Trending Research Topics for DBA Students Driving Business Innovation

For students who are pursuing a DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) degree, picking the right dissertation topic can make a big difference—not just for academic success, but for career growth too. The best topics are those that respond to real business challenges with practical solutions and open doors to innovation and smarter decision-making. This article explores the latest DBA dissertation topics that are set to define business innovation in 2025 and the years ahead. Along the way, we’ll point out where current research falls short and share ideas on how students can focus their work to make a real impact.

 

1. Digital Transformation and Business Innovation

Digital transformation is a top priority right now for businesses everywhere. Companies are implementing digital solutions not only to increase efficiency in their processes but also to interact with customers in a more meaningful way and remain competitive in the dynamic markets. This offers a great chance for students of the DBA programme to study how digital transformation can drive innovation and growth in a business.

Possible Areas of Research:

• Effect of AI and Machine Learning on Decision-Making in Global Businesses

• Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Optimisation

• Strategies for Digital Transformation in Family Businesses vs. Corporate Businesses

• Determining the ROI of Digital Transformation in Emerging Markets

Research Gap: The majority of studies concentrate on technology itself, but there are few that consider human and cultural aspects that enable transformation to be a success.

Focus Areas:

• Technology adoption challenges

• Employee training and managing change

• Client-focused innovation

 

2. Sustainable Business Practices & Corporate Responsibility

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility, i.e., CSR—these are no longer optional for lasting business success. In fact, organisations are being compelled to adopt environmentally responsible measures that can also improve and scale their brand.

Potential Research Topics:

• Impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Initiatives on Company Performance

• Green Supply Chain Management Practices in MNCs

• CSR Strategies to Increase Employee Engagement and Retention

• Sustainable Innovation – Creating Eco-Friendly Products

Research Gap: Current research work lacks sufficient insights into integrating sustainability into business strategy in a business-as-usual manner instead of as a side project.

Focus Areas:

• Measuring sustainability performance

• Linking CSR to financial results

• Innovation that benefits both environment and society

 

3. Leadership, Organisational Change, and Innovation Management

Innovation isn’t just something that occurs—it's propelled by the kind of leadership a company has. DBA students have the option to research how the range of leadership styles, the culture created, and the style of change management will either enhance or inhibit innovation. 

Possible Research Topics:

• Transformational Leadership and Innovation in Remote Working Environments

• Change Management in Post-Merger Integration Strategies

• The Role of Employee Engagement in Innovation Generation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

• Intercultural Leadership and Global Innovation Teams

Research Gap: There are various research works that exist on leadership. However, not all of them specifically focus on adaptive leadership within digital markets where change occurs rapidly. 

Focus Areas:

• Leadership development programmes

• Organisational agility

• Building a culture of innovation

 

4. Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Business Strategy

Businesses are increasingly using data analytics and AI, not only for crunching numbers but also to identify more intelligent approaches to decision-making and remaining competitive in the market. For DBA students, this represents an opportunity for vibrant research avenues that explore how these technologies are changing the ways organisations make decisions, plan, and innovate.

Potential Research Topics:

• Predictive Analytics for Customer Retention in Retail and E-Commerce

• AI-Driven Decision Making in Financial Services

• Big Data and Strategic Planning in Emerging Markets

• Ethical AI Implementation for Business Sustainability

Research Gap: Research often focuses on technology adoption but not enough on aligning AI with overall business strategy.

Focus Areas:

• Data governance and ethics

• ROI from AI projects

• Integrating AI into core business processes

 

5. Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Startups

Startups are a hub of business innovation. Students undergoing a DBA degree can look into how new businesses use innovative models, technology, and strategies to scale their businesses quickly.

Potential Research Topics:

• Role of Digital Marketing in Startup Growth and Sustainability

• Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs in Developing Economies

• Funding Strategies and Innovation Performance in Startups

• Impact of Social Entrepreneurship on Local Communities

Research Gap: Many studies focus on large companies, leaving startups and SMEs less explored.

Focus Areas:

• Market adaptation strategies

• Lean innovation methods

• Entrepreneurial leadership

 

6. Global Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage

Today, with globalisation, there is stiffer competition and more complex strategies than ever. DBA students can learn how companies remain competitive globally.

Possible Research Topics:

• Entering Emerging Markets Strategies

• Cross-Border Mergers and Innovation

• Global Brand Positioning and Customer Loyalty

• Digital Platforms as Tools for Global Competitive Advantage

Research Gap: Most studies neglect ways digital tools can enable global strategy.

