Entrepreneurship | Securing the future: Why universities need to stay innovative and engaged

Entrepreneurship | Securing the future: Why universities need to stay innovative and engaged

From UIIN Podcasts by UIIN

March 17, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Andrew Petter discusses the importance of innovation and engagement for universities to remain relevant and impactful.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Petter, former President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University, about the challenges universities face today and why staying innovative and engaged with society is critical for their future. Drawing on his contribution to the Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Entrepreneurial Edition , Andrew reflects on why universities risk isolating themselves when they retreat to traditional models, and how engagement, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships can strengthen both their societal impact and their core academic mission.

People in this episode

Guest: Andrew Petter

Topics covered

  • university innovation
  • entrepreneurship
  • community engagement
  • academic mission
  • societal impact

Keywords

  • universities
  • innovation
  • entrepreneurship
  • community partnerships
  • academic challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Simon Fraser University

Books & works: Future of Universities Thoughtbook | Entrepreneurial Edition

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