Dr. Joan Lockyer serves as the Assistant Director of the International Centre for Transformational Entrepreneurship (ICTE) at Coventry University , under the Faculty of Business and Law . With a PhD in Entrepreneurship from Keele University (2003) and a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from Preston Polytechnic (1985), she has 15 years of experience in higher education and over a decade in industry and consultancy. Her work bridges entrepreneurship education, leadership, and innovation across global contexts. Education : PhD (Keele, 2003), BA (Preston Polytechnic, 1985) Lockyer’s research focuses on transformational entrepreneurship , emphasizing its role in education, leadership, and innovation. She has led European projects exceeding €5M, such as KNOW-ECO, DISTRICT+, EUEN, and TRADEIT, and collaborated in Oman, South Africa, China, Nigeria, and Palestine. Her expertise spans curriculum design for enterprise skills, venture creation programs, and eco-innovation initiatives. She co-developed the International Enterprise Educators Programme (IEEP) and designed modules for enterprise education across disciplines. Additionally, she contributes to academic governance as an external examiner at the Institute of Banking (Ireland) and Plymouth University. Her recent publications explore gender dynamics, apprenticeships, and technology’s impact on entrepreneurship. Scientific Awards : Not explicitly mentioned. Teaching & Advising : She has taught across all academic levels (undergraduate to doctoral) and professional development programs, focusing on experiential learning and SME support systems. Labs & Teams : Central to the ICTE, Lockyer collaborates on international projects, co-develops incubation programs, and works with diverse teams in eco-innovation, policy research, and cross-cultural entrepreneurship.
Manuel Alejandro Estefan Davila is an Assistant Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on development policy in Latin America, particularly public finance, labor markets, and entrepreneurship. He previously held roles as a research scholar at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (London) and the University of Chicago’s Center for the Economics of Human Development, and worked as a policy analyst in Mexico’s Presidency. Education: Ph.D. in Economics, University College London (2019) M.Res. in Economics, University College London (2015) M.P.P., University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy (2014) B.A., Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (2012) Research Interests: Estefan explores how policies and institutions shape economic outcomes in developing economies. His work integrates microeconometric methods to evaluate interventions in sectors like entrepreneurship, labor markets, and technology adoption. Key themes include the impacts of extortion on businesses, digital training for micro-entrepreneurs, and the effects of export manufacturing on labor markets. Articles Overview: His recent work analyzes extortion’s role in entrepreneurial ecosystems (e.g., Guatemala’s micro-enterprises), the efficacy of digital training programs for SMEs, and the socioeconomic effects of Mexican labor policies. Earlier research examined property taxation and macroeconomic shocks in Mexico. Professional Experience: Policy Analyst, Presidency of Mexico Research Scholar, Institute for Fiscal Studies (London) Labs/Teams: While no specific lab is mentioned, his work collaborates with interdisciplinary teams studying Latin American development challenges.
Associate Professor Alfred Huah-Syn Wong is a finance and economics academic at Charles Sturt University's School of Business. With a PhD in Finance from RMIT University and Masters in Financial Management from the University of Queensland, he teaches undergraduate courses in Financial Management, Financial Planning, and Treasury Risk Management, plus postgraduate courses in Corporate Treasury Management and Financial Planning. His research spans Asset Pricing, Risk Management, ESG Finance, Renewable Energy Economics, and Regional Healthcare Economics . Wong actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable finance research and regional development projects. Recent work focuses on renewable energy microgrids for regional Australia and healthcare access disparities during the pandemic. His publication trends reveal growing emphasis on sustainable finance (2023-2025), with key themes in corporate governance, ESG integration, and regional economic resilience. Recent articles address MENA environmental governance, Australian healthcare access, and Industry 4.0 workforce adaptation. CSU PhD Writing Up Award 2010 ($5,000) CSU Competitive Grant Award 2010 ($10,191) RMIT University Research Prize 2010 ($1,000) CSU Seed Grant 2007 ($3,000) MRFF Rapid Applied Translation Grant 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Research Awards 2024 Wong supervises research aligned with regional development, evidenced by his role in the Ageing Well Research Group and Aspro Ageing Well projects. His grants portfolio includes the $3,000 CSU Seed Grant (2007), multiple 2023-2024 sustainability grants, and industry partnerships with Mid North Coast Health District. Current work focuses on renewable energy microgrids and Parkinson's disease nursing advocacy. He leads the Business Workforce Wellness Research Unit and collaborates with the Regional Entrepreneurship Research Group. Recent activities include the 2024 Regulating for Decent Work Conference and 2023 launch of Australian Microgrids research, demonstrating strong industry engagement in regional economic development.
