant milestone in her academic journey, having successfully defended her doctoral thesis at the Stockholm School of Economics. Her research, encapsulated in “The Present Future,” provides a detailed exploration of how future anticipations, developed through path creation, exert a profound influence on present innovation activities, with a spotlight on radical innovations like self-driving vehicles.

Research in focus

Through her successful defense, Dr. Bemler has solidified the credibility of her work, delving into the reciprocal relationship between visions of the future and current innovation efforts. Her dissertation meticulously examines this relationship across four different empirical contexts related to self-driving vehicles, providing a rich tapestry of insights into the nuanced interplay between future-oriented thinking and innovation.

Key findings

  • Visions of radical innovation, while essential for driving forward progress, can simultaneously narrow the available solution space for addressing unknown technologies.
  • The dynamics of strategy development are significantly affected during times of radical innovation, with shifts in both the individuals steering strategies and the methodologies they employ.
  • A profound understanding of the effects of visions in the early stages of vision building is crucial, as these visions play a dual role: they help navigate past challenges while also shaping the approach to future uncertainties.

Contextualizing the research

Dr. Bemler’s work positions itself at the intersection of innovation studies and strategic management, shedding light on a critical aspect of innovation that is often overlooked: the temporal dimension. By focusing on radical innovations like self-driving vehicles, her research addresses a timely and relevant topic, providing context to the ongoing discourse about how society and organizations can better prepare for and navigate future technological shifts. Her successful defense attests to the relevance and rigor of her research, solidifying its place in the academic discourse on innovation and strategy.

Implications for the future

Dr. Bemler’s validated research offers a treasure trove of insights with far-reaching implications. For innovators and strategists, her work serves as a guide, illuminating the paths through which future-oriented thinking can be harnessed to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of radical innovation. Educators now have a robust foundation upon which to build curricula that instill a sense of strategic foresight and visionary thinking in the next generation of innovators. Policymakers and innovation support networks are provided with a deeper understanding of the innovation lifecycle, empowering them to create ecosystems that nurture innovation and effectively prepare for future technological shifts.

About the researcher

Dr. Marie Bemler has unequivocally proven her academic prowess through the successful defense of her thesis, establishing herself as a clear-minded and forward-thinking researcher. Her work at the Stockholm School of Economics stands as a testament to her ability to navigate the complex terrains of innovation and strategy, offering clear and insightful guidance for both current and future explorations in the field.

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