Ellis conducts research in International Business and Strategy with tangential interests in Technology and Innovation. His research focuses on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Technology and Knowledge Transfer, SME innovation Strategies, Digital Technology and Development, Fintech and Financial Inclusion, etc. His indepth understanding of the cultural and institutional nuances in developing/emerging economies enables him to engage in related interdisciplinary research. His research outputs show a unique commitment to promoting evidence-based business management and wider policymaking. 

Ellis has publications in journals such as Journal of World Business, British Journal of Management, International Business Review, Journal of Business Research, Technovation, Technological Forecasting and Social Change (TFSC), Information Technology and People, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Thunderbird Internatonal Business Review, Critical Perspectives on International Business, etc. He sits on the editorial board of TFSC and has been involved in strategy development and implementation for SMEs, MNEs and higher education organisations.