Public economics, philanthropy and nonprofits, social innovation, science and innovation policy, research and development
Alexandra Graddy-Reed is an Assistant Professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Her research examines how organizational structures and financial strategies impact innovation. Working at the intersection of philanthropy and innovation, she primarily studies how various grantmaking strategies promote or deter the production of innovation across the sectors. Currently, her research is focused around three projects. First, she is evaluating the financing strategies of philanthropic organizations and the impact of their grantmaking on research and development, notably with respect to rare diseases (NSF 1431289). Second, with Lauren Lanahan (Oregon), Graddy-Reed is examining the impact of early-stage federal grantmaking on research production (NSF 1661157). Third, to understand the role of organizational structure, she is assessing the growth and practices of social enterprises and hybrid legal structures on innovation and public goods. Graddy-Reed also teaches courses on the theories and policies of nonprofits and social innovation.
