In this book we address the major streams of research and major research approaches that have helped to develop the field to its current state. But perhaps the book’s highest potential value is the extensive and insightful discussion of promising future opportunities and research agendas. Many chapter authors have devoted nearly half of their space to the discussion of promising pathways for future research, and have identified numerous research questions that, when addressed, will add significant value to research knowledge and to the strategic management of firms.
We believe that the discussion of historical roots and the analysis of the field’s development to its current state will be important resources for doctoral students and for young scholars whose careers began in recent decades without benefit of an up- to- date resource like this book, and that the extensive discussion of future research opportunities will benefit all. Another extremely helpful aspect of the book is that the chapters have extensive reference lists that can help the readers find the major past writings on the topics. In its examination of the future of strategic management, the book offers the perspectives of scholars who are widely regarded as leaders in the field. We hope that readers will be assisted in theory building and in identification and pursuit of new areas of exploration.