Innovation-Driven Diplomat – Phil Budden

A diplomat who became passionate about innovation-driven entrepreneurship and ecosystems shares what it takes for communities, cities, and countries to become innovation hubs. Phil Budden's work is centered on studying and creating those ecosystems grounded around 5 key stakeholders interconnected: Entrepreneurs, Government, Universities, Big Businesses, and Risk Capital. For him though, beyond all, it is about people and connecting those great minds together to create impact. His words of wisdom are powerful for all of us leaders: "be thoughtful about your leadership and its impact."

"Leadership takes innovative tech to impact."

MEET OUR GUEST Dr. Phil Budden, Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan focusing on 'innovation-driven entrepreneurship' (IDE) and innovation ecosystems.

Phil Budden Senior Lecturer at MIT Sloan focusing on 'innovation-driven entrepreneurship' (IDE) and innovation ecosystems. Phil's approach combines academic, historical, and real-world perspectives on how different stakeholders can all contribute to building successful innovation ecosystems.

Prior to MIT, Phil had undertaken projects on innovation and entrepreneurship for the British Prime Minister's office and served as the British Consul General to New England where he had been responsible for transatlantic business issues, including trade and investment, corporate/government affairs, as well as science and innovation.

Phil has held several diplomatic posts with the British government:  British Cabinet Office; British Embassy, Washington DC; 1st Secretary and Adviser to the PM.

Phil holds a BA and MA in History from Lincoln College, the University of Oxford; an MA in History and Government from Cornell University; and a PhD in History and International Political Economy from the University of Oxford.