About
I primarily study entrepreneurship and innovation. Much of my research has focused on how and why regions differ in the rates at which they produce new ideas and companies. Another set of projects examines how those inventions and startups influence the economies of the regions that they call home. In exploring these economic effects, I have been particularly interested in who benefits from startups. Do startups create jobs? Do they pay well? How does startup employment affect careers? Do startups tend to exacerbate or mitigate economic inequalities?
Awards
- Erling Persson Distinguished Visiting Professor, Stockholm School of Economics, 2021-2
- Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research, 2018
- Doctor Mercaturae Honoris Causa, Aalborg University, 2014
- Mallen Award for Lifetime Contributions to Motion Picture Industry Studies, 2012
Relevant Publications
- Kwon, D., & Sorenson, O. (2023). The Silicon Valley syndrome. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, forthcoming. DOI: 10.1177/10422587211050892
- Sorenson, O., Dahl, M.D., Canales, R., & Burton, M.D. (2021). Do startup employees earn more in the long run? Organization Science, 32(3), 587-604. DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2020.1371
- Samila, S., & Sorenson, O. (2017). Community and capital in entrepreneurship and economic growth. American Sociological Review, 82(4), 770-795. DOI: 10.1177/0003122417711699
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.