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WEEK Of April 12, 2026

ICSB Sunday Times Editor’s note:

Pour yourself a strong espresso as we look ahead to the ICSB World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C., where entrepreneurship takes center stage as a global force for innovation and inclusive growth. This edition welcomes Winslow Sargeant as the keynote speaker, bringing deep insights on how governments can catalyze MSME success through smart policy, digital ecosystems, and public-private collaboration. We also reflect on a timely question in education: are we building real understanding or simply generating correct answers in the age of AI, while featuring new research on transnational entrepreneurship and the conditions that enable migrant led innovation to thrive. We also highlight Herman’s perspective on academic entrepreneurship, showing how treating research careers as entrepreneurial journeys unlocks greater impact, resilience, and long term success. — Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy — Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy

Winslow Sargeant – Keynote Speaker at ICSB World Congress

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Winslow Sargeant, ICSB Fellow and global thought leader, as a keynote speaker at the ICSB World Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Winslow Sargeant is the immediate past chair of ICSB and is a distinguished leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and public policy, with extensive experience supporting the growth of small businesses and technology-driven ventures. He previously served as Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he was a leading voice for MSMEs across federal policymaking. Dr. Sargeant has also held senior roles in academia and industry, including positions in venture capital and technology development. His work focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, advancing innovation policy, and expanding opportunities for emerging enterprises.

The future of MSMEs is being shaped by a new reality defined by rapid technological change, shifting global markets, and increased uncertainty. In this environment, resilience, adaptability, and speed of decision-making are no longer advantages—they are necessities. Governments can play a catalytic role by creating enabling policies, reducing barriers to entry, and investing in infrastructure, access to finance, and digital ecosystems. Ultimately, strong public-private collaboration will be essential to ensure MSMEs not only survive but also scale and compete globally.

What is the Opposite of Happy? a chat with ChatGPT

Every student wants the reward of being right. The clean answer. The high grade. It has never been easier to produce something that looks correct. But here is the uncomfortable truth. The “A” is also the first letter in A.I. When correctness is generated rather than developed, it creates the illusion of mastery without the substance to back it up. Class discussions may sound sharper. Assignments may look stronger. But beneath the surface, understanding may be thinner. Ideas begin to converge instead of diverge. Individual voices become less distinct

Set against the backdrop of the United States’ capital, a global hub of policy, innovation, and international collaboration, this Congress will celebrate entrepreneurship as a universal force for economic empowerment, social progress, and sustainable development. Just as the World Cup unites nations through shared passion and competition, this event will bring together the global MSME community to showcase excellence, share breakthrough innovations, and champion entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive prosperity worldwide. Washington, D.C., stands at the intersection of policy and practice, where decisions shaping the global entrepreneurial landscape are made. (read more).

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