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Innovative ideas for an entrepreneurial university: Zahra inspires!
The University of Dortmund presents itself as a pioneer in promoting entrepreneurial thinking and strategic research under the leadership of Prof. A. Zahra.
Innovative ideas for an entrepreneurial university: Zahra inspires!
On April 10, 2025, Shaker A. Zahra, a distinguished professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, was awarded an honorary doctorate. Zahra has established herself as one of the most important voices in the field of entrepreneurship and strategic management. He holds the Robert E. Buuck Chair in Entrepreneurship, which allows him to apply his extensive research and teaching in a dynamic environment.
Zahra is considered one of the most cited scientists in his discipline and received the “Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research” in 2014 for his remarkable work. His research deals intensively with how people think and act within existing companies, with a particular focus on their dynamic capabilities. The professor combines strategic and entrepreneurial perspectives, and his work also takes international, social and sustainable aspects into account.
Commitment to science and education
During his career, Zahra has promoted the engagement of young scientists and advocated for knowledge transfer, particularly in the context of digital transformation. At a keynote speech, he presented the key findings that are necessary to establish an entrepreneurial university ecosystem. Zahra identified key strategies for an “entrepreneurial university,” including a clear strategic direction and a strong commitment to sustainability.
He emphasized the need for close collaboration with industry, the integration of teaching, research and knowledge transfer, and the creation of a culture that promotes innovation. Zahra has successfully inspired numerous economists around the world, and the Department of Economics at the University of Minnesota has undoubtedly benefited from his expertise.
Zahra began his academic career in the USA in the early 1980s and previously worked at Babson College and Georgia State University. He has also held visiting professorships at various universities in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including a chair in International Entrepreneurship at the University of Twente in the Netherlands.
The Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum and its mission
In addition to Zahra's honor, connections to other relevant organizations such as Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum, to be drawn. This network organization is a leader in the generation and transfer of policy-relevant research in the area of entrepreneurship and small business development. Supported by Vinnova, the Swedish innovation agency, the forum aims to make Sweden a world-leading country in research and innovation.
Vinnova actively promotes sustainable growth by improving conditions for innovation and funding needs-based research. With an annual investment of approximately SEK 2 billion in various initiatives, the agency demonstrates its commitment to promoting collaborations between companies, universities and the public sector. These initiatives reflect the values that are also present in Zahra's approach to creating entrepreneurial universities.
At a time when knowledge transfer between academia and business is becoming increasingly important, the work of innovators and scientists like Zahra and organizations like Vinnova is crucial to paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.