When an organization has done ground-breaking work over an extended period of time, it is important to reflect and celebrate achievements. It’s equally crucial to ensure a project adapts and evolves to changing dynamics so such impact can continue for years to come.
This is the view of Christian Friedl as it relates to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). A member of the GEM Austria Team since December 2017, Friedl was elected to the GEM / GERA board earlier this year.
“We're entering a new era, marked by the emergence of technologies like big data and AI, and a context that's increasingly dynamic, fragile and uncertain,” Friedl explained. “I want to bring fresh perspectives, sometimes touching ‘untouchables’ and help to make bold decisions so GEM can stay ahead in these transformative times. For example, this could include enhancing the use of GEM data, capitalizing on digitalization and diversifying our partnership portfolio.”
Friedl brings perspective as both a researcher and entrepreneur. Since 2013, he has been an Associate Professor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the FH Joanneum University in the Austrian city of Graz. He also brings a practical view to entrepreneurship through his work in the music industry and as a self-employed professional. This blend of academic insight and real-world experience fueled his enthusiasm for the GEM project.
“GEM's prestige, grounded in years of extensive research and status as the world's most comprehensive entrepreneurship study, caught my attention,” he recalled. “To this foundation, I wanted to add my personal passion and quest for global insights to enrich our collective knowledge base on entrepreneurship. This all supports entrepreneurs and policymakers around the world in enhancing conditions for launching and operating businesses.”
Friedl has seen the power of GEM research first-hand through his work in Austria. The team has underscored the resilience of Austria's entrepreneurial ecosystem amid crises while at the same time pointing out weakness compared to other ecosystems.
“GEM's beauty lies in its ability to pinpoint where improvements are needed,” said Friedl. “The research helps us to identify similar problems in other countries, jointly explore best practices and work together to tackle challenges.”
According to Friedl, GEM's evolution in the coming years is to leverage the vast repository of data. The organization encompasses 25 years of insights based on 170,000+ annual interviews with experts and entrepreneurs across all ages that has resulted in data coming from 120 economies over five continents.
He concluded: “This rich foundation enables nuanced longitudinal analysis and offers untapped potential for utilizing AI to unearth new patterns, and even developing forecasting models to further enhance our understanding of global entrepreneurship dynamics. I eagerly anticipate taking on new challenges and seizing opportunities ahead. GEM can reach even greater levels so it remains the world's leading entrepreneurship study – for the next 25 years and beyond!"