Fabian Bernhard is a Full Professor of Management and Psychology at EDHEC Business School, with campuses in Paris, Lille, Nice, and London. He holds dual PhDs in business studies and psychology, both earned summa cum laude, and serves as a research fellow for family business at the University of Mannheim and for psychology at the University of Frankfurt. His work uniquely bridges emotional dynamics in organizational contexts with family business succession challenges. His academic credentials include: PhD in Business Studies (Dr. rer. pol, summa cum laude) PhD in Psychology (Dr. rer. nat, summa cum laude) Prof. Bernhard's research focuses on emotional dynamics in businesses, preparation of next-generation family business leaders, and psychological attachment to family firms. Drawing from his upbringing in a multigenerational entrepreneurial family, he investigates how emotions like pride, guilt, and moral identity influence succession planning, gender equality initiatives, and organizational decision-making. His work frequently examines the tension between emotional authenticity and professional expectations in family enterprises. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary trend merging psychology, business ethics, and healthcare innovation. His research increasingly explores emotional drivers in digital transformation, sustainable technology adoption, and gender dynamics, often connecting micro-level psychological processes to macro-level organizational outcomes. This cross-pollination between family business studies and emotion research represents a distinctive scholarly signature. Key professional recognitions include: Best Dissertation Honorable Mention from the Family Firm Institute at Harvard University Prof. Bernhard actively shapes his field through editorial leadership on the Family Business Review and Journal of Family Business Strategy boards since 2014, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Family Firm Institute (FFI) in Boston. His pre-academic career in mergers and acquisitions at a New York financial advisory firm provides practical grounding for his theoretical work, particularly in understanding emotional dimensions of high-stakes business transitions.
Dr. Guven Gurkan Inan is an Assistant Professor of Operations Management at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Social Sciences and Edinburgh Business School. His expertise lies in digital transformation, organizational capabilities, and sustainable manufacturing practices, particularly in SMEs. He holds a PhD in Management from Heriot-Watt University, an MSc in Logistics and Operations Management from Cardiff University, and a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Kocaeli University. His industry experience includes roles at Goodyear Rubber and Tyre as a Continuous Improvement Engineer. His research focuses on strengthening organizational capabilities in manufacturing SMEs through digitalization and sustainability. Key projects include the SMDH Manufacturing SME Audit Service (£156,000 grant), which bridges digital technology adoption with organizational performance. He has led over 20 SME visits in the UK, identifying Knowledge Transfer Partnership opportunities. Dr. Inan also collaborates on grants like an Innovate UK bid and the SMDH DIF Lighthouse project. He teaches courses such as Operations Management, Quality Management, and Managing Business Performance. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Recent publications emphasize Lean Industry 4.0, digital roadmap design, and low-cost digital solutions for micro-enterprises.
