The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business welcomed leading scholars from around the globe for the 23rd annual Roundtable for Engineering Entrepreneurship Research (REER). This year’s conference honored the legacy of Marie Thursby (1947–2025), a pioneering voice in strategy and innovation research.
Scheller Hosts 23rd Annual Roundtable for Engineering Entrepreneurship Research Conference
The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business hosted the 23rd annual Roundtable for Engineering Entrepreneurship Research, honoring Marie Thursby and convening global scholars to explore innovation at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and AI.
2025 REER Conference attendees gather at the Scheller College of Business
Organized by Alexander Oettl, dean’s distinguished term professor, and his colleagues in the Scheller Strategy and Innovation area, REER convened experts from institutions including Berkeley, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, Wharton, NYU, Columbia, MIT, Toronto and Chicago Booth to explore cutting-edge topics in science-based entrepreneurship, AI-driven innovation, and global research networks. Sessions ranged from “Science, Startups, and the Problem of Value Capture” to “When AI Meets Entrepreneurship: Evidence from the Commercialization of ChatGPT.”
“REER brings together scholars who are passionate about understanding how science and entrepreneurship intersect,” said Oettl. “It’s a unique forum where we can challenge assumptions and share insights that shape the future of innovation.”
This year’s program reflected pressing issues in the field, from university spinouts and market signals to the rising capital intensity of scientific research. Scholars also examined systemic challenges such as patent office delays and the role of global science in sustaining U.S. innovation.
According to Oettl, these themes are more than academic. “Our goal is to advance research that not only contributes to theory but also has real-world impact,” he said. “From AI-driven experimentation to global research dynamics, these discussions inform both policy and practice.”
Reflecting on the conference’s legacy, Oettl added, “REER has always been about building a community of scholars who care deeply about entrepreneurship and technology. Hosting it at Scheller underscores our commitment to thought leadership in this space.”