Portrait of Professor Simone Ferriani

Professor Simone Ferriani

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Cass Business School, Faculty of Management

Contact

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Bunhill Row

Postal address

Cass Business School
106 Bunhill Row
London
EC1Y 8TZ
United Kingdom

About

Overview

Simone Ferriani is Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Bologna, Honorary Visiting Professor at Cass Business School (City University London) and Visiting Fellow of the Center on Organizational Innovation at Columbia University. Prof Ferriani’s current research employs a mix of qualitative techniques and large datasets to study the social sources of creativity. Supported by a major grant from the Italian National Science Foundation (MIUR) and another grant from the European Research Council (for a project developed with the PI, Prof. Stark), his research team is currently developing a combination of experimental designs and network analytic methods to examine the Network and Cognitive Bases of Recognition in Creative and Cultural Fields. Ferriani is also working at the intersection of historical methods, lab experiments and network analysis to study how social evaluation is shaped by the structure of evaluating audiences.

His work has been published in various international journals and books, such us American Sociological Review, Organization Studies, Strategic Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, Organization Science, Research Policy, Industrial and Corporate Change, Strategic Organization, Organization Studies.

Over the past 10 years, Ferriani has also been actively involved in the organization of scholarly events and training initiatives for the benefit of young scholars. Among other things, he is the co-founder of the Medici Summer School in Management Studies (www.medicisummershool.it), one of the most prominent and well-known international doctoral training initiatives in the field of Management and Organizational Studies. The school is organized yearly in collaboration with HEC Paris and MIT Sloan. Prof. Ferriani has supervised several doctoral students most of whom have now graduated and moved to senior positions in renowned academic institutions Prof. Ferriani has been a visiting fellow at many institutions including Wharton, NYU, Columbia, Cambridge (UK) and the Sociology Department of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a lifetime member of Clare-Hall College (Cambridge, UK).

In 2015 Simone founded UNIBO Launch Pad, the first Italian University wide entrepreneurial acceleration program designed to foster the talent and competences of young academics and researchers with innovative ideas rooted in their research findings.

Qualifications

  1. PhD, University of Bologna, Italy

Employment

  1. Fellow, Columbia University, Feb 2016 – present
  2. Full Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Bologna, Oct 2014 – present
  3. Honorary Professor, Cass Business School, Feb 2011 – present

Publications

Books (3)

  1. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Godart, F. and Sgourev, S.V. (2020). Aesthetics and Style in Strategy. Emerald Group Publishing. ISBN 978-1-80043-238-3.
  2. Ferriani, S. (2004). Multirelational Embeddeness, Information Transfer and Opportunity Discovery A Longitudinal Study of a Small Firm Cluster. Bologna: Bononia University Press. ISBN 88-7395-033-7.
  3. Ferriani, S. (2004). Dinamiche competitive e fattori critici di successo nel settore fieristico. ISBN 978-88-491-2325-8.

Chapters (11)

