Jason Owen-Smith

Jason Owen-Smith is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan, with affiliations in the Organizational Studies Program. Since 2002, he has explored intersections between science, commerce, and law through research on high-technology industries, academic science commercialization, and stem cell research politics.

• Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Arizona (2000)
• M.A. in Sociology from the University of Arizona
• B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from New College of Florida

His research investigates how organizations and networks drive innovation while maintaining institutional stability. Publications span American Journal of Sociology, Nature Biotechnology, and Research Policy, focusing on:

• Network dynamics and technological change
• Commercialization of academic research
• Science policy and intellectual property
• Regional economic development in biotech
• Healthcare delivery and physician collaboration
• STEM workforce economics

Recent work emphasizes AI's economic impact, data infrastructure for science policy, and network analysis in healthcare. His publications reveal interdisciplinary engagement with computer science, economics, and clinical studies.

• National Science Foundation CAREER Award
• Henry Russel Award for mid-career scholarship and teaching
• Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship in Biotechnology Studies

As Interim Director of the Organizational Studies Program (2010–present) and Barger Leadership Institute affiliate, he bridges sociological theory with practical leadership frameworks. Office: Weiser Hall, Suite 800 | Contact: jdos@umich.edu