Chen Binbin is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of Pillar (Innovation and Enterprise) in the Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD) pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He serves as Deputy Director for the Future Communications Research and Development Programme (FCP), Singapore. Previously, he was a Principal Research Scientist at the Advanced Digital Sciences Center (now Illinois ARCS), affiliated with the University of Illinois. Education: PhD in Computer Science from National University of Singapore, and Bachelor's from Peking University. Research focuses on wireless networking, distributed systems, and cyber security for critical infrastructures like smart grids and industrial control systems. His work addresses secure communications, intrusion detection, and resilience against cyber-physical threats. Notable contributions include error-estimating coding, provenance verification in ICS, and AI-driven network security solutions. Key awards include the 2010 ACM SIGCOMM Best Paper Award for error-estimating coding research. His grants span agencies like Singapore's National Research Foundation (NRF), Cyber Security Agency (CSA), and Energy Market Authority (EMA). He leads projects on secure smart grid communication, industrial control system defense, and AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools. Technical leadership involves developing frameworks like CyberSAGE for security assessment and CMD for IoT malware detection. Active in collaborations with industry and government, his work bridges theory and practice in securing critical infrastructure systems.
Sabri Boubaker is a Professor in the Department of Accounting and Finance at the School of Management , Swansea University. He holds a PhD from Université de Paris-Est and has an extensive publication record, with over 90 Scopus-indexed articles and 900+ citations. As co-founder of the Paris Financial Management Conference and the Vietnam Symposium in Banking and Finance , and President of the International Society for the Advancement of Financial Economics (ISAFE) , he is a key figure in empirical finance. He leads the Hawkes Seminar Series , attracting global speakers to engage with staff and students. His research focuses on ownership structure , control of listed companies , and the intersection of corporate governance with environmental finance . Recent work examines the impacts of climate policy , corporate carbon risk , and banking stability using advanced analytical frameworks like DEA-machine learning and MCDA . His supervision includes PhD projects in Islamic banking , though specific student names are not listed. Professor Boubaker’s publications span top-tier journals such as the Journal of Corporate Finance , Financial Management , and British Journal of Management , addressing topics like debt choice , sovereign wealth funds , and anti-corruption campaigns . He is an active member of the Hawkes Centre for Empirical Finance , contributing to global discourse on financial economics.
Nuno Fernandes Crespo is an Associate Professor at the Department of Strategic Management and Marketing, Lisbon School of Economics & Management (ISEG), University of Lisbon. He holds a PhD in Management (2013), a Master's in Management and Industrial Strategy (2004), and a Bachelor's in Management (1999) from ISEG. His research focuses on International Business, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Agility in international new ventures (INVs), particularly during crises. He has published extensively in journals like International Business Review , Journal of International Management , and Technological Forecasting & Social Change . His 15 most recent works (2023–2025) explore themes including: Business model innovation during crises Supplier-country image effects in B2B marketing Sustainable entrepreneurship in family firms Digitalization and early internationalization strategies Country-of-origin stereotypes in industrial marketing Dynamic capabilities in INVs He supervises Master's students in topics spanning internationalization, digital transformation, family business strategy, and innovation. Professional roles include coordinating the Master's in Management and Industrial Strategy (2016–2022), serving on ISEG’s Executive Commission, and leading the Doctoral Program in Management (2018–2022). His methodology integrates empirical research, mixed methods, and configurational approaches.
Martin Schreier is a Professor and head of the Institute for Marketing Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). His research focuses on marketing, product development, consumer behavior, and user-driven innovation. A key finding from his work demonstrates that crowdsourced product ideas yield higher sales and gross margins compared to designer-generated products, as evidenced by a Japanese enterprise study showing €10 million revenue growth over three years. His studies also highlight how labeling products as user-ideated enhances consumer trust and sales performance. Schreier's research spans diverse topics, including the psychological drivers of customization, blockchain applications in marketing, and the role of consumer communities in innovation. Recent studies examine generative AI in luxury product co-creation, groundedness in retail experiences, and ethical implications of crowdsourcing. His work bridges academic insights with real-world applications, advising companies on leveraging user creativity and designing effective innovation incentives. He has published extensively on the economic and psychological impacts of consumer-driven innovation, with a focus on cross-cultural differences and market-specific strategies. His findings challenge traditional R&D models, emphasizing the commercial potential of user participation in product development across non-luxury sectors.