  1. Ferriani, S., Cattani, G. and Falchetti, D. (2020). Innovators’ Acts of Framing and Audiences’ Structural Characteristics in Novelty Recognition. In Strandgaard Pedersen, J., Slavich, B. and Khaire, M. (Eds.), Technology and Creativity Production, Mediation and Evaluation in the Digital Age (pp. 13–36). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-3-030-17565-8.
  2. Formilan, G., Ferriani, S. and Cattani, G. (2019). A methodological essay on the application of social sequence analysis to the study of creative trajectories. In Dörfler, V. and Stierand, M. (Eds.), Handbook of Research Methods on Creativity (pp. xx–xx). Edward Elgar.
  3. Cattani, G., Colucci, M. and Ferriani, S. (2015). Chanel's creative trajectory in the field of fashion: The optimal network structuration strategy. Multidisciplinary Contributions to the Science of Creative Thinking (pp. 117–132). ISBN 978-981-287-617-1.
  4. Ferriani, S., Lorenzoni, G. and Russo, D. (2015). A multi-indicator approach for tracking field emergence: The rise of Bologna Nanotech. Research Methods for Strategic Management (pp. 285–310). ISBN 978-0-415-50620-5.
  5. Ferriani, S., Colucci, M. and Cattani, G. (2015). Creativity in Social Networks: A Core-Periphery Perspectiv. In Jones, C., Lazersen, M. and Sapsed, J. (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Creative Industries (pp. 75–95). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-960351-0.
  6. Ford, S.J., Ferriani, S. and Probert, D.R. (2013). Overcoming the innovation barrier: A search-selection model of breakthrough innovation in large firms. Strategy and Communication for Innovation (pp. 41–62). ISBN 978-3-642-41478-7.
  7. Cattani, G. and Ferriani, S. (2013). Networks and Rewards among Hollywood Artists: Evidence for a Social Structural Ordering of Creativity. In Kaufman, J. and Simonton, D. (Eds.), The Social Science of the Cinema (pp. 185–206). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-979781-3.
  8. Ferriani, S. and Giuliani, A. (2012). The management of growth strategies in firm networks: A stylized model of opportunity discovery via network ties. Handbook of Research on Competitive Strategy (pp. 165–181). ISBN 978-1-84720-044-0.
  9. Ferriani, S., Garnsey, E. and Probert, D. (2008). Sustaining breakthrough innovation in large established firms: Learning traps and counteracting strategies. Creating Wealth from Knowledge: Meeting the Innovation Challenge (pp. 177–202). ISBN 978-1-84720-348-9.
  10. Baden-Fuller, C., Ferriani, S. and Cattani, G. (2007). Fitness determinants in creative industries: a longitudinal study of the Hollywood film-making industry 1992-2003. In Cantner, U. and Malerba, F. (Eds.), Innovation, industrial dynamics and structural transformation (pp. 209–238). Springer Verlag. ISBN 978-3-540-49464-5.
  11. Ferriani, S., Corrado, R. and Boschetti, C. (2005). Transferring organizational capabilities across transient organizations: evidence from the Hollywood filmmaking. In Dagnino, G., Capasso, A. and Lanza, A. (Eds.), Strategic Capabilities and Knowledge Transfer Within and Between Organizations (pp. 56–82). Edward Elgar Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84376-945-3.

Conference papers and proceedings (3)

  1. Ferriani, S., Cattani, G. and Baden-Fuller, C. (2008). The relational antecedents of project-entrepreneurship: Individual connectedness, team composition and project performance.
  2. Ferriani, S., Cattani, G. and Baden-Fuller, C. (2008). The relational antecedents of project-entrepreneurship: Individual connectedness, team composition and project performance.
  3. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Negro, G. and Perretti, F. (2006). Integrating ecologies: Population dynamics and interorganizational networks in the U.S. motion picture industry, 1912-1970.

Journal articles (22)

