Fiona E. Murray

Dr. Fiona E. Murray is driving progress in the realm of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As the Associate Dean of Innovation and Inclusion at the MIT School of Management, she holds the prestigious William Porter Professorship of Entrepreneurship. Her role as the codirector of MIT’s Innovation Initiative and Faculty Director of the MIT Legatum Center for Entrepreneurship and Development underscores her commitment to fostering an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish. Dr. Murray is renowned for her expertise in transforming investments in science and technology into deep-tech start-up ventures. Her work is pivotal in addressing significant global challenges and creating national advantages across diverse sectors, including defense, security, health, food, and water security. Her insights into the strategic management of innovation ecosystems have made her an international policy expert, sought after for her ability to navigate the complex landscape of science and technology investments. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with large public and private sector organizations to ensure their strategic goals are in harmony with external innovation ecosystems. Dr. Murray places a strong emphasis on leveraging the potential of universities, start-ups, and risk capital to drive forward-thinking solutions. Her efforts have been instrumental in aligning these entities to foster a culture of innovation that is both inclusive and impactful. In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Murray is deeply involved in academic research, focusing on the dynamics of entrepreneurship and strategic management. Her research interests lie at the intersection of innovation and investment, where she explores how these elements can be harnessed to create sustainable and scalable business models. Her scholarly work has contributed significantly to the understanding of how deep-tech ventures can be nurtured from inception to market success. Dr. Murray's influence extends beyond academia, as she actively engages with policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of innovation policy. Her insights have been instrumental in guiding the development of frameworks that support the growth of start-ups and the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem is evident in her efforts to ensure that diverse voices are represented in the entrepreneurial landscape. Through her leadership and vision, Dr. Fiona E. Murray continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Her work not only advances the frontiers of knowledge but also has a tangible impact on society by addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Her commitment to innovation and inclusion serves as a beacon for those seeking to make a difference in the world through entrepreneurship and strategic management.