The Role of the Master’s Thesis in Companies’ Talent Management Strategies

Sammanfattning

In response to accelerating technological change and evolving workforce demands, companies are increasingly adopting non-traditional methods to attract and develop talent. One such approach is the use of master’s thesis collaborations as a strategic element of talent management. This thesis examines how Swedish companies, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors, integrate thesis projects into their talent acquisition and development strategies. Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines a quantitative analysis of 358 master’s theses from KTH’s Department of Industrial Economics and Management (2019–2024) with qualitative insights from twelve semistructured interviews with corporate representatives. The findings indicate that while thesis collaborations are often appreciated for promoting innovation and employer branding, their most consistent and strategic use lies in functioning as a low-risk recruitment channel. Structured thesis programs, especially in sectors like engineering, IT, and consulting, report high job offer rates and use these collaborations to evaluate candidates in real-world settings. The study also explores how ongoing technological shifts, such as AI, electrification, and digitalization, are shaping thesis strategies. In several companies, these changes have prompted a more targeted and skills-focused approach to thesis topics and student selection. However, challenges persist, including limited supervisor capacity, uneven strategic alignment, and a lack of follow-up data. Overall, the results suggest that when implemented thoughtfully, master’s thesis collaborations serve as a mutually beneficial arrangement, helping companies access emerging talent while giving students meaningful, career-relevant experience in return. Keywords Talent Management, Strategic Human R