April Franco

April Franco serves as Chair of the Department of Management at the University of Toronto, Scarborough, and holds the position of Professor of Economics and Strategy with a cross appointment to the Economics Analysis and Policy Area at the Rotman School of Management. She is a prominent academic specializing in organizational knowledge dynamics and strategic management.

Education:

• PhD in Economics, University of Rochester, United States
• M.A. in Economics, University of Rochester, United States
• B.A. in Economics/Philosophy, University of California, United States

Professor Franco's research focuses on the transfer, creation and use of knowledge within organizations, with her work on spin-outs considered ground-breaking in the field. Her expertise spans entrepreneurship and innovation, where she examines how new businesses are created and how innovative ideas are transformed into economically viable ventures. She has made significant contributions to understanding how knowledge flows within and between organizations, particularly in the context of spin-out formations and their strategic implications.

Her scholarly work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including:

• Rector's Award for the most innovative paper from Aalborg University in 2011
• Roger Martin and Nancy Lang Award for Excellence in Research in 2010

Professor Franco teaches undergraduate courses in Organizational Strategy, Economics of Management, and Industrial Organization, as well as MBA courses in Strategy. Her teaching integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, helping students develop strategic thinking capabilities for complex business environments.