SME Assembly 2023 — Meet This Year’s Schumpeter Lecturer, Professor Saras Sarasvathy

Every year at the SME Assembly, a leading figure in entrepreneurship delivers our Schumpeter ‘Innovation in Enterprise’ lecture. This year, it will be Professor Saras Sarasvathy who will take the stage at the prestigious event, taking place from 13 to 15 November 2023 in Bilbao. Professor Saras Sarasvathy is a remarkable scholar, entrepreneur, and advocate for entrepreneurship as a method for building strong socio-economic communities. Her influence in the field of entrepreneurship education and research is extensive, and her presence at the SME Assembly promises to be enlightening and inspiring.

Professor Saras Sarasvathy holds the Paul Hammaker Professorship at the University of Virginia's Darden Business School, where she has become a leading scholar on the cognitive basis for high-performance entrepreneurship. Her journey into the world of entrepreneurship is unique and inspiring, having founded and successfully run five different ventures.

However, her entrepreneurial pursuits are only part of her remarkable story. Sarasvathy's contributions extend well beyond her business endeavours. She has served as an advisor to entrepreneurship programmes in Europe, Asia, and Africa, demonstrating her global impact in fostering entrepreneurship education and research.

One of her most significant contributions to the field of entrepreneurship is her work with Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon. Together, they delved deep into the world of entrepreneurship to discover the effectual elements that define entrepreneurial expertise. This ground-breaking research, explained in her influential book 'Effectuation,' has inspired new research, education, and policy initiatives worldwide.

Honours and Recognition

Professor Saras Sarasvathy's contributions to entrepreneurship have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and honours, underlining her significance in the field. Some of her notable accolades include:

• 2022 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research: Recognised for her impactful research that advances our understanding of entrepreneurship.
• 2019 Legacy Award from Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centres: Acknowledging her lasting influence and legacy in entrepreneurship education.
• 2017 Foundational Paper Award from the Academy of Management: Her work has played a foundational role in shaping the academic discourse on entrepreneurship.
• Fortune Small Business magazine's top 18 entrepreneurship professors: Highlighting her status as a leading educator in entrepreneurship.

Promoting Entrepreneurship for All

One of Professor Saras Sarasvathy's most passionate advocacies is the belief that entrepreneurship is not solely the domain of potential business founders. She firmly believes that entrepreneurship should be taught to everyone, just like we teach science to all, not just to potential scientists. Her vision is to empower society with the skills of effectual action, enabling the creation of enduring and robust socio-economic communities built on a thriving middle class of businesses, not just start-ups and unicorns.

In her view, entrepreneurship is a method that transcends the business world. It equips individuals with a mind-set and skill set that can be applied in various aspects of life, from problem-solving to decision-making. This broader approach to entrepreneurship education and advocacy aligns with the European Commission's mission to promote entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and societal development.

Join Us at the SME Assembly 2023

We are thrilled to have Professor Saras Sarasvathy as the Schumpeter Lecturer at the SME Assembly 2023. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and advocacy for effectual entrepreneurship promises to inspire and educate attendees at this prestigious event. Her vision of entrepreneurship as a method for all holds the promise of creating a more entrepreneurial and resilient society.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear Professor Sarasvathy and engage in thought-provoking discussions on entrepreneurship at the SME Assembly 2023 in Bilbao from 13th to 15th November. This is a unique chance to gain insights from a distinguished scholar and entrepreneur who is shaping the future of entrepreneurship education and practice. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay updated, visit the Promoting Enterprise News Portal and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Check the Promoting Enterprise app and explore the exciting features!

Promoting Enterprise App