Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Cornelia Storz embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in both economics and Japanese studies. She earned her Master of Arts in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn in 1992, demonstrating an early interdisciplinary approach that would define her career. Her passion for understanding economic structures led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which she completed in 1996. During this period, she deepened her engagement with Japanese economic systems through multiple research opportunities in Japan, including at the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). These formative years shaped her expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of Japan and East Asia.
Professional Endeavors 💼
Following her doctoral studies, Storz quickly ascended the academic ranks. She began her teaching career as a Lecturer at the University for Applied Sciences, Bremen, in 1996. By 1997, she had secured a tenured professorship in Japanese Economy and Society at the same institution. Her deep knowledge of Japan’s business and economic structures made her a sought-after scholar, leading her to Philipps University, Marburg, in 2001, where she chaired the Japanese Economy department. Finally, in 2007, she joined Goethe University Frankfurt as a Professor and Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a focus on Japan and East Asia. Over the years, she has held numerous visiting research positions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Stanford University, Hitotsubashi University, and the University of Tokyo, solidifying her status as a leading expert in her field.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Storz’s research sits at the intersection of digital innovation, high-tech entrepreneurship, and institutional change. Her work explores how innovation ecosystems evolve, how firms collaborate within networks, and how institutional frameworks shape entrepreneurship, particularly in East Asia. She has extensively examined the role of established firms and their ability to innovate within structured institutional environments. Additionally, she has investigated the significance of university-industry linkages in emerging economies, particularly in China. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from economics, management, and institutional theory, making her research highly influential in both academic and policy-making circles.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Throughout her career, Storz has been the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants, and awards. Her most recent research projects include a 2024–2026 grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for her work on the “Visual Turn in Management Research” and a 2021–2024 collaborative project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), examining European firms’ cooperation with Chinese universities. These prestigious grants underscore her continued contributions to the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Her ability to secure competitive funding highlights her research’s impact and relevance in contemporary economic and business studies.
Impact and Influence 📈
Storz’s influence extends far beyond academia. Her research has played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly regarding East Asia. By bridging theoretical frameworks with empirical research, she has provided valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and fellow scholars. Her collaborations with leading institutions and researchers worldwide have fostered cross-cultural academic dialogue and influenced the broader discourse on innovation systems and economic development. Moreover, her mentorship of students and young researchers has contributed to the next generation of scholars in entrepreneurship and innovation studies.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌐
Looking ahead, Storz’s legacy is poised to continue growing. With her ongoing projects exploring new dimensions of institutional change, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial networks, she remains at the forefront of research in her field. Her ability to adapt to evolving economic landscapes and integrate emerging technologies into her studies ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful. As digital transformation accelerates globally, her insights into how institutions and firms navigate these changes will continue to be invaluable. Through her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering international collaboration, Cornelia Storz’s contributions will leave a lasting imprint on the study of innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan, East Asia, and beyond.