About Allen
Professor Li's research focuses on digital platforms, digital transformation, and AI strategy. Digitization has profoundly reshaped the economy—it has created new distribution channels, reorganized supply chains, and transformed how businesses reach and serve their customers. Professor Li's research seeks to improve the value creation process through the design of digital strategy.
Professor Li teaches OTM702 Digital Strategy and GENBUS760 Data Technology in the Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA, and Executive MBA programs. Professor Li earned his M.S. in Economics (2014) and Ph.D. in Information, Risk, and Operations Management (2015) from the University of Texas at Austin. He also received a B.S. in Computer Science.
Selected Published Journal Articles
He, C. & Li, Z. (2025). From Food Deserts to Fresh Food: The Role of Digital Accessibility in Nutrition Assistance Programs Management Science
Li, Z. & Wang, G. (2025). On-Demand Delivery Platforms and Restaurant Sales Management Science
Li, Z. & Wang, G. (2025). Regulating Powerful Platforms: Evidence from Commission Fee Caps Information Systems Research
Mayya, R. & Li, Z. (2025). Growing Platforms by Adding Complementors without A Contract Information Systems Research
Wang, N. & Li, Z. (2025). Channel Structures for a Dual-Purpose Firm: Direct, Retail, or Hybrid? Production and Operations Management
Song, Y. & Li, Z. & Sahoo, N. (2022). Matching Returning Donors to Projects on Philanthropic Crowdfunding Platforms Management Science
Wang, N. & Li, Z. (2021). Supplier Encroachment with a Dual-Purpose Retailer Production and Operations Management
Li, Z. & Wang, H. & Wang, G. (2021). Peer Effects in Competitive Environments: Field Experiments on Information Provision and Interventions MIS Quarterly
Li, Z. & Duan, J. & Ransbotham, S. (2020). Coordination and Dynamic Promotion Strategies in Crowdfunding with Network Externalities Production and Operations Management
Li, Z. & Agarwal, A. (2017). Platform Integration and Demand Spillovers in Complementary Markets: Evidence from Facebook’s Integration of Instagram Management Science
Li, Z. & Gilbert, S. & Lai, G. (2015). Supplier Encroachment as an Enhancement or a Hindrance to Nonlinear Pricing Production and Operations Management
Li, Z. & Gilbert, S. & Lai, G. (2014). Supplier Encroachment under Asymmetric Information Management Science
Graduate Courses
Reading and Research-Operations and Information Management PhD (OTM 999), Spring 2024.
PhD seminar for students in the Wisconsin School of Business
Data Technology for Business Analytics (BUS 760), Spring 2024.
Full-Time MBA
Digital Strategy (OTM 702), Spring 2024.
Full-Time MBA
Digital Strategy (OTM 702), Spring 2024.
Professional MBA
Editorial and Reviewing Activities
Information Systems Research – Since January 2026
Associate Editor
Decision Sciences – Since January 2026
Department Editor (Disruptive Technology Area)
Information Systems Research – January 2024 – December 2025
Editorial Board Member
Management Science – Since January 2022
Guest Associate Editor
WSB Stories
- New WSB Study Finds Online SNAP Access Improves Diet Quality Nationwide - August 18, 2025
- Building Better Platforms with Allen Li - November 14, 2023
- The New Minds of Business: Incoming WSB Faculty Address Industry and Society’s Big Questions - September 6, 2022
WSB Stories
New WSB Study Finds Online SNAP Access Improves Diet Quality Nationwide
Building Better Platforms with Allen Li
The New Minds of Business: Incoming WSB Faculty Address Industry and Society’s Big Questions
Meet More Operations and Information Management Faculty
Jinan Lin
Samer Khasawneh
Peter B Lukszys
