April 8, 2:00 p.m. EDT
Free
Two of the more influential and most deserving American academic researchers in university innovation policy are being recognized this year for their decades of contributions by a prestigious global award. SSTI is excited to host this special conversation with both recipients, names known well by many, to remind us all and to help make more of the TBED community aware of their important work.
SSTI is pleased to host Albert N. Link and Donald S. Siegel, recipients of the 2026 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research, for a discussion of their work on technology transfer and innovative entrepreneurship.
Over several decades, Link and Siegel have helped shape how people think about the role of universities in economic development. Their work has focused on how research institutions move ideas into the marketplace and why some universities are more effective than others at doing so.
One of their central findings is that research funding alone does not determine success. Instead, institutional practices—such as faculty incentive structures and support for engagement with industry—play an important role in whether research leads to new products and companies. Their work also highlights challenges in university–industry collaboration, including differences in timelines, expectations, and organizational culture.
As states and regions continue to invest in innovation capacity through research parks, incubators, and commercialization programs, questions about effectiveness and return on investment remain. Link and Siegel’s research offers a framework for thinking about how these efforts can be structured to produce more consistent results.
This webinar will be of interest to economic development practitioners, university leaders, and others involved in designing and managing innovation-focused initiatives.
Register: here