Business School hosts MIT innovation leader
Professor Dame Fiona Murray, Associate Dean of Innovation at the MIT Sloan School of Management, visited the University of St Andrews Business School last month to share insights on innovation, entrepreneurship and the impact of geopolitics on global supply chains.
Dr Gosia Mitka, Senior Lecturer in the School’s Department of Economics and Vice-Dean for Engagement, Partnerships and Social Responsibility, and Dr Neha Gopinath, Lecturer in the Department of Management, curated the visit together with colleagues from the University’s Global Office, as part of its Senior Global Fellow Scheme.
A globally recognised expert in innovation ecosystems, Professor Murray met with senior leaders across the University, including University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Deputy Principal Professor Brad MacKay and Professor Mark Brewer, Dean of the Business School. The visit formed part of broader discussions on the University’s strategic priorities and the role of entrepreneurship in research, education and policy.
She also took part in a roundtable on strengthening the University’s innovation ecosystem, chaired by Dr Mitka and joined by Vice-Principal Education Professor Clare Peddie, Vice-Principal Research, Collections and Innovation Professor Tom Brown, Chief Executive of St Andrews Innovation Derek Watson, Professor Anna Brattström, Professor of Entrepreneurship, and Dr Gopinath.
In a session with MSc Entrepreneurship students and academic staff, Professor Murray explored how geopolitics and emerging technologies are reshaping innovation. Drawing on her work with the NATO Innovation Fund, she discussed deep tech, dual-use technologies and innovation ecosystems in Ukraine, before hearing and responding to student project pitches.
She later led a seminar on innovation in an era of geopolitics, joined by staff from the Schools of Management, Medicine and Chemistry. The discussion focused on how global supply chains and industrial strategy are creating new challenges and research questions.
Dr Mitka said:
“We were delighted to welcome Professor Murray to the School. Her insight and experience helped us consider new ways to collaborate and create impact.”
Dr Gopinath added:
“This was a rare opportunity for our students to learn directly from a global leader in innovation. Professor Murray brought clarity, depth and genuine curiosity to every conversation. We are very grateful to the University’s Global Office and colleagues for their support in making this valuable event possible.”