Steven Samford

Steven Samford is an Associate Professor of Organizational Studies at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). His research focuses on the political economy of development, particularly examining how interactions between state bureaucracies and businesses influence technology development and diffusion in the developing world. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico and a BA from Reed College. Prior to joining U-M, he was a research fellow at the University of Toronto and University of Notre Dame.

His work spans topics such as innovation agencies, regulatory policies, foreign direct investment impacts, and network analysis. Recent publications explore decentralization in Mexico, enclave formation, and public strategies for remedying network failures. He has collaborated with institutions like the Government of Jalisco (Mexico) and the Inter-American Development Bank on policy projects.

Samford’s research has appeared in leading journals including the American Journal of Sociology, Review of International Political Economy, and Politics & Society. His office is located in Weiser Hall, 830, and he can be reached at ssamford@umich.edu.