Creative Spark: Innovation and Global Collaboration in New Orleans

Held at Thomas Hall on Loyola’s campus and co-organized by leading academics, including Dr. David Audretsch (Indiana University Bloomington), Gustavo Barboza, Maksim Belitski, and Alessandro Braga (Loyola University), the event ignited vibrant discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economic development.

The conference opened with a warm welcome from Loyola’s President, Dr. Xavier Cole, and Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Bobby Savoie, setting an inspiring tone for what proved to be a high-impact program. Distinguished keynote speaker David Audretsch launched the event with an incisive address on how entrepreneurship fuels regional economic growth, captivating the audience with data-driven insights and visionary thinking.

From panel sessions exploring knowledge spillovers and civic wealth creation to deep dives into technology, AI, democracy, spatial economy, and geopolitical dynamics in Latin America, the conference fostered interdisciplinary dialogue across academia, industry, and public policy. Highlights included presentations by renowned experts such as Haifeng Qian (University of Iowa), Valerien Pede (International Rice Research Institute), and Andres Valenciano (ECLAC), with engaging panels moderated by Manuela Alban Navarrete (Tulane University) and others.

Beyond Thomas Hall, Creative Spark also celebrated New Orleans’ rich culture with evening events at Superior Seafood and Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro, where conversations continued amid local flavors and Southern hospitality.

Creative Spark not only reinforced Loyola University’s leadership in international business education but also served as a springboard for collaborative research and policy innovation. As global challenges demand fresh entrepreneurial thinking, the insights and partnerships sparked at this event will no doubt ripple far beyond the Crescent City.