David K. Reetz

I am an Assistant Professor of Strategy at ESCP Business School.

In my ongoing research with great co-authors, I explore why some organizations are able to thrive because (not despite of) fundamental uncertainty—for example, when forming new technological trajectories, shaping new markets, or tackling grand societal challenges—to explain inter-firm heterogeneity and competitive advantage. Working closely with new technology ventures and innovation enterprises across industries I examine how human cognition and action contribute to knowledge generation—and how, in uncertain environments, these processes influence the emergence of novel strategies. I also investigate the interplay between strategy formation and organizational structure to understand how new organizational designs originate and evolve. My research has been published in the Academy of Management Discoveries, Journal of Business Venturing, and received a best conference paper award at the Strategic Management Society Conference. I study questions that can advance management theory while also enabling managers and entrepreneurs to make better decisions. I enjoy discussing these insights in courses on new venture creation, strategy, innovation, and organization design.

I received my PhD in Management from Technische Universität München and was a visiting doctoral student at INSEAD. I also obtained Master’s degrees in Product and System Design from the University of Kassel as well as in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Manchester.