Focus Areas:

• Market entry strategies

• Applying digital tools for competitive intelligence

• Innovation in international supply chains

 

7. Customer Experience, Marketing Innovation, and Digital Engagement

Customer-focused innovation is essential for businesses to thrive. DBA candidates who are about to begin their research work have the opportunity of exploring how digital technologies are improving customer experiences and customer engagement.

Possible Research Topics:

• Personalisation Strategies in Digital Marketing

• Omnichannel Customer Experience and Brand Loyalty

• Role of Social Media Analytics in Marketing Innovation

• AI-Powered Chatbots and Customer Service Excellence

Research Gap: Most studies fail to link customer experience innovations to quantifiable business outcomes.

Focus Areas:

• Measuring customer experience

• Digital engagement strategies

• ROI of marketing innovation

 

8. Technology Adoption, Digital Platforms, and E-Commerce

Digital platforms and e-commerce are revolutionising business globally. DBA students can learn how firms embrace technology to innovate and expand. 

Potential Research Topics:

• Factors Affecting E-Commerce Adoption in Developing Nations

• Mobile Platforms and Online Consumer Behaviour

• Technology-Driven Supply Chain Innovation

• Blockchain for Safe and Transparent Online Transactions

Research Gap: There is a need for more research on sustainable technology adoption where cost, efficiency, and user experience are optimised.

Focus Areas:

• Digital platform strategy

• Consumer adoption behaviour

• Measuring technology ROI

 

9. Human Resource Management, Talent Development, and Innovation Culture

Innovation happens through people. DBA students may investigate how companies acquire, retain, and develop talent and create a culture of sustained innovation.

Possible Research Topics:

• Effect of Employee Training on Innovation Performance

• Remote Work and Strategies to Retain Talent

• Leadership Development for Innovation-Focused Organisations

• HR Analytics for Strategic Workforce Planning

Research Gap: There is limited research connecting HR practices to measurable innovation results directly.

Focus Areas:

• Innovation engagement by employees

• Learning and development approaches

• Measuring innovation performance

 

10. Risk Management, Crisis Leadership, and Business Resilience

Risk management and being resilient are now crucial in today's uncertain business landscape. Emerging doctoral-level business researchers can research crisis management and business continuity strategies.

Possible Research Topics:

• Organisational Resilience Strategies in Post-Pandemic Business Communities

• Risk Management and Innovation in Financial Organisations

• Crisis Leadership and Decision-Making in Multinational Corporations

• Digital Technologies for Business Continuity Planning

Gap in the Literature: Research has mainly been on avoiding risks rather than utilising crises as opportunities for innovation.

Focus Areas:

• Risk assessment paradigms

• Crisis communication plans

• Innovation-based resilience planning

 

11. Cross-Industry Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

Collaborating across industries can bring in fresh ideas. DBA students can investigate how companies transfer knowledge and enhance products and processes.

Potential Research Topics:

• Knowledge Transfer Between Tech and Healthcare Sectors

• Cross-Industry Collaboration Models

• Adapting Best Practices Across Industries

• Measuring Innovation Outcomes from Knowledge Sharing

Research Gap: Relatively few studies examine systematic adoption of cross-industry ideas and their effects.

Focus Areas:

• Industry collaboration networks

• Innovation diffusion

• Organisational learning systems

 

12. FinTech, Digital Banking, and Financial Innovation

With FinTech and online banking, the financial horizon is expanding quite fast. DBA students can undertake research to examine how innovations are changing finance and decision-making.

Research Topics:

• Adoption of Mobile Banking and Digital Wallets

• Blockchain for Safe Financial Transactions

• FinTech Collaborations Redesigning Traditional Banking

• AI in Risk Management and Fraud Detection

Gap in Research: Technology rather than business strategy or quantifiable impact is what most research concentrates on.

Focus Areas:

• Obstacles to FinTech adoption

• Customer confidence

• ROI from financial innovations

 

13. Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

Circular economy approaches help companies reduce waste and use resources efficiently. Doctoral researchers in business can explore business models that make this practical.

Potential Research Topics:

• Circular Supply Chains in Manufacturing

• Recycling and Reuse Impact on Corporate Sustainability

• Business Models Supporting Circular Economy Adoption

• Regulatory Impacts on Circular Economy Implementation

Research Gap: Few studies connect circular economy practices to measurable innovation.

Focus Areas:

• Resource efficiency

• Sustainability-driven innovation

• Policy alignment

 

14. Healthcare Management and Digital Health Innovation

Technologies are revolutionising healthcare. The doctoral-level business researchers can learn about innovations that enhance patient outcomes and optimise operations.

