Susan Cohen

Susan Cohen is a Professor of Management at the University of Richmond's Robins School of Business, specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and corporate strategy. Her research examines disruptive innovation, venture finance, and the efficacy of startup accelerators in new venture development.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2013)
• MBA in Entrepreneurship, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (1997)
• BA in Mathematics, University of Michigan

Professor Cohen's research explores how entrepreneurs navigate technological transitions and design effective accelerator programs. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks in organizational theory with practical applications in venture creation, emphasizing cognitive processes in strategic decision-making and the role of structured support systems in mitigating bounded rationality.

Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent focus on entrepreneurial ecosystems, with recent work highlighting the interplay between advice networks and experimental validation in strategy formation. Her studies on accelerator design demonstrate how program structures influence venture outcomes through cognitive and resource-based mechanisms.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through:

• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Knowledge Challenge Grant (2022)
• University of Georgia Innovation Seed Grant (2021)
• Kauffman Junior Faculty Fellowship (2018)
• Robins School MBA Professor of the Year (2016)
• Academy of Management Best Paper Award (2014)

As Associate Editor of Strategic Management Journal (2024-present), Professor Cohen shapes scholarly discourse in her field. Her research has secured multiple Kauffman Foundation grants examining innovation policy and accelerator efficacy, while her service includes elected leadership roles in the Academy of Management and Strategic Management Society. Her TEDxATL presentation and media features demonstrate commitment to translating academic insights into practical entrepreneurial guidance.