If you had to give your ‘elevator pitch’ and explain in layman terms what your research focuses on, how would you answer?
My aim with all my work is to take a research-led practice-orientated approach to understanding, analysing and explaining entrepreneurial activities. I see real value in adopting an evidence-based approach that carefully delineates a domain and then I attempt to see what practical relevance this has for entrepreneurship.
With regard to your work, is there anything exciting in the pipelines that you are working on?
My future research will focus on genre, the role of cognitive ability and class in entrepreneurship.
What do you enjoy most about your teaching and/or research? What challenges and excites you across both?
The most rewarding but challenging aspect of my work is explaining as well as I can complex phenomena in an everyday way.
What do you enjoy most about working at UEBS?
I enjoy my good working relationships with other academics and professional services staff. The students also can be an absolute joy to work with.
What advice would you give to your younger self, about to leave home and embark upon further education?
Take the opportunity to think and expand your mind.
What one book, piece of music and beloved item would you take with you to a Desert Island?
Although the topic is difficult, I would take Primo Levi’s book, If Not Now, When? It shows humanity can shine even in the most troubled of places. For music, I might take Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald - only because I know some of the words. As for the beloved item, a plane ticket out of the desert island?
If you could invite anyone over for dinner (past/present) who would it be and why?
Friends and family that have passed away.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Japan. It has a different aesthetic, great food and seemingly works as a society. Why wait? Save your money and go.
Research Impact | Surveying the Financial Fallout of COVID-19 in Scotland with Francis Greene
Francis Greene is the Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Edinburgh. Explore how he examined the economic repercussions of COVID-19 in Scotland, assisting the Scottish COVID-19 inquiry in formulating the right questions to gain essential insights for future crisis management.
Francis discusses his two reports written for the Scottish COVID-19 inquiry, analysing the pandemic's financial impacts on businesses, households, and individuals. His work also examines the digital divide and key worker challenges, aiming to improve public and official understanding of the pandemic’s effects and fostering more effective future responses.
Francis Greene
Chair in Entrepreneurship