Biography

David Obstfeld joined New York University Stern School of Business as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations in September 2009. Prior to joining NYU Stern, he was on the faculty of the University of California, Irvine's Merage School of Business.

Professor Obstfeld's research examines how the knowledge-intensive, network-based social processes that result in organizational change and innovation unfold at the local and firm levels. Currently, his interests focus on how the interaction of social network-based linking activity, knowledge articulation, creative projects and collective action influence entrepreneurship, innovation and firm strategy. With support from the National Science Foundation, he is collecting data on brokerage, social networks and knowledge-based innovation.

Professor's Obstfeld's 2005 Administrative Science Quarterly paper, "Social Networks, the Tertius Iungens Orientation, and Involvement in Innovation," won the 2007 W. Richard Scott Award from the American Sociological Association's Organizations, Occupations and Work division for outstanding contribution to the discipline. His work has also been awarded the Likert Award from the University of Michigan, and was a finalist for both the Academy of Management's Newman Award and runner-up for the best paper award from the Technology and Innovation Management Division. He has also published in Industrial and Corporate Change, Organization Science and Research in Organizational Behavior.

Professor Obstfeld teaches entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and strategy. His "Patterns of Entrepreneurship" class features a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Amazon.com, where students create profit-generating Internet businesses, while learning about both traditional forms of entrepreneurship as well as how technology and globalization are transforming the business landscape.

Professor Obstfeld received his A.B. from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Prior to his academic career, he served as director of training and development at The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae).

Academic Background

A.B.
University of Chicago

Ph.D.
University of Michigan's Ross School of Business