David Bek

David Bek is a Professor of Creative Economies and Ecological Sustainability at Coventry University's Research Centre for Creative Economies. He leads research on the intersection of economic activities and environmental sustainability in the Anthropocene, with a focus on value chain analysis and power dynamics in global production networks. His work emphasizes socially and ecologically sustainable practices, notably through the Sustainable Cut-flowers Project, which addresses flower production and consumption globally.

Research Interests: Value chain governance, environmental sustainability, transdisciplinary methods, and socio-economic dynamics in horticultural supply chains. He has held roles at Cambridge, Newcastle, and Durham Universities before joining Coventry in 2015, where he co-led the Sustainable Production and Consumption Cluster before his 2023 professorship promotion.

Major Projects: Includes studies on Thai edible insects, Coventry City of Culture's environmental impacts, and South African horticultural resilience. He has also led initiatives on reducing plastics in the flower industry and promoting sustainable wild foliage harvesting.

Key Awards: Includes the Ashby Prize (2016), Green Gown Sustainability Award (2019), and recognition for research impact. His work aligns with UN SDGs, particularly environmental sustainability (SDG 12, 13, 15). He frequently engages with media and industry to advocate for sustainable practices in floriculture.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Sustainable Cut-flowers Project and collaborates internationally on wild foliage harvesting and agri-food systems. His research spans multiple countries, including South Africa, Mexico, and the Netherlands, emphasizing global-local linkages in sustainability challenges.