Introduction

In an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty and institutional fragmentation, scholars in international business (IB) must increasingly think strategically about how they manage global academic networks. This paper develops a framework to explain long-term variation in scholarly productivity, showing how network evolution, not just pedigree, shapes academic influence over time.

Our theory highlights four strategic dimensions of network positioning. We first examine Genealogical Network Centrality (GNC), the structural prominence of a scholar’s PhD institution in academic lineage networks. GNC institutions not only offer initial prestige but also provide embedded access to opportunity-rich collaborative pipelines. Next, we theorize Network Mobility Evolution (NME) as a dynamic capability: scholars who extend their institutional reach over time gain exposure to new evaluative audiences and novel research paradigms, especially vital when geopolitical frictions limit traditional mobility. We then introduce Longitudinal Brokerage Trajectory (LBT), which reflects a scholar’s increasing ability to bridge disconnected clusters and disseminate ideas across domains. Together, NME and LBT form the basis for strategic exploration, the joint pursuit of boundary expansion and integrative influence. Finally, we propose Alma Mater Influence Reuse (AMIR) as a constraint mechanism, where continued reliance on genealogical ties may hinder adaptability and suppress long-run impact.

Methods

Using panel data on IB scholars from 1974 to 2024, we test our hypotheses with longitudinal network metrics and fixed-effects models.

Results

Our analysis reveals support for the hypotheses, along with indications of trends shaping the evolution of networks, including variations on national, regional, and global bases.

Conclusions

The findings contribute to IB strategy by identifying how individuals and institutions can cultivate influence amid rising global uncertainty and reduced cross-border academic fluidity.