After nearly two decades of research in operations and supply chain management, together with experience in founding and running a technology startup, I recognize that meaningful research impact requires close engagement with industry leaders, access to real operational data, and a commitment to solving real problems. Empirical research achieves its full value when it informs practice and addresses pressing operational challenges.
This perspective reflects an important shift in the field. Leading operations management journals increasingly emphasize impactful studies that are empirically validated using high-quality secondary or primary data. Rigor remains essential, but relevance, validation, and engagement with real-world operations now define the frontier of empirical research.
NEOM is established to support this vision by connecting a global research community with industry, data, and practice. I invite you to join us in advancing empirical operations management research that is both rigorous and impactful.
