Entrepreneurship from the Viewpoint of a Researcher
By Kris Scott
Being a faculty member within the Department of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Carr’s main goal is to promote and provide visibility for entrepreneurship and innovation for the Poole College of Management, and the University as a whole.
“In this position I conduct research around entrepreneurship and innovation, help champion the curriculum at NC State, and promote the entrepreneurship program in the Poole College of Management,” said Carr when asked about his current duties.
He is active in the professional research domains of entrepreneurship, family business, and organizational behavior. Additionally, he serves as a representative for the Entrepreneurship Alliance, a connection of different colleges and programs focused on entrepreneurship education and support. In this position, Carr works collaboratively with colleagues at NC State and around the globe to conduct research related to entrepreneurship.
Prior to his current position at NC State, he was a faculty member at Texas Christian University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his career as a research scientist and research assistant at the Social Science Research Center (SSRC).
His specific research interests include psychology and cognition’s role in entrepreneurial business models, family support, social support, and the interface between the roles of family business owners and their respective families. His research has been published in several leading business journals that include Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Journal of Business Venturing, Academy of Management Journal, and many more.
Carr has experience as both a business investor and entrepreneur, most notably in the fields of e-commerce and health care. In addition, he has worked with entrepreneurial businesses and technology start-ups in each of his university communities.
He credits his time at the SSRC, specifically the tutelage he received under Director Art Cosby, for his interest in the academic side of entrepreneurship.
“The time I spent at the SSRC helped spark an interest in trying to answer research questions as they related to a business environment,” he said. “I have always looked to Art Cosby and others at the SSRC because they were very influential in helping me gain the necessary skills and abilities to explore such research questions.”
Looking back on his time at the SSRC, Carr admits that his current position has been vastly influenced by his experience as a research scientist at the Center. He acknowledges the creative atmosphere and overall excitement at the SSRC as being one of his fondest memories.
“Upon walking through the door, there was this instant feeling of energy and excitement,” said Carr. “The SSRC was a place with a culture like no other. The creativity and enthusiasm around projects always fascinated me.”
Though his time at the SSRC ended several years ago, he speaks highly of the time he spent there.
“I’m very grateful for the connections and opportunities I obtained from being an active part of the SSRC,” he said.
As his role continues to develop at NC State, Carr will continue to teach and conduct research in the field of entrepreneurship. He looks forward to influencing and molding the academic careers of junior faculty in entrepreneurship and working closely with students to help build their entrepreneurial mindsets.
The contributions of research associates and doctoral students at the SSRC have been an integral feature of the center’s culture and the success we have had in our research and development programs. Jon’s time at the SSRC is an exemplar of the importance of the creativity, energy, and enthusiasm of young scholars. He was profound in the way we have developed our approaches to quantitative social science and that has had a lasting impact on our research programs. We at the SSRC are delighted in his success as a university professor and the impact he is having in North Carolina.
