As co-founder and faculty coordinator for the Lieberman Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Middle East, I am deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman. His legacy as a statesman, advocate for democracy, and champion of innovation will forever leave a lasting impact on the world.

As a boy growing up in Southern California, I remember seeing Sen. Lieberman on TV; he was probably the first U.S. senator whose name I knew. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect someone of his stature to take notice of my research program and the impact I was hoping to have in the Middle East/North Africa region. Dan Weiner, UConn’s Vice President for Global Affairs, David Noble, director of the Peter J. Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and I had been working on building a program centered on catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship across the Middle East for only a few months when Dan came to me and asked, “Would you mind if our program was named and supported by Senator Lieberman?” I was enthusiastic at the idea.

We started meeting with Senator Lieberman monthly to design the program and execute it. The meetings quickly became a highlight of the month for me, because Senator Lieberman was very engaged and frequently shared insights from his time working in the region that were critical in thinking through how we implemented and operationalized our ideas. In addition, he was usually the person in the room that was most up to date on the latest news about the Middle East. Say what you want about his age, but I met with him monthly and I saw no signs of him wearing down in terms of his mental acuity, insight, or sense of humor.

The Lieberman Program has two core activities that strengthen MENA (Middle East and North African) universities as community anchors that help all individuals to think globally so they act locally in more entrepreneurial ways. First, the program is constructing a consortium of entrepreneurial universities from the MENA region and from the West that will facilitate 1) more inter-university research that serves as the basis for new enterprises in the region; 2) the exchange of pedological ideas regarding entrepreneurship education; and 3) the development of inter-university student-exchange programs. As a result, The Lieberman Consortium of Entrepreneurial Universities will improve the integration of MENA-region universities into the wider social network of universities around the world, so that their communities can more easily get connected to the breakthrough ideas that travel through the global information highway.

The Lieberman Business Development Initiative complements the Lieberman Consortium of Entrepreneurial Universities. Where the Lieberman Consortium creates the global ties to increase the flow of novel ideas from around the globe to university campuses across the MENA region, the Lieberman Business Development Initiative is a vehicle to get those ideas out of MENA university campuses and into their local communities for measurable economic development. Centered on my prior experimental research in Latin America, where my colleagues and I tested how best to organize small and new business in emerging markets for revenue growth, we worked with EcoPeace to develop a one-to-one coaching program for businesses in the Middle East that could increase revenue while reducing carbon footprint. We piloted the initiative with hundreds of businesses in Jordan and the Palestinian Territories (including Gaza) in 2023 and achieved remarkable results. Our one-to-one coaching increased business sales by 36% compared to the control group, and reduced business carbon footprint per capita by 29%. The initiative is a part of the impact that has garnered a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for EcoPeace this year for its work in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories. It is a program that has produced research, impact, and education – all at once.

Of the initiative results, Senator Lieberman said that they “would make me feel good at any time, but at this time (during the war in Gaza), it is an inspiring light that breaks through the darkness. We need to use this with potential contributors.” I include that last sentence from his email to me because it highlights his energy right up until his passing. He was not slowing down. He was eager to keep building organizations and coalitions for a better world, right up until the end.

As the faculty coordinator of the Lieberman Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of Senator Lieberman’s vision and dedication. His belief in the power of innovation to drive economic growth, create opportunities, and tackle pressing global issues has guided our program’s mission and inspired our students to think innovatively, act boldly, and make a difference in the world.

Senator Lieberman’s dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of innovation are qualities that I deeply admire and respect. His leadership in promoting entrepreneurship, not only in the United States but also globally, including in the Middle East, has inspired countless individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and make a positive difference in their communities.

Throughout his career, Senator Lieberman demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge political divides and work towards common goals. His bipartisan approach to governance served as a model of leadership based on cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a better future. In an era marked by polarization and discord, Senator Lieberman’s legacy reminds us of the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing complex challenges and driving meaningful change.

Senator Lieberman’s passing is a profound loss not only for his family and loved ones but also for the broader community of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who were touched by his wisdom, compassion, and vision. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his remarkable life and legacy, and strive to honor his memory by continuing to work towards a more prosperous, inclusive, and innovative world.

Rest in peace, Senator Joseph Lieberman. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of a brighter future for all.

Ryan Coles is an assistant professor in the School of Business’ Boucher Management & Entrepreneurship Department and the founder and chief scientist at UConn’s Daigle Labs. He is the co-founder and faculty coordinator for the Lieberman Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Middle East.