Dr. Joel Baum

Biography

Joel A.C. Baum is a Professor of Strategic Management at Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is an internationally recognized scholar focusing on interfirm competition, cooperation, epistemic governance, and narrative strategy in emerging markets. His recent research explores how epistemic networks shape legitimacy struggles in contested industries, particularly in the area of alternative proteins. Baum examines how entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and political actors mobilize emotionally resonant narratives to contest the meaning of innovation and authenticity within the cultivated meat industry. He has developed frameworks for AI governance through epistemic networks and co-authored a book titled 'Epinets: Epistemic Structure Dynamics Knowledge,' published by Stanford University Press. Additionally, Baum is a Fellow of the Academy of Management and the Royal Society of Canada, serves as the Founding Co-Editor of the journal 'Strategic Organization,' and has held editorial positions with various leading journals. His research has been published in top journals and he has received recognition for impactful contributions to the field. He teaches MBA courses in Communicating Strategy and Strategic Change, as well as PhD-level seminars in Strategic Organization Research Methods.

Research Interests