Shiri Breznitz

Shiri Breznitz is the Roz and Ralph Halbert Professor of Innovation and Director of Research at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. She holds a cross-appointment to the Strategy Area at the Rotman School of Management. Her research focuses on innovation policy, regional economic development, and the role of universities in fostering entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. She serves as an editor for Progress in Economic Geography, a member of Medicine By Design's Executive Leadership Team, and on the Scientific Board of the Journal of Technology Transfer.

Her work bridges theory and policy, addressing global challenges such as biotechnology's economic impact, intellectual property rights, and the role of clusters in innovation. Current projects include studies on university IP policies, Toronto's regenerative medicine cluster, and entrepreneurship education's economic effects. Breznitz has advised policymakers at local, national, and international levels, including roles on Ontario's IP panels and the University of Toronto Alumni Impact Survey.

Her publications span topics like entrepreneurial ecosystems, gender in innovation, and regional innovation systems. She frequently collaborates with global institutions and is a sought-after speaker, recently presenting at events like the Geography of Innovation Winter School in Pavia. Her academic contributions are further enriched through editorial roles and advisory work, ensuring her research informs both scholarly and policy communities.