Paul R. Carlile

Paul R. Carlile is a Professor of Management and Information Systems and Senior Associate Dean for Online Learning at Boston University's Questrom School of Business, where he previously chaired the Information Systems Department. Before joining BU, he was faculty at MIT Sloan School of Management, bringing extensive academic leadership experience across top-tier institutions.

Education:

• PhD in Organizational Behavior, University of Michigan (1997)
• MA in Organizational Behavior, Brigham Young University (1990)
• BA in Philosophy, Brigham Young University (1988)

His research pioneers the study of knowledge boundaries across expertise domains, developing frameworks to enhance cross-boundary collaboration and innovation. Applied across automotive, software, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industries, his work bridges theoretical rigor with practical implementation. Carlile co-authored Reimagining Business Education, which critiques siloed higher education structures and proposes integrative teaching approaches for broader stakeholder value.

Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal evolving focus on routine dynamics in interorganizational contexts, materiality of ignorance, and digital health innovation, demonstrating consistent contributions to organizational theory through sociomaterial and practice-based lenses.

Awards:

• Most Innovative Business School Idea of 2015 (Poets & Quants) for Master of Science in Management Studies (MSMS) program

As Senior Associate Dean, Carlile drives curricular innovation including the experiential MSMS degree, while his research collaborations with industry partners translate theoretical insights into practical frameworks for cross-domain innovation. His dual role uniquely positions him to integrate scholarly rigor with educational transformation.