Professor Jeffrey Sampler: Mapping the Future through Strategy and Technology
Prof. Sampler’s journey from a small town in Texas to HKU Business School is a story of curiosity, strategy, and global experience. He brings a fresh perspective and years of experience from around the world.
He studied computer science, back when computers were just starting to become important in the corporate environment. As the first in his family to attend university, this was a significant achievement. He soon joined IBM, and while working there, he discovered things that might not seem right. This eventually led him to dive deeper into business strategy, which resulted in his completing a part-time MBA from Southern Methodist University in the USA. During then there was a class about Strategic Uses of Technology. And thanks to that class, he realised how technology and strategy worked together, and this inspired him to complete a PhD in Strategy and Management Information Systems.
From there, he went on to work at London Business School and CEIBS, China Europe International Business School. These experiences helped form his expertise on how businesses can better use technology to come out ahead.
He helped large family businesses in Asia and India adjust to fast-changing markets. His method focuses on two key questions: What new opportunities does technology bring? And what existing investments might lose value because of new technology? His work included advising top companies to help them deal with unpredictable changes.
At HKU Business School, he is especially interested in bioinformatics, AI, and chip technology research—important areas that China has targeted for the nation’s future growth. Prof. Sampler believes China’s fast progress, especially in electric vehicles, is a strong example of how the nation has focused on the ability to innovate in a highly competitive environment.
Besides business strategy, Prof. Sampler teaches students the important lesson that success can also disappear very quickly. In today’s fast-changing world, students should stay open to new ideas, build strong connections, and trust their instincts. He reminds them that success today does not mean success tomorrow.
Prof. Sampler believes great ideas come from unexpected conversations and being open to new ways of thinking. He believes his work helps students grow, and this will strengthen the Business School’s leadership in business education.
For more on his thoughts on strategy, technology, and innovation, watch his interview video here.