The Vienna Institute for Global Studies is proud to share that Prof. Dr. Zoltan Acs, Director of VIGS, Emeritus Professor at George Mason University, and member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, participated in the Bicentennial Symposium of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, held in Budapest in 2025.

This major international event celebrated 200 years of scientific excellence and innovation, bringing together Nobel Laureates, leading economists, and scientists from around the world. The symposium marked a milestone in the history of one of Europe’s most respected academic institutions.

Prof. Dr. Acs delivered a keynote speech on the global contribution of Hungarian economists and the evolution of economic thought. He also presented his influential knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship, which explains how new firms are born from overlooked ideas within larger organizations.

“The knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship shows how unused knowledge inside existing organizations can give rise to new startups. These new firms are essential because they introduce innovations that established companies often ignore. That’s how real structural change happens in the economy.” – said Prof. Dr. Acs. 

Prof. Dr. Acs’s participation reflects the Vienna Institute for Global Studies’ commitment to advancing global dialogue, supporting academic exchange, and promoting entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive progress.

We congratulate the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on this historic milestone and are honored to see Prof. Dr. Zoltan Acs contribute to this celebration of knowledge, legacy, and impact.