Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness

Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness. The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness is a research institute based at Harvard Business School, dedicated to extending the research pioneered by Professor Michael Porter. Its work focuses on the study of competition and its implications for company strategy, the competitiveness of nations, regions, and cities, and solutions to societal problems. The institute serves as a global hub for developing and disseminating Porter’s core frameworks, influencing leaders in business, government, and academia worldwide.

History and founding

The institute was formally established in 2001 by Michael Porter, a leading authority on competitive strategy and the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor at Harvard University. Its creation institutionalized decades of Porter’s seminal work, which began with his influential books like *Competitive Strategy* and *The Competitive Advantage of Nations*. The founding was supported by Harvard Business School to provide a permanent home for advancing this body of research. Since its inception, the institute has expanded its reach, engaging with organizations such as the World Economic Forum and various national governments to apply its research to real-world economic challenges.

Research focus and key concepts

The institute’s research is built upon several foundational frameworks developed by Michael Porter. Central to its work is the concept of the “Five Forces” analysis for industry competition and the “Value Chain” model for understanding firm activities. A major pillar is the “Diamond Model” (also known as the Porter Diamond), which explains the competitive advantage of nations. The institute also extensively researches “Clusters,” or geographic concentrations of interconnected companies and institutions, as drivers of regional productivity and innovation. Recent work extends to “Shared Value,” a principle advocating that businesses create economic value in a way that also creates value for society by addressing its needs and challenges.

Publications and major works

The institute produces a significant body of influential publications, including books, case studies, working papers, and articles. Seminal works originating from its research include *On Competition*, a collection of Porter’s key articles, and *Redefining Health Care*, co-authored with Elizabeth Olmsted Teisberg, which applies competitive strategy to the U.S. healthcare system. Researchers frequently publish in top-tier journals like the *Harvard Business Review* and the *Strategic Management Journal*. The institute also develops widely used teaching cases on companies and regions, such as those involving Southwest Airlines, IKEA, and the IT industry in India.

Academic programs and influence

While not a degree-granting body, the institute deeply influences academic programs at Harvard Business School and beyond. Its research forms the core of numerous MBA courses on strategy and competitiveness. The institute’s executives and fellows often teach in programs like the Advanced Management Program and engage with global initiatives. Its concepts are taught in business schools worldwide, from Stanford Graduate School of Business to INSEAD. Furthermore, the institute advises major international bodies, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission, shaping policy on economic development and industrial policy.

Leadership and organization

The institute is led by its founder and faculty chair, Michael Porter. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director who oversees a team of researchers, fellows, and project managers. The institute is integrated within the Strategy Unit at Harvard Business School and collaborates closely with other Harvard entities like the Harvard Kennedy School. Its advisory board includes prominent figures from academia, business, and government. Key senior researchers and affiliates have included scholars like Jan Rivkin, a former head of the Harvard Business School strategy unit, and Christian Ketels, a leading scholar on clusters and competitiveness.

Category:Research institutes Category:Harvard University Category:Business schools in the United States