  1. Ferriani, S., Lazerson, M.H. and Lorenzoni, G. (2020). Anchor entrepreneurship and industry catalysis: The rise of the Italian Biomedical Valley. Research Policy, 49(8). doi:10.1016/j.respol.2020.104045.
  2. Aadland, E., Cattani, G., Falchetti, D. and Ferriani, S. (2020). Reflecting glory or deflecting stigma? The interplay between status and social proximity in peer evaluations. PLoS ONE, 15(9 September), pp. 1–29. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238651.
  3. Cutolo, D., Ferriani, S. and Cattani, G. (2020). Tell me your story and i will tell your sales: A topic model analysis of narrative style and firm performance on Etsy. , 42, pp. 103–122. doi:10.1108/S0742-332220200000042005.
  4. Aadland, E., Cattani, G. and Ferriani, S. (2019). Friends, gifts, and cliques: Social proximity and recognition in peer-based tournament rituals. Academy of Management Journal, 62(3), pp. 883–917. doi:10.5465/amj.2016.0437.
  5. Aadland, E., Cattani, G. and Ferriani, S. (2018). The social structure of consecration in cultural fields: The influence of status and social distance in audience–candidate evaluative processes. , 55, pp. 129–157. doi:10.1108/S0733-558X20180000055006.
  6. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S. and Lanza, A. (2017). Deconstructing the outsider puzzle: The legitimation journey of novelty. Organization Science, 28(6), pp. 965–992. doi:10.1287/orsc.2017.1161.
  7. Ferriani, S. and MacMillan, I. (2017). Performance gains and losses from network centrality in cluster located firms: a longitudinal study. Innovation, 19(3), pp. 307–334. doi:10.1080/14479338.2017.1341293.
  8. Corbo, L., Corrado, R. and Ferriani, S. (2016). A New Order of Things: Network Mechanisms of Field Evolution in the Aftermath of an Exogenous Shock. Organization Studies, 37(3), pp. 323–348. doi:10.1177/0170840615613373.
  9. Lipparini, A., Lorenzoni, G. and Ferriani, S. (2014). From core to periphery and back: A study on the deliberate shaping of knowledge flows in interfirm dyads and networks. Strategic Management Journal, 35(4), pp. 578–595. doi:10.1002/smj.2110.
  10. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S. and Allison, P.D. (2014). Insiders, Outsiders, and the Struggle for Consecration in Cultural Fields: A Core-Periphery Perspective. American Sociological Review, 79(2), pp. 258–281. doi:10.1177/0003122414520960.
  11. Ferriani, S., Fonti, F. and Corrado, R. (2013). The social and economic bases of network multiplexity: Exploring the emergence of multiplex ties. Strategic Organization, 11(1), pp. 7–34. doi:10.1177/1476127012461576.
  12. Ferriani, S., Fonti, F. and Corrado, R. (2013). The social and economic bases of network multiplexity: Exploring the emergence of multiplex ties. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 11(1), pp. 7–34.
  13. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Mariani, M.M. and Mengoli, S. (2013). Tackling the "Galàcticos" effect: Team familiarity and the performance of star-studded projects. Industrial and Corporate Change, 22(6), pp. 1629–1662. doi:10.1093/icc/dtt001.
  14. Ferriani, S., Garnsey, E. and Lorenzoni, G. (2012). Continuity and change in a spin-off venture: The process of reimprinting. Industrial and Corporate Change, 21(4), pp. 1011–1048. doi:10.1093/icc/dts001.
  15. Petit, Y. (2012). Gino CATTANI, Simone FERRIANI, Lars FREDERIKSEN, and Florian TÄUBE (Eds.) (2011) Project-Based Organizing and Strategic Management. Bingley (UK): Emerald Group Publishing. M@n@gement, 15(3), pp. 333–333. doi:10.3917/mana.153.0333.
  16. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Frederiksen, L. and Taube, F. (2011). Project-Based Organizing and Strategic Management: A Long-Term Research Agenda on Temporary Organizational Forms. Advances in Strategic Management, Vol 28, pp. xv–xxxix.
  17. Ferriani, S., Cattani, G. and Baden-Fuller, C. (2009). The relational antecedents of project-entrepreneurship: Network centrality, team composition and project performance. Research Policy, 38(10), pp. 1545–1558. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2009.09.001.
  18. Lorenzoni, G. and Ferriani, S. (2008). Searching for new units of analysis: firms, dyads and networks. European Management Review, 5(2), pp. 125–133. doi:10.1057/emr.2008.8.
  19. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Negro, G. and Perretti, F. (2008). The structure of consensus: Network ties, legitimation, and exit rates of U.S. feature film producer organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(1), pp. 145–182. doi:10.2189/asqu.53.1.145.
  20. Garnsey, E., Lorenzoni, G. and Ferriani, S. (2008). Speciation through entrepreneurial spin-off: The Acorn-ARM story. Research Policy, 37(2), pp. 210–224. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2007.11.006.
  21. Cattani, G. and Ferriani, S. (2008). A Core/Periphery Perspective on Individual Creative Performance: Social Networks and Cinematic Achievements in the Hollywood Film Industry. Organization Science, 19, pp. 824–844.
  22. Ferriani, S., Corrado, R. and Boschetti, C. (2005). Organizational learning under organizational impermanence: Collaborative ties in film project firms. Journal of Management and Governance, 9(3-4), pp. 257–285. doi:10.1007/s10997-005-7422-2.

Scholarly edition

  1. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S., Frederiksen, L. and Taübe, F. (2011). Project-Based Organizing and Strategic Management.

Working papers (5)

  1. Massa, L. and Ferriani, S. (2019). MAST: Mental Ambidexterity in Strategic Thinking. London: Cass Knowledge
  2. Baden-Fuller, C., Ferriani, S., Mengoli, S. and Torlo, V.J. (2011). The Dark Side of Alternative Asset Markets: Networks, Performance and Risk Taking. SSRN
  3. Santoni, S., Ferriani, S. and Stark, D. Standing out to become outstanding: Career trajectories in electronic music.
  4. Cattani, G., Ferriani, S. and Santoni, S. The king is dead, long live the king! Superstar extinction and artist consecration in the music industry, 1958 - 2014.
  5. Santoni, , Ferriani, S. and Stark, D. On Line Cultural Markets.

Professional activities

Editorial activity (4)

  1. Innovation: Management & Organization, Member of Editorial Board, 2017 – present.
  2. Organization Science, Member of Editorial Board, 2016 – present.
  3. Organization Studies, Member of Editorial Board, 2015 – present.
  4. Long Range Planning, Member of Editorial Board, 2010 – present.