Winners of annual research award: Success lies in team players

A small team can achieve great results – with the right researchers onboard. That is the formula for the CBS research group ‘Money in Politics’ at CBS.

24/01/2025

A group of 11 researchers with an unconventional hiring strategy, delivering unique research results and hosting the largest global conference in their field is also the recipient of the annual research award at CBS presented in collaboration with the Danish Society for Education and Business (DSEB).

“Clearly, this is a huge recognition. This award is usually given to an individual, but we have received it as a team, which perfectly aligns with our values and strategy: being a team,” says Mogens Kamp Justesen, Professor and head of the research group (photo).

At foreign universities, I saw how collaboration energised research groups.

Mogens Kamp Justesen, Professor

The ‘Money in Politics’ group investigates the interplay between politics and businesses. How do companies influence politicians and vice versa? What are the consequences? Some of their projects focus on topics such as lobbying, corruption and the ‘revolving-door effect’ where politicians take on corporate roles or business leaders step into political careers.

Lobbying in Denmark is no longer reserved for large interest groups. In recent years, the public affairs sector has grown rapidly. On a European scale, Tesla billionaire Elon Musk have entered political debates in the UK, Germany and Italy, raising questions about Musk's potential financial backing for political parties. 

But back to Mogens Kamp Justesen and being part of a team.

In search of a special team energy

In 2018-2019, he launched his own research group and set a strategy with his head of department to cultivate a new research field between political science and business. They also had specific requirements for new members of the group.

Their exceptional talent must match the new research area and in the words of Mogens Kamp Justesen, “they also need to possess social qualities and professional competences that foster teamwork.”
“I was looking for researchers who excel academically and as team players. At foreign universities, I saw how collaboration energised research groups. That energy was what I wanted to create,” he explains and elaborates:

“You can build an environment where everyone works individually in their offices, publishing articles in renowned journals. However, I wanted to assemble a team that complements and inspires each other – one that assumes critical mass despite only 11 members. Collaboration with peers from other institutions was also a priority.”

A thorough recruitment process

This goal calls for thorough recruitment, so the 3-5 most interesting applicants are invited to spend an entire day with the group, participating in academic seminars, lunch discussions and individual interviews with group members. Then comes a more formal interview with the appointment committee and dinner with the group.

’As the day went on, I realised this was where I wanted to be.

Benjamin Carl Krag Egerod, Assistant Professor

One of the group members is Assistant Professor Benjamin Carl Krag Egerod, and he still remember spending an entire day at CBS to see if this was the right match. 

“During the seminar, I presented on corporate political connections in the US and how they can be used for reducing tax burdens. It was intense spending so many hours with new people, but as the day went on, I realised this was where I wanted to be,” says Benjamin Carl Krag Egerod, who is also involved in hiring others.

“We do not directly ask candidates if they are social, but we ask them to consider the importance of teamwork. The process is highly transparent, with input from group members that informs the hiring decision,” he explains.

Focusing on early-career researchers

The team comprises early-career researchers from countries like Germany, South Korea, USA and Denmark. 

“Targeting younger candidates is completely intentional, partly because we offer tenure-track positions; a six-year contract that appeals to this group. In addition, they often bring fresh ideas and are open to collaboration,” says Mogens Kamp Justesen.

The group’s results include six publications in the Journal of Politics in 2023-2024 and numerous articles in other international journals. They have also secured external funding from bodies like the Independent Research Fund Denmark, Marie Curie, the Carlsberg Foundation and grants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“In fact, every researcher above postdoc level has secured external funding, which reflects the academic level here and our collaborative work culture,” says Mogens Kamp Justesen.

Popular conference

Early-career top researchers are also the primary target group of the annual ‘Money in Politics’ conference, which has been held at CBS since 2022.  

Aimed at fostering research collaboration across economics, political science and leadership, the event attracts top researchers from Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and London School of Economics. Last year, Princeton University offered financial support and became a co-organiser. 

“This endorsement is a badge of honour. Being part of such a dynamic and recognised environment creates a self-feeding effect, making it easier to attract talented colleagues,” adds Benjamin Carl Krag Egerod.

The DSEB Research Award was presented to the group at CBS’ New Year’s reception on 16 January.

 

Contakt:

Mogens Kamp Justesen, Professor mkj.egb@cbs.dk

Kent Kristensen, Journalist, kkslk@cbs.dk

Sidst opdateret: Sekretariat for Ledelse og Kommunikation // 24/01/2025