Soogand Golsorkhi

Associate Professor Department of Management and Innovation

Email: soogand.golesorkhi@uia.no
Phone: +47 38 14 14 17
Office: 122 (Universitetsveien 17, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway)

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Background and experience

Manchester Metropolitan University, Lancaster University, Manchester University, Kiel University of Applied Science

Areas of responsibility

I completed a MSc in International Business and a PhD in the International Strategy at the University of Manchester. My research is focused in the fields of International Business Strategy and Entrepreneurship. I have held various academic positions in UK and EU as well as having gained industry experinces in UK and internationally. I have initiated and led regional policy projects, such as, upgrading of foreign direct investment and its developmental impact in the North West of England. Currently, part of the consortim of an EU project Horizon Action "Revitalisation of European local communities with innovative business models and social innovation in the blue bio-based sector ".

I have published in journals such as; Journal of World Business, International Business Review, Long Range Planning, Annals of Operation Research

Teaching

Strategic Management for Entrepreneurs, SHIFT MSc Programme

International Business Theory and Strategy, International Political Economy, MSc International Business Management Programme

Research

Focusing on issues such as; equity ownership determinants of international joint ventures, strategic alliances structure-performance, and strategic development of foreign owned subsidiaries. In addition, examination of nonmarket strategies of firms and entrepreneurs. Addressing partner selection, social mission, growth expectations, internationalisation, and attributes of social enterprises including microfinance institutions.

Selected publications

Golesorkhi, S., Schøtt, S., Randoy, T., Mersland, R. (2026). How Funding Affects Growth Expectations: A Global Study of Social versus Commercial Enterprises. International Review of Entrepreneurship, International Review of Entrepreneurship, Forthcoming.

Golesorkhi, S. Pishchulov, G., Randoy, T. (2026). Word of Investment: The Role of Language as an Institution in FDI. Management International Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-026-00635-6

Pishchulov, G., Richter, K., Golesorkhi, S. (2022). Supply Chain Coordination under asymmetric information and partial vertical information. Annals of Operations Research, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-022-04705-4

Golesorkhi, S., Mersland, R., Randoy, T., Piekkari, P., Pishchulov, G. (2019). The Effect of Language Use on the Financial Performance of Microfinance Banks: Evidence from Cross-border Activities in 74 Countries. Journal of World Business. 54(3):213-229.

Golesorkhi, S., Mersland, R., Randoy, T., Shenkar, O., (2019). The Performance Impact of Informal and Formal Institutional Differences in Cross-Border Alliances. International Business Review. 28(1): 104-118.

Filiou, D., Golsorkhi, S. (2016). Influence of institutional differences on firm innovation from international alliances. Long Range Planning, 49(1): 129-144.

Tuselmann, S. Buzdugan, Q. Cao, D. Freund, S. Golsorkhi (2016). Impact of International Business: Challenges and Solutions for Policy and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.

Mori, N., Golsorkhi, S., Randoy, T., Hermes, N. (2015). The Effect of Board Composition on Poverty Outreach of Microfinance Institutions: Evidence from East Africa, Strategic Change, 24(1): 99-113.

Golsorkhi, S., Yamin, M., Bowe, M. (2014). Explaining equity shares in international joint ventures: combining the influence of asset characteristics, culture and institutional differences. Research in International Business and Finance, 31, 212–233.

Projects

No ongoing projects

Research groups

Golesorkhi, Soogand; Pishchulov, Grigory & Randøy, Trond (2026). Word of Investment: The Role of Language as an Institution in FDI. MIR. Management International Review: journal of international business. ISSN 0938-8249. doi: 10.1007/s11575-026-00635-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This study draws on institutional economics and communicative institutionalism to conceptualise language as an institution which comprises socially shared rules and meanings that govern human interaction and affects country-level foreign direct investment (FDI). Specifically, shared language governs interpretation and coordination in cross-border investment relationships, thereby reducing behavioural and environmental uncertainty. In turn, language differences weaken this institutional function of language. To test this hypothesis, we employ a gravity model of 87,209 bilateral FDI observations comprising equity and debt positions across 246 countries and territories from 2010 to 2019. We find that greater language differences are associated with lower bilateral FDI stocks. We further show that formal institutional proximity and cultural proximity mitigate this negative association, offering alternative mechanisms for uncertainty reduction when language differences are large. In addition, language difference from English is negatively associated with FDI for both source and host countries. Overall, the study demonstrates that language functions as a key institutional determinant of FDI, extending language-sensitive IB research and institutional explanations of cross-border investment.
Pishchulov, Grigory; Richter, Knut & Golesorkhi, Soogand (2022). Supply chain coordination under asymmetric information and partial vertical integration. Annals of Operations Research. ISSN 0254-5330. doi: 10.1007/s10479-022-04705-4. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA

