Gianluca Pusceddu: A Multilingual guest lecturer

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Cagliari and a Visiting Research Fellow at Audencia Business School in Nantes. My academic journey includes exchange programs at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, as well as a nine-month research stay at BI Norwegian Business School. I have also gained practical experience through internships at a marketing firm in Liverpool and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Zurich. This appointment in France marks my sixth international experience, facilitated by the mobility programs of my home university. My research focuses on business strategies, crisis management, phygital environments, resilience, and migrant entrepreneurship. I have published in peer-reviewed journals, including Management Decision, Small Business, and Sinergie Italian Journal of Management. Additionally, I co-authored book chapters and conference proceedings, presenting at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, the Strategic Management Society, and the SINERGIE-SIMA conferences, where I received the Best Paper Award in 2021.

What is your work topic?

My current research revolves around a systematic literature review exploring how business support organizations, networks, and formal programs aid migrant entrepreneurs in launching and growing their new ventures. I am also investigating organizational identity work and dual embeddedness in business models.I chose this topic because it aligns closely with my work in the GRINS project, specifically within Work Package 8.4, which focuses on sustainability. This project investigates how entrepreneurship can foster social cohesion and sustainability, particularly among disadvantaged groups such as NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training), the unemployed, migrants, and people with disabilities. The research is vital for understanding how entrepreneurship education can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable society, especially in urban areas with high levels of social exclusion.

Why is it important for research?

This research challenges the dominant narrative that seeks to assimilate displaced individuals into predefined standards, often overlooking their unique cultural, social, and entrepreneurial potential. By recognizing and building upon their intrinsic qualities, the research can offer insights into more inclusive, adaptable, and practical frameworks that empower displaced individuals rather than forcing them to conform. Such an approach fosters innovation by leveraging their diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching both academic understanding and practical applications. Moreover, it contributes to developing policies and support systems that respect and harness their unique strengths, ultimately promoting social cohesion, economic growth, and a deeper appreciation of global diversity.

What surprised you the most about your research?

What surprises me most about my research is how often displaced individuals (such as migrants and refugees) are expected to reshape themselves to fit into standards that are often foreign to their contexts, such as the European environment for migrants from Africa or Asia. These individuals already possess intrinsic qualities and unique values, which should be the focus of our efforts. Instead of forcing them to fit into unfamiliar frameworks, we should aim to build on their talents, interests, and innate strengths.

Why did you choose to work with Miruna?

I chose to collaborate with Professor Miruna Radu-Lefebvre because of her unparalleled expertise in migrant entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial identity, which perfectly aligns with my research focus. As the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Professor Radu-Lefebvre brings a wealth of experience and academic rigor to the project, ensuring that the research is of the highest scholarly standard and has the potential to make a significant impact. Her leadership of the Chair Family Entrepreneurship & Society team at Audencia Business School provides an enriching environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and offers access to specialized knowledge in migration studies. 

And the last funny question: what do you enjoy in Nantes?

Nantes is a city that has so much to offer. It is the gateway to the Loire Valley castles, Brittany, and Normandy. Only two hours by train from Paris, it has a unique history that places it at the heart of Brittany’s past. Nantes is a microcosm for those who want to stay away from the chaos of big cities. It is a city that feels human-scale, ideal for families. In Nantes, there is always something happening, and during Christmas, the city truly becomes a small gem, with festive lights and events that make it a magical place to visit.