The Industry Studies Best Paper Prize is awarded each year to articles in scholarly journals that demonstrate excellence in industry studies research. Industry studies research demonstrates significant personal investment in developing an understanding of the markets, firms and institutions that characterize a particular industry. Generally this involves the integration of direct observation with appropriate theory and analysis.

Papers in the following fields will be considered for prizes: economics and other social sciences; management; and engineering. Winning articles can excel in different aspects, including value to the industry as well as traditional academic criteria. Preference will be given to those articles where the role of direct observation (or "field research") is clearly demonstrated. Each award is accompanied by a $1500 honorarium (to be divided among all authors), and an advertisement in the journal in which the winning article appeared.

Eligibility

Eligibility extends to refereed journal publications within eighteen months of the award competition. Nominations are due each year by December 1, and the winners are announced in April of the following year.

Nominating and Selection Process

The Foundation welcomes nominations and self-nominations from faculty members of the Sloan Industry Centers, other Affiliates of the Sloan Industry Studies Program, and other scholars. Nominators are not required to have a prior relationship with the Sloan Industry Studies Program.

Additional information on the nominating and selection process can be found within the Best Paper Prize section of the Foundation's Web site.

2006-2007 Winners

Michael G. Jacobides, "Industry Change through Vertical Disintegration: How and Why Markets Emerged in Mortgage Banking."

Carrie R. Leana and Frits K. Pil, "Social Capital and Organizational Performance: Evidence from Urban Public Schools."

Sonali K. Shah, "Motivation, Governance, and the Viability of Hybrid Forms in Open Source Software Development."

Best Paper Prize Committee Members

Professor Rose Batt, Cornell University
Professor Roger Bohn, University of California, San Diego
Professor Susan Helper, Case Western Reserve University
Professor Chip White, Georgia Tech