Professor Mary O'Shaughnessy is a distinguished academic at Cork University Business School, College of Business and Law, University College Cork, and serves as Visiting Professor at Roskilde University, Denmark. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in sustainable rural development and social enterprise. Her research approach is deeply rooted in community, respect, and sustainability principles. Professor O'Shaughnessy has made significant policy contributions as academic advisor to Ireland's first National Social Enterprise Policy (2019), with her research cited in the 2024 National Social Enterprise Policy. She regularly advises national and international governments and agencies on these matters. Professor O'Shaughnessy holds several prestigious leadership positions: Board member of Micro Finance Ireland Founding director of the EMES International research network Member of the National Social Enterprise Task Force (Ireland) UCC President's nominee to the HEI Research Network Our Rural Futures UCC President's nominee to the HEI Social Enterprise Network Editorial board member of the Journal of Rural Studies Her research leadership includes: Chairing the Supervisory Management Committee of H2020 Marie Sklodowska Curie ITN Doctoral Network Serving as Short Term Scientific Mission Manager of EU COST Action - SE Empower Professor O'Shaughnessy is frequently invited as a keynote speaker at high-profile international events including the European Commission DG Empl, OECD Rural Development Conference, Social Enterprise World Forum Academic Symposium, and the 19th Edition of the Trento Festival of Economics. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: UCC Research Supervisor of the Year Award (2019) UCC President's Teaching Award (2021) UCC Staff Award for Cross Campus Engagement (2023) UCC College of Business & Law Researcher of the Year (2024)
Professor Roger Flanagan is a distinguished academic specializing in construction management with over two decades of research contributions. His work primarily focuses on international construction business, risk management, sustainable building practices, and whole life cost appraisal. Affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Building, London, he has authored numerous technical guides and publications that shape construction industry practices globally. Specializes in international construction business dynamics Expert in risk management and sustainable building practices Author of influential technical guides for the construction industry Research spans construction economics and supply chain management Flanagan's research interests center on the complexities of international construction projects, with particular emphasis on risk management, sustainable building practices, and whole life cost considerations. His work examines how contractors navigate international markets, manage project complexity, and implement sustainable practices. Recent publications address materials procurement in MSMEs, pre-construction planning complexity, and the integration of renewable energy in building projects, reflecting evolving industry challenges. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on construction management challenges with increasing emphasis on sustainability and international business dynamics. His work spans construction economics, risk management, sustainable building practices, and supply chain management, with particular attention to Korean and Middle Eastern construction markets. The research demonstrates methodological diversity, employing panel threshold regression, system dynamics, and empirical case studies to address complex construction industry problems. Professor Flanagan has made significant contributions through his authored guides for the Chartered Institute of Building, including the Guide to Quality Management in Construction (2021), Site Management and Production Guide (2020), and Code of Quality Management (2019). These practical resources translate academic research into industry applications, demonstrating his commitment to bridging theory and practice in construction management. His collaborative research extends across international boundaries, working with academics from institutions in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This global perspective enriches his understanding of diverse construction markets and practices, informing his research on international competitiveness, cross-cultural project management, and global supply chain dynamics. Professor Flanagan's work on construction sector futures, particularly his contributions to Vision 2020 initiatives, demonstrates leadership in anticipating industry trends and challenges. His research on information complexity, system dynamics applications, and decision support systems positions him at the forefront of addressing emerging challenges in digital construction and project management.
Dr Ana Cristina Vasconcelos is a Senior Lecturer in Corporate Information Management at the School of Information, Journalism and Communication, University of Sheffield. She holds a PhD from Sheffield Hallam University and has held academic roles at multiple institutions, including Leeds Metropolitan University and Sheffield Hallam University. Her research focuses on the intersection of knowledge management, information systems, and organizational adaptation. Education: BA in History, PGDip in Information Science (University of Lisbon), PhD in Information Systems (Sheffield Hallam University) Her research explores organizational learning, absorptive capacity, knowledge sharing, and boundary spanning practices, often applying theoretical frameworks like Arenas/Social Worlds Theory and Practice Theory. Funded by the European Community and AHRC, her work addresses challenges in information systems implementation and knowledge integration across sectors. Recent publications highlight trends in smart city datafication, interdisciplinary knowledge management, and virtual community dynamics. She supervises PhD students in areas spanning economic resilience to knowledge transfer in FinTech ecosystems. Teaching interests include qualitative research methods, organizational culture, and knowledge management systems. She has external examiner roles at multiple universities and serves on editorial boards for journals like Libri and the International Journal of Knowledge-Based Organizations.
