Professor Gerard George, Dean of SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has been conferred an Honorary Doctor’s degree in Economic Science by the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, in acknowledgement of ‘his outstanding academic achievements in the field of strategic management, innovation and entrepreneurship.’
University of St. Gallen has the distinction of being a leading business university in Switzerland and in the German-speaking region according to international rankings. Internationality, practical relevance and an integrative view have characterised education at the University of St. Gallen since its establishment in 1898.
[Photo: Prof George receiving the Honorary Doctor’s degree in Economic Science from Prof. Thomas Bieger, Rector, University of St. Gallen, on 26 May 2018.]
Prof George was in Switzerland on 26 May 2018 to receive the honour at a ceremony held as part of the University’s dies academicus, a celebratory academic event where the University’s teaching faculty, students and staff come together to recognise outstanding junior faculty as well as award honorary doctor’s titles to distinguished scientists in the disciplines of business, law and the social science.
In the citation delivered by Prof Dietmar Grichnik, Dean of School of Management, at the ceremony, Prof George was complimented for his impressive work.
“Stephan Hawking said, ‘Science is not only a disciple of reason, but, also, one of romance and passion’. Professor George’s work is evidence of both – strong scientific evidence combined with passion for research. This combination has made him one of the most influential researcher in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, whose work has inspired countless researchers.”
“The work of Professor George has contributed substantially to our understanding of firm capabilities, business models, organisational design, and their implications for innovation and entrepreneurship. His work in these fields of research has been a great source of inspiration for strategy, entrepreneurship and innovation researchers,” he added.
[Left photo: Prof Gerard George; Right photo: Prof Gerard George (centre) with Prof. Thomas Bieger, Rector, University of St. Gallen (L) and Prof Dietmar Grichnik, Dean, School of Management (R).]
On his latest accomplishment, Prof George said, “I am grateful and overwhelmed by the honour bestowed by the University of St. Gallen. Though it recognises my work as a scholar and editor, it also honours the strength of the partnership with SMU since 2002. SMU shares the same founding principles as St. Gallen with an emphasis on close collaboration with industry, a university that combines social sciences, technology and business, and the adoption of innovative teaching and learning models. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership.”
At the ceremony, the University also awarded the title of Honorary Senator to Federal Judge Dr Martha Niquille-Eberle, as well as an Honorary Doctor’s degree in Economic Sciences to Prof Holger Mueller of Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.
[Library and campus at University of St. Gallen. Photo credit: University of St. Gallen.]
[Featured Photo: (L-R) Prof Holger Mueller of Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University; Federal Judge Dr. Martha Niquille, Vice President, Federal Court of Switzerland; SMU's Prof Gerry George; and Prof Thomas Bieger, Rector, University of St. Gallen.]
