Sonja Opper

I am Professor of Global Strategy and Institutions. I received my PhD in economics from the University of Tubingen (Germany). Before joining Bocconi, I was the Gad Rausing Professor of International Economics and Business at the Department of Economics at Lund University, Sweden (2005-2020). My research is about how individual effort and local institutions contribute to some businesses being much more successful than others.

Research interests

My current research explores patterns of institutional change, the interplay between social networks and institutions, and social heuristics of strategic decisions. Most of my empirical research is set in transition and emerging economies—such as China’s economy—which offer a natural laboratory for the study of social and institutional change. In my research I combine different methodologies such as standard manager and company surveys, laboratory experiments and social network analysis.

Education

• 2003 Professorship qualification thesis (Habilitation); Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen,
• 1999 Ph.D. Economics, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, (Dissertation: "Economic Reforms and Employment Change in China", summa cum laude)
• 1995 M.A., Economics, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen