In memory of Jan Johanson

​Professor Emeritus Jan Johanson has passed away at the age of 90. Our thoughts go to his five children and their families. Professor Johanson’s passing marks the last link to the very early period of the Department of Business Studies at Uppsala University, which he started with Professor Sune Carlson in 1958.
 

In the academic world, it is a rarity that a licentiate thesis leaves a deep mark on future research. Jan's thesis set in the Swedish quality steel sector in the era from 1966 is one staggeringly brilliant exception. Through its discovery that the market for steel did not function as conventional economic theory stipulated, the thesis became the starting point for the department's successful research on industrial networks and firms’ internationalization. Jan became an obvious central figure in the research into the functioning of markets and international business, which gradually gave Uppsala an internationally leading position in these areas.
 
Fame was achieved even though Jan very sparingly participated in international research conferences. He was a constant source of new approaches and made others feel that research is not only important, but could also be fun. Jan, as a mentor, researcher, and friend, was simply integral to the work that led to international reputation, and which subsequently shaped the “Uppsala School". With his thoughtful manner, soft appearance, and wisdom, he inspired those around him. He worked hard and long hours, but without apparent effort. Despite his unassuming nature, he possessed a strange power to drive research forward by posing stimulating questions rather than delivering directives. The evening walk with the dogs meant that he read our works in the light of the streetlamp. Jan was simply a star. That star has now gone out and made the sky a little darker along our days. A small consolation is that the legacy of his work will inspire generations of researchers for a long time to come.
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~ Ulf Andersson