Harry Sminia

Harry Sminia is Professor of Strategic Management in the Department of Management Science at the Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, where he has been since 2013. He previously held academic positions at the University of Groningen, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the University of Sheffield, demonstrating a long-standing international academic career in strategic management.

His research expertise lies in the processual aspects of strategy, including strategy formation, strategic change, competitive positioning, and high value manufacturing. He is particularly interested in 'how' questions—understanding the dynamic processes through which strategies emerge, evolve, and are enacted in organizations. His methodological interests include qualitative process research and actor-network theory.

The most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on process philosophy in strategic management, with studies on storytelling in strategy, failure in creative projects, business model innovation in manufacturing, and the emergence of technological paths. These works reflect interdisciplinary engagement across strategy, innovation, operations, and organizational theory.

Harry Sminia actively supervises PhD students and is involved in research projects at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and manufacturing, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with industry. He has served as an external examiner at Warwick Business School, Adam Smith Business School (University of Glasgow), and Newcastle University, indicating peer recognition across the UK academic community.

He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and a Master of Social Science from Rijksuniversiteit Leiden. His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, where students apply theoretical frameworks to real-world strategic challenges.

Harry contributes to workshops and collaborative events, such as the 'Digital Strategy for Textiles' initiative, and is embedded in research networks focusing on advanced manufacturing and innovation. His work aligns with broader societal goals, including contributions to sustainable development through innovation and education.