Meet Lori Rosenkopf: Wharton Faculty in Technology and Innovation
| Summary:
With her extensive research and industry experience, Lori Rosenkopf, as the academic director of the Wharton CTO Program, fosters an environment where learners gain a deep understanding of technology management and digital transformation. This blog highlights Lori Rosenkopf’s distinguished academic career, impactful teaching experience, and significant contributions to shaping technology leadership. |
Lori Rosenkopf, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and a transformative tech leadership professor at the Wharton School. As the Simon and Midge Palley Professor of Management, vice dean of entrepreneurship, and academic director of the Wharton Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Program, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the Wharton School’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her leadership extends beyond equipping technology leaders with the strategic mindset to drive innovation and organizational change.
Professor Rosenkopf’s research focuses on technological communities, social networks, and knowledge transfer across industries, providing deep insights into how innovation spreads. Her dedication to education and research has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Hauck Award for Distinguished Teaching. The impact of her work in technological communities is evident in her contributions to knowledge diffusion and strategic technology implementation.
Lori Rosenkopf at Wharton: Shaping Minds with Unparalleled Expertise
At Wharton, professor Rosenkopf has influenced thousands of learners across undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs. Her expertise in innovation management division strategies has helped shape Wharton’s executive programs, particularly in business processes and corporate strategy.
Before joining academia, Professor Rosenkopf worked as a systems engineer at Eastman Kodak and AT&T Bell Laboratories, experiences that continue to guide her teaching and research. She holds a Ph.D. in the Management of Organizations from Columbia University and advanced degrees from Cornell and Stanford.
Her research, published in top-tier journals, such as the Strategic Management Journal and Management Science, explores how knowledge flows within and between organizations, ultimately shaping technological innovation and industry evolution. She has also contributed extensively to Organization Science, reinforcing the significance of network effects and technology diffusion in several high-tech industries.
Lori Rosenkopf’s Contribution to the Wharton CTO Program
As the faculty director of the Wharton CTO Program, Professor Rosenkopf brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to the curriculum. She shapes the program’s strategic direction, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Her research into technological communities and social networks provides a strong foundation for understanding how innovation spreads and how technology leaders can navigate complex ecosystems.
Furthermore, her experience as the vice dean of entrepreneurship and her leadership within Venture Lab demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering innovation, which is a core component of the CTO program. To date, more than 1,700 professionals have benefited from this transformative program, leveraging its insights to drive technological leadership and innovation.
Watch Professor Rosenkopf dive into the Wharton CTO Program:
Rosenkopf’s contributions extend beyond program oversight. She actively engages with learners, delivering insights on technology strategy and the challenges of driving innovation. Her distinguished teaching record, including the Hauck Award, demonstrates her ability to communicate complex concepts and inspire learning effectively. By combining her research, leadership, and teaching expertise, Professor Rosenkopf significantly enhances the Wharton CTO Program, equipping technology executives with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the digital age.
The Impact on Learners Through the Teachings of Lori Rosenkopf at Wharton
Professor Rosenkopf’s ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights has left a lasting impression on participants of the Wharton CTO program.
“The explanation of strategies and implementation of innovations based on clear and structured frameworks illustrated by business cases is priceless. Accompanied by live sessions with Professor Lori Rosenkopf, lectures bring a deep understanding of how to manage technology for business advantage, applicable not only at the CTO level but to anyone in a technical leadership position.”
—Volodymyr Kublytskyi, Engineering Manager, Adobe Inc.
“The case studies discussed by senior professors of Wharton give a lot of perspectives. As a practicing CTO, I had preconceived ideas in my mind, some of which were challenged during the coursework. I must accept that the inputs given by professors would help me relook at some of my organizational strategies.”
—Subhamoy Chakraborti, Chief Technology Officer, ABP Group.
“The professors brought energy and expertise to their subjects. The frameworks provide a common reference point and a shared language that can be used to engage many challenges for CTOs.”
—Sam Schreiber, VP of Engineering, Eden
Furthermore, many past participants have consistently highlighted in their Wharton CTO Program reviews her ability to create a learning environment that went beyond the typical online experience, fostering genuine interaction and knowledge exchange. Her guidance during the concluding event was particularly praised, with many expressing how valuable it was to learn from a diverse range of leadership perspectives.
Participants repeatedly emphasized Professor Rosenkopf’s role in curating a program that was both intellectually stimulating and practically relevant. Her mentorship was described as a key factor in the program’s success, particularly her skill in facilitating meaningful discussions and reflections. The two-day on-campus optional networking event, under her direction, was widely seen as a valuable culmination of the learning journey, leaving participants feeling enriched and well mentored.
Read more: Wharton CTO Program Reviews: Insights From Past Participants
Lori Rosenkopf at Wharton: A Lasting Impact on Organizations and Technology Leaders
Professor Rosenkopf’s expertise in entrepreneurship, CTO innovation strategy, and operations research continues to shape several business and technology leaders. Her dedication to bridging the gap between research and practice makes her an invaluable asset to the Wharton tech faculty and the global business community. Whether through her research, teaching, or leadership, Professor Rosenkopf remains a driving force in helping organizations navigate the complexities of strategic management and industrial engineering advancements. To gain direct insights from Professor Rosenkopf and apply her expertise to your leadership development, consider joining the Wharton CTO Program.
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