Professor David Audretsch is a preeminent scholar in economic development and innovation policy, currently serving as Distinguished Professor and Ameritech Chair of Economic Development at Indiana University Bloomington. He directs the Institute for Development Strategies within the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where his leadership has established a world-class research center focused on entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic growth. Dr. Audretsch earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1980, following undergraduate studies at Drew University and a master's degree in economics. His distinguished international career includes significant appointments as Director of the Entrepreneurship, Growth and Public Policy Group at the Max Planck Institute for Research into Economic Systems in Jena, Germany from 2003 to 2009, and earlier service as research professor and acting director at the WZB in Berlin from 1984 to 1997.
Professor Audretsch's seminal research has fundamentally reshaped understanding of the critical relationships between entrepreneurship, government policy, innovation, and economic development across global contexts. With over 100 scholarly publications appearing in premier journals including the American Economic Review, European Economic Review, and Review of Economics and Statistics, his work has established foundational frameworks for analyzing how entrepreneurial ecosystems drive regional competitiveness. His influential books, such as The Seven Secrets of Germany and Everything in its Place: Entrepreneurship and The Strategic Management of Cities, Regions and States, have provided critical insights into national innovation systems and strategic economic development planning. This extensive scholarly output has earned him recognition as the 21st Most-Cited Scholar in Economics and Business during the period from January 1996 to June 2006, reflecting the profound impact of his contributions on academic discourse and policy formulation worldwide.
Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Audretsch serves as a trusted advisor to major international institutions including the United Nations, World Bank, OECD, EU Commission, and U.S. State Department, translating scholarly insights into practical policy applications that shape economic development strategies globally. His exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous honors including honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Augsburg, Jonköping University, and University of Siegen, as well as being named the Eighth Most Prominent Economist in Germany's influential Handelsblatt Economic Ranking in 2009. In 2021, he received the prestigious Clarivate Citation Laureate designation, placing him among researchers considered to be of Nobel class. As he continues his work at Indiana University, Professor Audretsch remains at the forefront of research examining how entrepreneurship and innovation policy can address contemporary economic challenges, ensuring his enduring influence on both academic scholarship and real-world economic development practices across the globe.
