Allan O'Connor
Professor of Enterprise Dynamics at Adelaide University · Former at University of South Australia (UniSA)
Allan O'Connor is a distinguished Professor in Enterprise Dynamics at the University of South Australia, where he serves as the Co-Executive Director for the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE). Recognized by The Australian newspaper as the leading Australian researcher in entrepreneurship and innovation for three consecutive years (2020-2022), Allan's career is marked by a blend of practical industry experience and academic excellence. His research focuses on the intersections of entrepreneurship, innovation, and socioeconomic development.Allan's academic journey includes a PhD in public policy for entrepreneurship education and economic development, and a Master in Enterprise Innovation from Swinburne University of Technology. His professional background spans engineering, music, and business development, beginning as a mechanical engineering trainee and later working as a professional musician. Allan has held significant academic roles, including Senior Lecturer and Academic Director at the University of Adelaide, where he oversaw postgraduate degrees in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.With a career dedicated to exploring new opportunities and fostering innovation, Allan O'Connor continues to contribute to the academic and practical understanding of enterprise dynamics and entrepreneurship.
In their own words
From Allan O’Connor discusses the viability of startup careers · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesAnyone can position themselves to be an entrepreneur, but the key is the awareness that you're not likely to be doing this alone.
Career
- Now Professor of Enterprise Dynamics · Adelaide University
- Earlier Co-Executive Director, Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Glo · University of South Australia (UniSA)
Sources: dayone.fm
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Allan O’Connor discusses the viability of startup careers you want.
- 0:35 Meet Allan O'Connor
- 1:10 Allan's Background in Entrepreneurship
- 1:55 Early Involvement in the Startup Scene
- 2:41 Transition from Medical to Tech Startups
- 4:33 Opportunities in the Evolving Ecosystem
- 5:53 Gaps in Awareness of Entrepreneurship
- 7:33 Interest in Entrepreneurship Among Students
- 9:19 Strengths of the Australian Startup Ecosystem
- 10:41 Challenges of Population Distribution
- 12:35 Government's Role in Entrepreneurship
Heard on
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▶ Adelaide University on Day One
Connections
Adam SpencerHost, Documentary: The History Of The Australian Startup Ecosystem
Mark PesceFuturist & Host, The Next Billion Seconds, The Next Billion Seconds
Hayden WilliamsGroup Product Manager, MYOB
Evan ThornleyCo-Founder & CEO, LongView, Longview
Tim FungFounder & CEO, Airtasker, Airtasker
Trevor FolsomCo-Founder and Chairman, Investible
Peter DavisonFormer Co-Founder, Fishburners, Fishburners
Pete LeadCoach, Scalable Leaders, Scalable Leaders Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 25 September 2026
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