Welcome to the Industry Studies AssociationWe support scholarship in the Industry Studies traditionThe Industry Studies Association emerged from the pioneering work of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's industry studies program established in 1991. The “industry studies” idea – that much can be learned from close study of industrial activity -- dates to the Industrial Revolution and authors ranging from Adam Smith to Alfred Marshall. ISA members approach the challenge of learning about industries through engagement with practitioners - executives, managers, engineers, workers, policymakers. We see direct observation and primary data collection as the best way "to get the direct feel of the economic world, more intimate than merely reading descriptions, enabling one to set things in their true scale". With this approach, we develop better research questions and generate insights that equally inform theory and practice. Attention to industry context opens the door to more varied and valid data and helps interpret results. A phenomenon or empirical puzzle may initiate industry studies research. The insights, in turn, may often lead to “pre-theory” contributions that stimulate further research.
We seek context-grounded insights that are actionable for firms and governments and stimulate new research questions and hypotheses.The Industry Studies Association (ISA) was established in 2009 to carry on the work of the Sloan industry studies iitiative. ISA’s members come from a wide variety of disciplines such as management, economics, engineering, industrial and labor relations, operations management, law, economic geography, and public policy. Industry studies scholars may focus on particular industries or occupations, or conduct cross-industry analysis. They are committed to learning about the context -- market, firms, and institutions -- in the industry or industries they study. This engagement, which includes close interaction with industry practitioners and often includes primary data collection, helps researchers achieve a broad and deep knowledge of this context. Join TodayOur ImpactISA’s members, beyond their own research activity, contribute to national debates and policy decisions as well as affecting the actions of global firms. Our community's work spans traditional and emerging industries, bringing rigorous analysis and practical insights to critical challenges facing modern industries. Learn More |
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