Research Initiatives

White Papers

The Polsky Center furthers the study of entrepreneurship and innovation by investigating key sectors of the regional economy as well as functional areas to support growth Click on the titles of the white papers listed below to view complete documents. To share feedback, please contact Linda Darragh.

The Chicago Food Industry
In partnership with the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, the Polsky Center examined innovations in the regional food industry at the Farm to Fork conference in April 2009. As part of the Exploring Entrepreneurship Conference Series, a sold-out crowd of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, growers, students, and others discussed the challenges and opportunities to advance the region’s leadership and growth in all areas of the food value chain. Read the Chicago Food Industry white paper.
Overcoming the Growth Plateau
The Polsky Center and the Market Strategy Group found that certain entrepreneurial practices exist that make a difference for sustaining growth in business. This white paper discusses how resuscitating entrepreneurship in a maturing organization can rescue the company from growth plateaus. This study was presented at the Small Business and Alumni Entrepreneurship Conference in November 2006. Read the Overcoming the Growth Plateau white paper.
The Chicago Futures Trading Industry
After a year-long focus on the futures trading industry in Chicago, Chicago Booth students made recommendations to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to promote Chicago's prominence in the trading industry, retrain floor traders as entrepreneurs, and back tax incentives that would redirect earnings to entrepreneurial activity in Illinois. This study was a part of the Exploring Entrepreneurship Conference Series in May 2006. Read the Chicago Futures Trading Industry white paper.

Capital Ideas

Capital Ideas magazine summarizes research conducted by the faculty of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Several issues have focused on entrepreneurship including Select Papers on Entrepreneurship in December 2005 and May 2004.

Research Endowments and Grants

Chicago Booth faculty members who are interested in conducting research in entrepreneurship may do so by applying for funds via the Polsky Center. Research monies are made possible thanks to the following:

Gould Faculty Research Endowment
Established in 2005 by Kathryn C. Gould, '78, general partner and cofounder of Foundation Capital.
Hultquist Entrepreneurship Faculty Research Endowment
Established in 2001 by Timothy A. Hultquist, '75, advisory director of Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Faculty Research Grant
Established in 1999 by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, working with leading educators and researchers nationwide to create awareness of the powerful economic impact of entrepreneurship.