Potential Research Topics:

• Adoption of Telemedicine and Patient Engagement

• AI in Predictive Healthcare Management

• Digital Tools for Hospital Resource Maximisation

• Healthcare Startups Promoting Innovation

Research Gap: There are few studies on connecting technology adoption with strategic innovation in healthcare.

Focus Areas:

• Patient-centric innovation

• Process optimisation

• Digital strategy alignment

 

15. Behavioural Economics and Consumer Decision-Making

Understanding how consumers make decisions helps businesses innovate. Doctoral candidates in management studies can explore how behavioural economics influences purchases and engagement.

Potential Research Topics:

• Nudging Strategies for Sustainable Choices

• Behavioural Insights in E-Commerce Marketing

• Cognitive Biases in Financial Decisions

• Gamification to Influence Behaviour

Research Gap: There’s limited research on applying behavioural economics to digital marketing innovation.

Focus Areas:

Consumer psychology

Behavioural strategies

Measuring impact on business performance

 

16. Smart Cities and Urban Business Innovation

Smart cities provide scope for new business ideas and services. Future DBA scholars can examine how policies and technology influence urban business ecosystems.

Possible Research Topics:

• Business Opportunities in Smart Infrastructure

• IoT-Enabled Services in Cities

• Public-Private Partnerships for Urban Innovation

• Sustainable Urban Business Models

Research Gap: Limited research connects urban policy to quantifiable business innovation.

Focus Areas:

• IoT integration

• Smart city policies

• Innovation-driven urban entrepreneurship

 

17. Cybersecurity Management and Business Continuity

Securing digital assets is paramount. Doctoral students interested in this domain may research ways to improve security and enable businesses to survive during crises.

Research Topics:

• Cybersecurity Frameworks for SMEs

• AI-Driven Threat Detection

• Cybersecurity Embedded in Digital Transformation

• Employee Awareness Programmes to Mitigate Risk

Research Gap: Most research targets technical solutions, not business results.

Focus Areas:

• Cyber risk assessment

• Strategic integration of cybersecurity

• Innovation in security practices

 

18. Green Finance and Sustainable Investment

Green finance funds activities that are sustainable for the world and business. DBA students can learn how to fund approaches that foster sustainable innovation.

Research Topics:

• Financing Circular Economy Projects

• Impact of Green Bonds on Corporate Sustainability

• Investment Strategies for Eco-Friendly Innovation

• Regulatory Incentives for Green Business Financing

Research Gap: There are few studies on financial tools facilitating sustainable innovation.

Focus Areas:

• Investment metrics

• Policy alignment

• Funding innovation-led projects

 

19. Remote Work, Digital Collaboration, and Organisational Performance

Remote work has modified how companies do business. DBA researchers can consider its impact on teamwork, productivity, and innovation.

Potential Research Topics:

• Digital Collaboration Tools and Productivity

• Leadership Strategies for Remote Teams

• Remote Work Impact on Innovation

• Cybersecurity in Distributed Work Environments

Research Gap: Little research links remote work directly to innovation outcomes.

Focus Areas:

• Productivity measurement

• Team engagement

• Digital collaboration effectiveness

 

20. Emotional Intelligence and Organisational Innovation

Emotional intelligence (EI) isn't just about interpersonal skills – EI also influences how leaders guide their people, how peers work together, and how new ideas are developed. The DBA students may explore the link between EI and creativity, or EI as a way for businesses to remain flexible and agile during rapidly changing times.

Potential Research Topics:

• EI in Innovation Leadership

• EI Training Programmes for Employee Creativity

• Cross-Cultural EI Influence on Global Teams

• EI as a Predictor of Organisational Agility

Gap in the Research: There are very few studies linking EI to measurable innovation outcomes.

Focus Areas:

• Leadership development

• Creating creativity

• Innovation performance metrics

 

Read Also: How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

Read Also: Looking to Level Up? Why a DBA is Beneficial For Career Advancement

 

Conclusion

Selecting a good DBA dissertation topic is all about harmonising your career aspirations with actual business problems. Digital transformation, sustainability, leadership, AI, startups, global strategy, customer experience, technology adoption, HR management, and risk management are some of the topics that provide wonderful opportunities to develop substantial research.

By investigating gaps in existing research, DBA students have the potential to deliver work that not only contributes to knowledge but also creates actual business innovation. Each of these topics is relevant internationally, feasible to research, and intended to enable students to contribute to business innovation and strategy.