Professor Dr. Darius Ornston

Biography

Darius Ornston is a Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, specializing in innovation policy with a focus on cooperative relationships and economic change. His book, 'Small States Make Big Leaps,' examines how communities utilize cooperation to access high-technology markets. He investigates how tight-knit networks can promote reform while simultaneously leading to policy overshooting and economic crises. His insights also cover how Canadian cities leverage storytelling and resilience to withstand economic pressures. Ornston’s research on innovation policy has been published by reputable institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the OECD. Currently, he teaches courses on 'Global Innovation Policy' in the Master's program and a first-year course titled 'Successful Societies.' His recent publications delve into various aspects of economic restructuring, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the impact of civic capital on innovation in regional contexts.

Research Interests

Courses