AI-Driven Strategic Decision-Making
How heuristics, data and AI tools change the way founders and leaders choose — and how to use them without losing judgment.
I’m Meysam Manesh — professor, researcher and Principal Investigator. I connect rigorous research with practical impact, helping entrepreneurs, organizations and communities make smarter strategic decisions as technology reshapes the world.
I am an Associate Professor of Management specializing in strategic management, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial decision-making.
My research asks how entrepreneurs and organizations decide under uncertainty — with a growing focus on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation and technology-enabled ventures. Using large-scale interview data, computational methods and AI-assisted analysis, I study what separates ventures that succeed, fail and go global.
Earlier, my work centered on renewable-energy entrepreneurship and the international development of solar technologies across the Mediterranean, as part of the EU-funded DIDSOLIT project. I earned my Ph.D. at the Autonomous University of Barcelona with the distinction of Excellent Cum Laude.
Today I lead a nearly $2 million U.S. Department of Commerce initiative to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Fayetteville and the surrounding region — including an AI Academy that helps founders bring artificial intelligence into their ventures and decisions.
Three themes run through my research, teaching and community work.
How heuristics, data and AI tools change the way founders and leaders choose — and how to use them without losing judgment.
Venture creation, internationalization and the support systems — training, capital, networks — that help new businesses thrive.
Eco-entrepreneurship and the commercialization of clean technologies, from renewable energy to emerging markets.
Beyond the classroom, I work with founders, executive teams and institutions who want evidence-based strategy and a clear path to using AI responsibly. Engagements are selective and tailored.
Practical workshops and roadmaps for integrating AI into operations and decision-making.
Frameworks for choosing under uncertainty — market entry, internationalization, growth and pivots.
Building entrepreneurship programs, accelerators and community initiatives backed by grants and measurable outcomes.
Survey design, qualitative analysis and AI-assisted reporting — from employee wellness studies to market research.
Teaching innovation, online engagement and AI in the classroom for universities and corporate academies.
Talks on entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation and the future of strategic decision-making.
Society and Business Review
International Journal of Disclosure and Governance
Journal of International Entrepreneurship
Competitiveness Review
Working paper
Revised & resubmitted
Revised & resubmitted
Data analysis stage
NC Collaboratory — Principal Investigator
USAID — Principal Investigator
City of Fayetteville — Principal Investigator
World Learning (IDEAS) Grant — Principal Investigator
CMCC — Principal Investigator
U.S. Department of State — Principal Investigator
Teaching Strategy and International Business at undergraduate and MBA levels; advising DECA and the Consulting Club; leading funded research and ecosystem initiatives. Promoted to Associate Professor in 2025.
Business Simulation (capstone) and International Business for undergraduate and MBA students.
Directed the Babson Collaborative Program and an innovation & entrepreneurship research group; supervised 10+ master’s theses.
MBA and MSc courses in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial marketing.
International entrepreneurship and renewable-energy commercialization under Prof. Wesley Sine.
Research assistant on the EU-funded DIDSOLIT project; thesis on international renewable-energy entrepreneurship using mixed methods.
Speaking, research collaboration, advisory or a simple hello — I’d be glad to hear from you.