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Jonathan Sitruk is assistant professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Amsterdam Business School and coordinator of the Minor Entrepreneurship Programme.

Tell us about your work

As the coordinator of the minor entrepreneurship program, I oversee the creation of approximately 20-25 startups annually, developed by 90-100 dedicated students. Many of these startups are impact-driven, aiming to address and solve significant societal challenges. Our program fosters innovative business ideas and instills a strong sense of responsibility and purpose in our students. Witnessing these young entrepreneurs develop and execute their ideas is a testament to the potential impact of our program.

What is your motivation?

My primary motivation lies in the belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to tackle Grand Challenges facing our world today. The opportunity to teach entrepreneurship, guiding students to solve problems that are truly worth solving, is incredibly fulfilling. My personal motto, "do more good than bad," profoundly influences my approach to teaching and mentoring. I am driven by the desire to create a better world for future generations, particularly for my daughter Mia. Seeing the enthusiasm and innovative solutions our students bring to the table reinforces my belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

Your vision

Looking ahead, I envision expanding the reach of our entrepreneurship program to include minorities and communities in developing nations. Empowering these groups with entrepreneurial skills can generate significant social and economic growth. This goal aligns with my broader vision of global impact – fostering an environment where entrepreneurial skills are accessible to all, irrespective of their background or location. Partnering with REC to achieve this would be a remarkable milestone, aligning perfectly with our shared values of inclusive and impact entrepreneurship.

Supporting factors

To realize these ambitions, a robust support system is essential. Our current reliance on student assistants and department secretaries has been invaluable. However, access to a dedicated support team is crucial to elevate our program further. This team would enable us to design and deliver more comprehensive and effective programs. Additionally, financial resources are vital for expanding our reach and impact. Equally important is the need for inspiring work environments – creative, unconventional spaces that ignite imagination and innovation. These elements combined would significantly enhance our ability to nurture the next generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs.

Dr J.M.C. (Jonathan) Sitruk

Faculty of Economics and Business

Section Entrepreneurship & Innovation