In addition to holding various academic leadership positions with a strong commitment to organizational and strategic development—among them being named Leader of the Year at Linköping University—Ulf Melin has consistently combined research and education throughout his academic career. His research focuses on how digitalization is defined, organized, and implemented, as well as its consequences for individuals, organizations, and society at large. Perspectives, stakeholders, strategies, and coordination are recurring themes in his research. Beyond studying the effects of digitalization, he has also examined the demands that digital public services place on citizens and how such interactions evolve over time.
As a researcher, Ulf is committed to combining theoretically significant questions with practical relevance, making collaboration with external stakeholders a central feature of his work. International collaboration is equally important. His longstanding interest in understanding digitalization in an evolving world of work and society has also strongly influenced his teaching.
Ulf has published more than 100 articles in scientific journals and peer-reviewed conference proceedings. In addition, he has authored more than 40 workshop papers, working papers, and other publications aimed at practitioners. He has led several research projects and, in addition to his research activities, is actively engaged in doctoral supervision. Taking responsibility for strategic and organizational development within the university is also an important part of his daily work. Earlier in his career, he was extensively involved in undergraduate and graduate education and received recognition for the high quality of his teaching.
Research focus and interests
- Digitalization – focusing public sector digitalization (digital government and e-government)
- Digital service development and open data
- Smart cities and smart regions
- Organization, governance and change in the context of digitalization
The role as Dean
In my role as Dean, I lead the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and its management team. My responsibilities include serving as Chair of the Faculty Board and the Appointments Committee (responsible for recruitment and promotion matters). I am also a member of the University's Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Council and several steering and reference groups. More recently, I have been responsible for leading the university's revision of its academic appointments regulations.
