Orsa Kekezi awarded the Young Researcher Prize 2026

Kekezi, who is also affiliated with Jönköping International Business School (JIBS), is recognised for her important contributions to understanding how economic and geographic structures shape entrepreneurial behaviour. Among other things, she has advanced knowledge of how third places (cafés, coworking spaces and other open meeting places) function as key nodes for networking, creativity and high-technology entrepreneurship.

Her research also shows how entrepreneurs' wellbeing is affected by uncertainty and crises, and what factors at the individual and environmental level can strengthen their resilience.

— Through advanced quantitative methods, a strong theoretical foundation and the ability to connect spatial dimensions of entrepreneurship and innovation, she contributes new knowledge of both scientific and societal relevance. Her work has received wide attention and places her among the most promising young researchers in the field of entrepreneurship, making her highly deserving of the Young Researcher Prize, says Ivo Zander, Professor at Uppsala University and chair of the prize committee.

The prize will be presented at a national research meeting in August 2026. The Young Researcher Prize has been awarded by Entrepreneurship Forum since 2003, with Triton as donor.

Contact

Orsa Kekezi, researcher at Stockholm University and Jönköping International Business School, tel: +46 8-16 22 28

Ivo Zander, Professor at Uppsala University, tel: +46 18-471 13 55

About the prize

To encourage young researchers in entrepreneurship, innovation and small business development, Entrepreneurship Forum awards the Young Researcher Prize annually. The prize has been awarded since 2003 and goes to a researcher who has distinguished themselves in the field of entrepreneurship and small business. The prize is worth SEK 150,000, founded by Entrepreneurship Forum and funded by Triton. More information is available on the Entrepreneurship Forum website.