Palitha Konara

Palitha Konara is Professor of International Business and Strategy at Essex Business School (EBS), University of Essex, where he serves as Director of the Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management and Internationalisation (REIMI). His academic credentials include a PhD from York Management School, an MRes in International Business from Lancaster University, an MBA in Banking/Finance, and engineering degrees. He brings significant corporate experience from Sri Lanka's insurance and telecommunications sectors.

His research examines:

• Multinational enterprises' foreign market entry strategies and location decisions
• Corporate political activities and institutional influences
• Subsidiary performance optimization and divestment dynamics
• Cross-cultural joint ventures and innovation in global contexts
• Digital transformation impacts on international retail operations

His publications analyze patterns in foreign direct investment, institutional distance effects, and innovation in subsidiaries. Recent work explores digitalization's sector-specific impacts, cultural mediation in alliances, and post-divestment performance. Articles frequently employ institutional theory and configurational analysis across diverse geographic contexts.

Awards:

• Danny Van Den Bulcke Prize (EIBA Conference Best Paper Award)

Research Leadership: Co-Investigator for ESRC Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy (CITP). Secured funding from Welsh Government (FDI impact in Wales), UK Department for International Trade (foreign disinvestment), and Foreign Office (UK-China economic exposure). Supervises doctoral candidates in entrepreneurship and business administration.

Professional Recognition: Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).