Lessons from the 2025 JBVI Entrepreneurship Academy, Aalto University

I’m thrilled to share that my paper was recognised as one of the top 3 highly commended papers at the 2025 Journal of Business Venturing Insights (JBVI) Entrepreneurship Academy hosted by Aalto University School of Business in Finland. It was a true honour to be one of only two participants representing India, alongside scholars from over 20 nationalities.

The academy was an inspiring mix of vibrant intellectual exchange, mentorship, and cross-cultural dialogue. Engaging with researchers from 23 institutions across 11 countries created an enriching environment to discuss not only academic challenges but also what truly constitutes valuable insights in entrepreneurship. The conversations went far beyond research, offering perspectives that have deeply shaped my approach to my own work.

One of the most thought-provoking sessions was led by Prof. Dimo Dimov from the University of Bath, who explored the theme ‘The future within’. He challenged us to reflect on where groundbreaking insights truly come from. He demonstrated how insights do not emerge from just external data or market trends, but often from within, through the unexpected connections shaped by our lived experiences and personal values. His stories from a neuroscientist’s lifelong commitment to Alzheimer’s research, to Kierkegaard’s grave inspiring Martin Luther King Jr.’s reflections, to the philosophical idea of the ‘hinge’ as a core conviction, reminded me that innovation is, at its core, a deeply human process. It’s about cultivating our internal realm, staying open to diverse influences, and allowing those insights to guide our vision for the future.

This journey would not have been possible without the constant support of the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at SPJIMR and my mentors, whose guidance and encouragement prepared me for this academy. The research ecosystem at S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) truly offers a robust platform, strong mentorship, and a collaborative culture that fosters academic growth and excellence. I am also grateful to distinguished mentors at the academy, including Professors Pablo Munoz, Andreas Kuckertz, Dimo Dimov, and Maija Renko, for their valuable feedback and wisdom.

This experience has been instrumental in shaping my research journey, providing not only fresh directions but also a renewed sense of purpose. I return with richer insights, new collaborations, and a deeper commitment to my research in behavioural strategy and strategic decision-making.

About the author

Siddharth is currently a research scholar with SPJIMR FPM in the strategic management area. He also serves as a teaching assistant to Dean Varun Nagaraj and conducts research with SPJIMR WISE Tech. He specialises in qualitative research methodology and has prior experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business schools, as well as training CA/CS students. Before joining SPJIMR, he worked in the financial services industry and also consults budding entrepreneurs on decision-making. His research interests lie in behavioural strategy and strategic decision-making.