Peter McNamara

Peter McNamara is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Maynooth University and holds a professorship in Management. He leads a faculty comprising 12 departments/schools with over 7,650 students and 335 staff. Previously, he was Head of the School of Business (2014–2022), during which student numbers increased by 220%, staff grew from 11 to 79, and research impact entered the top 20% globally among business schools. He has held academic roles at University College Dublin, Cass Business School (London), and visiting positions in Europe.

Education:

• PhD in Strategic Management and Innovation, Cass Business School, University of London
• MSc Strategic Management and Planning, University College Dublin
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting & Economics), University of Limerick

Research Interests: Focuses on university/business school performance, innovation processes (including failure experience), collaboration strategies, and business model design. His work bridges research and classroom practice via case studies. Recent projects include enhancing postgraduate employability and analyzing business models in connected health sectors.

Publications & Impact: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Management, Academy of Management Learning and Education, and Research Policy. Notable works explore research performance visibility, societal impact governance, and failure-driven innovation in biotechnology.

Awards:

• Carlo Masini Award (2011), Global Forum Award (2016 & 2018)
• Best Entrepreneurship Case Award (2007)
• Outstanding Research/Teaching awards from UCD

Leadership & Service: Served on over 200 academic committees globally. Current roles include Maynooth University Executive member, Academic Council Secretary, and leadership in international organizations like the Academy of Management (MED Division Chair 2016–2017). Supervised 3 PhD students and contributed to 17 undergraduate/postgraduate programs.

Research Projects:

• Enhancing Employability Skills for Postgraduate Students (Co-PI, 2019–2021)
• Applied Research in Connected Health Technology (Co-PI, €106,678, 2013–2018)
• Innovation Policy Simulation for the Smart Economy (Co-PI, €60,830, 2011–2013)