Golesorkhi, Soogand; Flåten, Bjørn-Tore & Aalmo, Giovanna Ottaviani (2025). A best practice guideline including the best practices coming from the 3 pilot regions. doi: https:/ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5280c8c2d&appId=PPGMS. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Coastal communities are grappling with challenges from the climate crisis, rural depopulation, and economic pressures. The BlueRev initiative addresses these issues by empowering coastal communities, reimagining policy frameworks and fostering adaptable governance structures. BlueRev aims to drive social and environmental impact within local communities across pilot regions (Denmark/Greenland, Italy, Estonia) by establishing sustainable and socially responsible business models in the blue bio-based sector. This report highlights best practices from pilot regions in fish by-products valorisation, showcasing innovative business models in Greenland, Denmark, Estonia, and Sicily. • Greenland: Transforming fish processing waste into dog food. • Denmark: Developing an Omega-3 enriched functional beverage. • Estonia: Utilizing red algae for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. • Sicily: Promoting the sustainable valorisation of by-catch, specifically The Ritunnu. The guidelines developed in this report will serve as a foundation for scaling these practices within the blue bioeconomy and beyond. They provide practical, actionable steps for implementing sustainable business models and are intended to support future efforts to expand the adoption of circular economy principles in the blue bio-based sector
Golesorkhi, Soogand; Randøy, Trond & Pishchulov, Grigory (2025). Word of Investment: The Role of Language as an Institution in Shaping FDI Stock. Full text in Research Archive
Grande, Simona; Golesorkhi, Soogand & Flåten, Bjørn-Tore (2025). From Sea to Sustainability: Transitioning the Blue Bioeconomy through Responsible Design Thinking and the Sustainable Business Model Canvas. Full text in Research Archive
Grande, Simona; Golesorkhi, Soogand & Flåten, Bjørn-Tore (2025). BlueRev: Pioneering Circular Bioeconomy Solutions for Sustainable Marine Innovation. Full text in Research Archive
Golesorkhi, Soogand & Kirkedam, Frode (2022). BlueRev Deliverable - New business models: Unlocking Sustainable Business Model Innovations in the Blue Bio-based Industry. Bluerev project. doi: https:/ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5194ca0aa&appId=PPGMS. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
The main purpose of this deliverable is to describe the process and outcomes of participatory sessions aimed at co-creating sustainable business models within the blue bioeconomy. These sessions, conducted across pilot regions in Estonia, Italy, Greenland, and Denmark, were designed to build on opportunities identified in earlier stages of the BlueRev project, in WP3. Through co-creation workshops, interviews, and focus groups, a diverse range of stakeholders—including localbusinesses, government representatives, researchers, and civil society—collaborated to tailor business models that leverage local capacities while addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities. The participatory sessions were structured using the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, underpinned by design thinking methodologies. This approach fostered a dynamic and iterative process, enabling stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and refine their ideas collaboratively. The workshops emphasized empathy and stakeholder inclusivity, ensuring that the co-created models were both practical and aligned with local needs. The process involved systematically defining value propositions, identifying customer segments, and addressing key operational and ecological components such as resource utilization, eco-costs, and eco-benefits. This holistic approach ensured that the proposed business models were not only economically viable but also environmentally and socially sustainable. The deliverable outlines diverse outcomes across the pilot regions. In Estonia, models focused on macroalgae cultivation and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, promoting marine spatial efficiency and nutrient management. Italy’s initiatives emphasized the valorization of seafood by-products into high-value products like shrimp powder and Omega-3 oils. Greenland and Denmark prioritized advanced freezing techniques, cod side-stream valorization, and nutrient recovery from wastewater. These models highlight the potential of sustainable practices to drive local economic development while contributing to global sustainability goals. The insights gained will serve as a foundation for scaling these practices and developing best-practice guidelines in subsequent project phases as part of WP4.
Golesorkhi, Soogand & Kirkedam, Frode (2022). Business models analysis - Report from BlueRev-project. Bluerev project. doi: https:/ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e51549ab30&appId=PPGMS. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
This deliverable provides a detailed analysis of the current business models within the pilot regions, with a particular focus on the core operations and byproducts of the blue bio-based sector. Insights were gathered through structured interviews, workshops, and focus groups, building on the protocols and results outlined in D3.1 and D3.2. The analysis is structured in two key steps: 1. Baseline Model Analysis: A comprehensive review of data from D3.1 and D3.2 to define the baseline model. 2. Current Business Model Assessment Using the Business Model Canvas Framework: Categorization of findings within the Business Model Canvas framework, offering a detailed explanation of its indicators and opportunities and challenges for sustainable business development. This process highlights areas for improvement and serves as a foundation for assessing and developing new sustainable business models within the blue bio-based sector across the three pilot regions of the BlueRev project. These findings form a critical input for D4.2, helping to bridge the gap between current practices and future opportunities for sustainable innovation within the blue bio-based sector. The deliverable also lays the groundwork for future activities in WP4, including workshops and interviews. Initial findings from D3.2 emphasize the need for more granular data to explore untapped potential in the blue bio-based sector. This need will be addressed through participatory sessions planned under WP4, ensuring an inclusive approach to identifying, refining, and scaling sustainable business innovations.