For the second year in a row, he ranks among the world’s top researchers when it comes to being cited by others, according to the analytics company Clarivate.
“I was pleasantly surprised. I compare myself with other researchers in my field who are on the list. And I know that many truly brilliant researchers are not included,” he says.
Christian Kowalkowski studies how companies build competitiveness through new services, integrated solutions, digital platforms, and business models. He has worked with leading industrial companies across various sectors.
What does your placement on the list mean to you?
In my daily work it doesn’t mean that much, but of course it’s very honorable. Two years in a row was not something I expected! It means that many other researchers have read and cited my work.
And for LiU and your research?
It’s good for LiU; it may influence certain rankings that LiU researchers appear on Clarivate’s lists of the world’s most cited. For my research, it means that what I write is relevant beyond a narrow group.
This is also his own explanation for why he has become so highly cited.
"At many other universities around the world, people do not engage in interdisciplinary research. They publish within a single area and attend conferences in the same field.”
Why is interdisciplinary research good?
In a company you always have cross-functional problems and issues. It can involve ‘servitization’ or circular thinking. These span across functions such as marketing, innovation, sales, organization, and strategy.
Is it important to conduct broad research?
In one sense, the answer is no. There is a risk of lacking depth and theoretical height. But very narrow studies that are highly advanced sometimes go unnoticed, both among researchers and in society. They may simply be perceived as uninteresting — rightly or wrongly.
Do you have any tips on how to become cited?
Aim for good journals, write well, and package your work in an attractive format. The scientific foundations must be there. There is no value in mass-producing articles.
You should be relevant but also have a sense of what is coming at the research frontier. I find that difficult myself. Sometimes you’re fortunate, sometimes not at all. And it is not always the studies you’ve spent the most time on or are most proud of that become the most cited — or the ones that receive media attention!
Christian Kowalkowski highlights international collaboration as a key to success:
“Collaborate internationally. Work as a visiting researcher, go to relevant conferences, and learn from others. You cannot be the best at all methods and theories. That’s why broad networking and collaboration are important.”
How do you write?
If there are two words, use the simpler one. I constantly learn to simplify, from skilled senior researchers. And I pass that on to the doctoral students.
Anything more?
The people on the list that I know are very passionate. They work very hard, many hours. You need to be both passionate and enjoy your work. Challenge yourself and try to work in different constellations with people you like.
