Prof. Annabelle Gawer

Professor. Advisor. Keynote Speaker. Expert, Digital Platforms & Ecosystems. Director, Centre of Digital Economy @University of Surrey. Visiting Professor@IMD. Fellow @British Academy, Independent Digital Expert @UK CMA.

Prof. Annabelle Gawer is a prominent academic and expert in the field of digital economy and platform strategy. Currently, she serves as a Visiting Professor at IMD (International Institute for Management Development) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and holds the position of Chaired Professor in Digital Economy at the University of Surrey Business School in the UK, where she also directs the Centre of Digital Economy (CoDE).1 3

Academic Background

Born in 1969 in France, Gawer has an extensive educational background that includes a master's degree in applied mathematics from Pierre and Marie Curie University, an engineering degree from the Nancy School of Mines, and a master's in industrial engineering from Stanford University. She completed her Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2000, focusing on management of technology and innovation.3 4

Research and Contributions

Gawer's research primarily revolves around digital platforms, their strategic management, and the governance of innovation ecosystems. She has published four influential books and over 40 articles in top-tier academic journals. Her notable works include The Business of Platforms: Strategy in the Age of Digital Competition, Innovation, and Power, co-authored with Michael Cusumano and David Yoffie.1 4 Gawer's insights have made significant impacts on both academic theory and practical applications within businesses and governments.

Professional Roles

In addition to her role at IMD, Gawer has been recognized as an independent digital expert for the UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) since 2023. She has also advised various international organizations, including the European Commission, OECD, and World Bank.1 2 4 Her expertise is frequently sought after for teaching digital strategy to executives at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and INSEAD.1

Awards and Recognition

Recently, Gawer received the 2024 Theory-to-Practice Strategy Award at the Vienna Strategy Summit for her outstanding contributions to bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications in strategic management.2

Prof. Annabelle Gawer continues to be a leading figure in understanding the complexities of digital platforms and their role in modern economies.