Elena San Román’s Harvard Fellowship: A Look at the Future of Business History Research
Elena San Román López, a professor in the Department of Applied Economics, Structure and History at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, has been awarded the prestigious Thomas K. McCraw Fellowship from Harvard University. This fellowship will support her research in the United States, building upon a project examining the 50-year history of the IESE Business School in Madrid.
The Significance of the Thomas K. McCraw Fellowship
The Thomas K. McCraw Fellowship is a highly competitive award named after a Pulitzer Prize-winning business historian and dedicated educator. San Román notes that McCraw was not only a renowned researcher but also a beloved teacher who deeply invested in his students. The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for scholars to delve into American business history, a field increasingly recognized for its relevance to contemporary economic challenges.
Uncovering the Roots of Globalization: The IESE and Harvard Connection
San Román’s research focuses on the historical relationship between the IESE Business School and Harvard University. Her work reveals that Harvard actively supported the creation of IESE in 1958, a period of significant economic and political change in Spain. This support was part of a broader effort to promote modernization and liberalization in Spain during the Cold War, aligning with U.S. Strategic interests.
The Power of Archival Research
The project will be based on correspondence held in Harvard Business School’s Baker Library, offering a primary source perspective on the founding of IESE. This highlights the importance of archival research in uncovering nuanced historical narratives and understanding the complex interplay of factors that shape business development.
Collaboration and the Future of Historical Studies
San Román emphasizes that her work is a collaborative effort, involving contributions from colleagues, doctoral students, and researchers. Key collaborators include Jorge Hernández Barahona, Teresa Mateo López-Mora, Álvaro González Bernardoq, and Águeda Gil López. This collaborative approach reflects a growing trend in academic research, where interdisciplinary teams and shared expertise are essential for tackling complex questions.
The Real Colegio Complutense at Harvard: A Bridge for Scholars
The fellowship will also allow San Román to connect with the Real Colegio Complutense at Harvard, an institution within the Complutense University of Madrid that facilitates academic exchange and provides a supportive environment for visiting scholars. This demonstrates the value of international partnerships in fostering research and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Trends in Business and Economic History
San Román’s work exemplifies several key trends in business and economic history:
- The Rise of Institutional History: Focusing on the role of institutions like business schools in shaping economic development.
- Globalization and Transnational Connections: Examining the historical roots of globalization and the interconnectedness of national economies.
- The Importance of Primary Sources: Utilizing archival materials to reconstruct historical events and challenge conventional narratives.
- Collaborative Research: Recognizing the value of teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches.
FAQ
Q: What is the focus of Elena San Román’s research?
A: Her research centers on the historical relationship between the IESE Business School in Madrid and Harvard University, particularly the factors surrounding IESE’s founding.
Q: What is the Thomas K. McCraw Fellowship?
A: It’s a competitive fellowship awarded by Harvard University to support research in business history.
Q: Why is the historical connection between IESE and Harvard significant?
A: It reveals the role of U.S. Institutions in promoting modernization and liberalization in Spain during the Cold War.
Pro Tip
When conducting historical research, always prioritize primary sources like letters, documents, and archival materials. These sources offer firsthand accounts and can provide valuable insights that secondary sources may miss.
Did you know? Thomas K. McCraw was a Pulitzer Prize winner for his book Consuming Power: How Our Energy Choices Shape Our World.
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