Inaugural lecture Michael Wyrwich: Building resilient regions: the power of entrepreneurship in times of crisis

On Friday, May 22, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Michael Wyrwich will deliver his inaugural lecture. In his lecture titled ‘Building resilient regions: The power of entrepreneurship in times of crisis’, he will focus on how resilient regions are built and demonstrate the role that entrepreneurship plays in regional development.

According to Wyrwich, entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in history and culture and drives regional resilience. He states that a thriving entrepreneurial culture fueled by social acceptance, supportive policies, and education emerges slowly but endures. Role models, trust, and collaboration are critical factors and universities and local networks are crucial for regional entrepreneurship. For harnessing the power of entrepreneurship, regions need stable democratic frameworks, mutual trust, realistic public perceptions, and strong knowledge bases. Finally, the potential of entrepreneurship lies in fostering autonomy, innovation, and collective action to tackle future challenges.

Michael Wyrwich joined the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen as an associate professor in 2018 and was promoted to full professor in 2025. His research focuses on the historical, cultural, and institutional roots of entrepreneurship and a broad understanding of development, covering aspects such as economic growth, individual (entrepreneurial) well-being, regional innovation potential, entrepreneurial success, (sustainable) structural change, and institutional change (for example, populist drift).

More information

Michael Wyrwich’s inaugural lecture will take place on Friday 22 May 2026, 16:15 - 17:00, in the aula of the Academy Building.

Please register by 15 May via the registration form.

Livestream on 22 May 2026 via www.rug.nl/digitale-oratie