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Beyond Research | Professor Shaker Zahra: Rethinking Entrepreneurship Research — From Local Context to Global Impact

What makes entrepreneurship research truly impactful? And how can researchers in the Middle East contribute original knowledge to global academic debates?

In this episode of Beyond Research, Dr. Samar Aad and Dr. Moustafa Haj Youssef welcome Professor Shaker A. Zahra, a leading scholar in entrepreneurship, strategy, and international business at the University of Minnesota.

Drawing on decades of research and academic experience, Professor Zahra reflects on how entrepreneurship scholarship has evolved, why context matters in developing new theories, and the opportunities for researchers working in emerging economies.

The conversation also explores the challenges facing scholars in the MENA region, including limited access to data, research collaboration, and mentorship. Professor Zahra shares practical advice for early-career researchers and discusses how artificial intelligence could reshape entrepreneurship, academic research, and economic development.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why local contexts can generate globally relevant research.
• The difference between replication and meaningful theoretical contribution.
• Which entrepreneurship research topics deserve renewed attention.
• How collaboration and mentorship can strengthen research in the MENA region.
• The opportunities and challenges AI presents for researchers and entrepreneurs.

Three key takeaways:

1. Context matters. Research rooted in local realities can challenge existing assumptions and contribute to new theory.
2. Study problems that matter. Meaningful research begins with important questions that have relevance beyond academic publications.
3. Collaborate to create impact. Sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise can help researchers overcome constraints and produce stronger scholarship.

About the guest: Professor Shaker A. Zahra is a distinguished scholar whose work has contributed extensively to entrepreneurship, strategic management, and international business.

Hosted by: Dr. Samar Aad and Dr. Moustafa Haj Youssef.

Beyond Research brings academic ideas into conversations that connect research with real-world challenges, opportunities, and impact.