Policymakers are able to leverage GEM research insights to inform actions. Similarly, Ehud Menipaz, a Professor Emeritus of Engineering and Business Administration at Ben-Gurion University, sees opportunities for the GEM-GERA board to take actions based on key insights from GEM research.
The GEM 2024/2025 Global Report highlights several pressing challenges, including a rising fear of failure among aspiring entrepreneurs, stagnant total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rates, and difficulties in scaling new ventures due to underdeveloped entrepreneurial ecosystems in many economies.
To address these challenges, Menipaz believes that the GEM-GERA Board should focus on:
- Reducing the fear of failure among potential entrepreneurs by identifying and addressing its root causes.
- Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems to support business creation and growth in both developed and developing economies.
- Leveraging technological innovation to enable the scaling of new ventures.
“Achieving these objectives requires a dual approach – rigorous academic research coupled with actionable policy recommendations at local, regional, national, and international levels,” he said. “Additionally, collaboration with global corporate leaders, consulting firms, and international organisations will be essential to driving meaningful and lasting change."
Menipaz assumed his role on the GEM-GERA Board during the GEM Annual Meeting in February 2025, marking the fourth time he has served in this capacity. As GEM continues to expand its influence, Menipaz underscores the importance of strong corporate governance practices to ensure its sustainability and success in the years ahead.
"I am honoured to once again serve on the GEM-GERA Board and contribute both academic and financial sponsorship,” he said.
Menipaz brings decades of experience in academia, research, and business leadership. As the Head of GEM Israel, a founding GEM country known for its vibrant startup ecosystem, Menipaz has provided both academic and economic sponsorship to GEM Israel over a quarter of a century and has played a pivotal role in shaping GEM’s global research initiatives.
His impressive career spans multiple academic disciplines, including aeronautical, mechanical, and industrial engineering, as well as business administration. A former Senior Partner and Service Director at Ernst & Young International, an awardee of several national and international and professional academic awards, and a senior member of the National Council of Higher Education he has been a visiting professor at leading universities worldwide and held advisory roles in international organisations such as the OECD, World Bank, and the United Nations.