Desirée Pacheco

Desirée Pacheco is a full Professor of Entrepreneurship at IESE Business School, University of Navarra. She specializes in the intersection of institutions, entrepreneurship, and business strategy with a focus on sustainable business models. Her research examines how entrepreneurs drive institutional changes through new policies and industry practices, particularly in renewable energy sectors.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Management and Entrepreneurship from University of Colorado
• MS in Environmental Studies from University of Colorado
• BS in Industrial Engineering from University of Puerto Rico

Pacheco's research centers on sustainable entrepreneurship, institutional change, and social movements' impact on emerging industries. She investigates how social movements catalyze renewable energy entrepreneurship by increasing industry legitimacy, expanding markets, and supporting specialist firms. Her work demonstrates that social movements help startups overcome the 'burden of novelty' through education, regulatory advocacy, and consumer outreach.

Her publication portfolio shows consistent output in top-tier journals like Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, and Research Policy, with recent focus on solar energy industry dynamics, women entrepreneurship in Tunisia, and carbon management startups. The research reveals how social movement organizations create ecosystems where socially conscious startups can thrive by transforming operational contexts.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• 2015 Emerging Scholar Award from Organizations and Natural Environment Division of Academy of Management

Prior to academia, Pacheco served as a management and technology consultant with Accenture, working with established companies and startups. She brings over 10 years of teaching experience in entrepreneurship and strategic management, combined with active consulting for more than 50 startups and small businesses. She currently serves on editorial boards of Journal of Management and Journal of Business Venturing, influencing the direction of entrepreneurship research globally.