UCL School of Management

Jean-Philippe Vergne

Associate Professor
Office location
Level 38, 1 Canada Square
Rm N9
Elsewhere

Biography

JP studies capitalism’s evolution at the intersection of technology and organization, with a focus on how socially contested organizations affect the birth and renewal of industries. His work contributes to related research on (a) industry evolution and organizational adaptation; (b) categorization, stigmatization and disapproval; and (c) organizational decentralization.

After researching international trade in the 17th century, analog & digital communications in the 1960s-90s, and the global arms industry around 9/11, JP’s focus has been on Web3 since 2015. He regularly collaborates with established firms, startups, and regulators interested in this space.

In 2016-2020, JP was a founding director of the fintech-focused Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab at Ivey Business School, in Canada, where he launched and chaired the first three editions of the Toronto Fintech Conference.

JP’s award-winning research has been featured in such media outlets as the Financial Times, The Globe & Mail, The Economist, Bloomberg, CBC, Forbes, Al-Jazeera, as well as in various cryptocurrency news sources. JP has given keynote presentations at international technology conferences (Google Zeitgeist, South by Southwest, TEDx) and at high-profile corporate events. JP advises start-ups and consults on strategic issues involving adaptation and technology innovation. 

In his spare time, he enjoys live music, art shows, and wine tasting. 

For a brief overview of his work on capitalism’s evolution without academic jargon, you can read this. If you have more time and would rather watch a recent video, check this recorded podcast. Links to full research papers can be found in JP’s CV, linked below. 

Prospective students with a research project closely aligned with JP’s current interests should feel free to reach out over email.

PhD supervisor to:

Research projects

Decentralizing Capitalism & Digital Platforms

Blockchain can decentralize organizations and, more generally, the Web. How does that affect management practice and digital competition?

Nonconforming Capitalist Organizations

Social and economic innovation often comes from the fringes of capitalism. How do nonconforming organizations change the rules of the game?

Organizational Evolution and Adaptation

Organizations evolve and adapt to shifting environmental conditions, but how much of that is shaped by agency as opposed to chance events?