Media, Management and Transformation Center - MMTC

A big thank you to Diellza Salihu (LUT University) for presenting her research at MMTC's seminar series. Diellza is currently visiting MMTC through our Visiting Scholars Programme, which supports international research collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Her work-in-progress study explores how industrial firms adopt energy management technologies and why there can be a gap between sustainability commitments and the implementation of energy-efficient practices.

The seminar generated engaging discussions about industrial energy transitions, technology adoption, and how organisations can move from symbolic commitments to meaningful action.

Interested in visiting MMTC as a scholar? Find out more about our Visiting Scholars Programme on our website.

Congratulations to MMTC members Carla Gonçalves Machado and Sambit Lenka, who are part of the newly funded project Constr:act Next.

Led by Energikontor Norra Småland, the project aims to support the construction and real estate sector in Jönköping County in reducing climate impact, improving resource efficiency, and accelerating the transition towards more sustainable ways of working.

As the project's research and education partner, Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) will contribute research on circular business models and sustainable supply chains. Carla and Sambit will help translate research into practical tools and guidance for businesses and public organisations.

The project is mainly financed by the European Regional Development Fund and Region Jönköpings län, with additional support from municipalities and industry partners.

We are proud to see MMTC members contributing to research that creates real-world impact and supports a more sustainable future. 🌍

👉 Read more: https://www.rjl.se/energikontoret/nyheter/framgangsrik-satsning-far-fortsattning/

Today, MMTC member and PhD candidate Annika Ehlers presented her final seminar, Scaling Moral Markets: Actors and Mechanisms in the German Market for Alternative Proteins.

The final seminar is an important milestone in the PhD journey, providing an opportunity to discuss and refine research before the doctoral defence. Annika’s work explores how alternative protein markets develop and scale, contributing valuable insights into sustainable market transformation.

We thank discussant Professor Marjo Siltaoja, internal discussant Professor Tomas Müllern, principal supervisor Professor Norbert Steigenberger, and second supervisors Professor Leona Achtenhagen and Professor Giuseppe Delmestri for their contributions to the seminar and Annika’s doctoral journey.

All the best, Annika, as you move toward your PhD defence.

We are pleased to congratulate MMTC member Gonzalo Luna Cortes on being awarded the title of Docent and promoted to Associate Professor at Jönköping International Business School.

In Sweden, a Docentship is a distinguished academic qualification that recognises scholarly independence and a strong record of research achievement.

Congratulations, Gonzalo, on reaching this important milestone. We wish you continued success in your research and academic work.

How much does a business's success depend on the entrepreneur—and how much on the environment around them?

On 2 June, MMTC member Daniel A. de los Ríos Pérez presented at an online conference, “Entrepreneurship Beyond the Entrepreneur” for CubaEmprende, an organisation that supports entrepreneurs in Cuba through training, advice, and networking opportunities.

Based on his research into entrepreneurial ecosystems, Daniel discussed how support networks, institutions, and the wider business environment shape entrepreneurial success. The session encouraged participants to consider entrepreneurship as something influenced not only by individuals, but also by the ecosystems in which they operate.

The event reflects MMTC’s focus on entrepreneurship and sustainable transformation, and the importance of connecting research with practice.

MMTC member Bryan Malki has presented his paper, "Audit Teams: A Systematic Review and Integrative Framework," at the EAA - European Accounting Association 48th Annual Congress in Prague.

The paper examines how audit teams function and how team dynamics influence audit outcomes. Based on a systematic review of 86 studies published between 1981 and 2024, the research demonstrates that audit team effectiveness is shaped not only by formal structures and expertise but also by leadership, communication, knowledge sharing, technology, and contextual factors.
By presenting audit teams as adaptive sociotechnical systems, the paper develops an integrative framework that explains how structural, behavioural, and technological dimensions interact to shape audit outcomes. The study also identifies important avenues for future research, including the impact of artificial intelligence, hybrid work environments, sustainability assurance, and professional judgment.

Bryan's research highlights one of MMTC's focus areas, Organisational transformation, and examines how organisations adapt to technological and societal changes. By exploring the interaction between people, technology, and organisational processes, the study offers valuable insights into the transformation of professional work within an increasingly digital environment.

This week's MMTC seminar welcomed Monica Porzionato, Postdoctoral Researcher at Copenhagen Business School, whose work explores affective approaches to strategic communication in both online and offline environments.

Drawing on her doctoral research, recent publications, and the INFLU-NORD project, Monica discussed how theories of affect and affective atmospheres can illuminate how communication sustains collective orientations, attachments, and forms of social life, particularly in the context of climate change communication and digital media environments.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging discussion! Find out more about MMTC seminars via our website calendar https://mmtc.se/

New research from MMTC member Imran Ilyas explores the realities faced by immigrant entrepreneurs when building businesses in unfamiliar environments.

The article, “Strangers in a Strange Land: Exploring the Role of Individual-Level Liability of Foreignness in Immigrant Entrepreneurs’ Venture Failure”, investigates how the “liability of foreignness” can shape venture failure through challenges linked to networks, institutions, and cultural adaptation. By focusing on immigrant entrepreneurship, the study contributes important insights into entrepreneurship, inclusion, and global mobility.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352673426000405?via%3Dihub

What can branding teach us about improving higher education?

MMTC members Adele Berndt and Darko Pantelic explore this in their recent article, “Applying branding principles to attain educational outcomes in higher education”, published in Tertiary Education and Management.

The study looks at how ideas like value creation and stakeholder engagement can be used to strengthen educational outcomes and better connect with students.

🔗 Read more: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-026-09162-3

How can esports contribute to sustainable digital development?

Research from MMTC member Brian McCauley together with Tobias Scholz , explores the growing role of esports in shaping more sustainable digital futures. This new article from Jönköping University highlights how esports can support digital inclusion, foster innovation, and encourage more responsible use of technology.

As digital environments continue to expand, this research speaks directly to MMTC’s focus on digital transformation and sustainability—showing how emerging industries can contribute to more inclusive and responsible digital ecosystems.

🔗 Read more: https://ju.se/en/research/news/news-archive/2026-04-17-esports-can-contribute-to-sustainable-digital-development.html

Esports can contribute to sustainable digital development Jönköping University is an international university in the heart of Sweden, known for student entrepreneurship, strong research and successful collaborations.