In First Year, Administrative Sciences’ Entrepreneurship & Technology Symposium Gathers Dozens of International Innovation Leaders
The inaugural Entrepreneurship & Technology Symposium, hosted by Boston University Metropolitan College and the BU MET Department of Administrative Sciences on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, 2023, was an inspired gathering that drew focus on the expansive ecosystem of business and innovation.
With “Exploring New Challenges in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship in Education,” in focus, the symposium featured an impressive retinue of speakers and presenters, including 38 presentations and researchers that represented more than a dozen countries and nearly two dozen research institutions, putting the global nature of the entrepreneurial space in full view.
Whether it was entrepreneurial development, entrepreneurial finance, innovation and technology, artificial intelligence and data analytics, entrepreneurial education, or globalization and marketing, all the subject areas given the spotlight typified the event’s theme, “Unveiling the Invisible.”
In her opening address, Department of Administrative Sciences Chair Irena Vodenska elegantly described the importance of this topic of study. “Innovation is like planting a seed—out of which we hope surprising beauty will come,” she said. “Innovation is a driver of progress and an exciting journey of creating value out of thin air. Without innovation, there could not be entrepreneurship.”
Distinguished Metropolitan College alum and vice chair of the Boston University Board of Trustees Cynthia Cohen delivered the keynote address, which praised the vital role that university-level research plays in the ecosystem of business and innovation. Metropolitan College Dean Tanya Zlateva and event co-chair Dr. Rajagopal also gave remarks.
Dr. Marcus Goncalves, who co-chaired the event with Dr. Rajagopal, gave the closing address, in which he lauded the achievements of those in attendance and called back to Ms. Cohen’s remarks.
“As our guest speaker so well inspired us, the world continues to evolve at greater speed, and as innovators and entrepreneurs, we must continue to charge ahead, asking why and innovating for a better tomorrow,” he said. “As our time together comes to an end, let innovation be our guide and collaboration our compass.
He continued Dr. Vodenska’s metaphor, adding, “May the seeds of yesterday’s and today’s ideas blossom into tomorrow’s successes.”