Prof. Dr. Hasan Göçmez is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Dumlupinar University's Faculty of Engineering. With over two decades of academic experience, he has established himself as a leading researcher in ceramic materials and nanotechnology. His career spans multiple prestigious institutions including Rutgers University and Stevens Institute of Technology, where he served as a Research Assistant and Post-Doc respectively before joining Dumlupinar University in 2003. Dr. Göçmez earned his Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University (1989-1994). His academic journey progressed from Research Assistant (1995-2002) to Assistant Professor (2003-2006), Associate Professor (2006-2011), and finally to Professor (2011-present) at Dumlupinar University. He has also held significant administrative roles including Institute Director (2012-2018), Deputy Institute Director (2009-2012), and Deputy Head of Department (2005-2011). Dr. Göçmez's research interests span multiple areas of materials science with a particular focus on advanced ceramics and nanomaterials. His work encompasses: Ceramic Materials: Zirconia-based ceramics, boron compounds, and perovskite structures Energy Applications: Battery technologies, supercapacitors, and solar cell materials Sustainable Materials: Waste recycling in composite production and eco-friendly manufacturing processes Nanostructured Materials: Nanopowder synthesis, nanocomposites, and surface engineering Advanced Processing Techniques: Spark plasma sintering, hydrothermal synthesis, and citrate gel methods His extensive publication record spanning over two decades demonstrates a consistent focus on materials characterization and development. Dr. Göçmez has made significant contributions to the understanding of zirconia ceramics, perovskite materials for energy applications, and sustainable composite manufacturing. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical industrial applications, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors. Dr. Göçmez has received several notable awards including the Micro Enterprise Productivity Project Award from the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology (2016), a JSPS fellowship (2006), and the YLS scholarship from the Higher Education Board (1995). As an active researcher, Dr. Göçmez has led numerous projects funded by various institutions, focusing on advanced materials development for energy storage, structural applications, and sustainable manufacturing. His editorial work for the Journal of the Ceramic Society of Japan demonstrates his standing in the international ceramics community.
Dr. Mike Ryder is a Lecturer in Marketing at Lancaster University's Management School, specializing in interdisciplinary research bridging literature, philosophy, technology studies, and marketing. He teaches modules such as Digital Marketing, Social Media, and serves as Programme Director for the MSc Digital and Social Media Marketing. His research explores the intersection of new technologies with ethics, biopolitics, and science fiction. He holds a PhD ('Citizen Robots: Biopolitics, the Computer and the Vietnam Period') and is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. Education: PhD in Literature/Technology, MA English (Distinction), BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing (First Class). Prior to academia, he worked in video games, healthcare ghostwriting, and digital communications. He directs Mental Capacity Ltd, a healthcare training firm. Awards include the Pilkington Award for Teaching. Research interests include AI ethics, digital marketing pedagogy, and science fiction's role in conceptualizing societal futures. He participates in interdisciplinary groups like the Lancaster Intelligent, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Centre and Centre for Consumption Insights. Supervision focuses on digital marketing, AI ethics, and interdisciplinary projects combining philosophy and technology.
Prof. Dr. Jann Lay is a Lead Research Fellow and Head of the Research Programme "Globalisation and Development" at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA). He has held this position since 2009, initially as Head of GIGA Research Programme 3 "Socio-Economic Development in the Context of Globalisation." Since 2015, he has also served as an Apl. Prof. (Extraordinary Professor) at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. Between October 2015 and October 2018, he acted as Director of the GIGA Institute of African Affairs. His educational background includes: Doctoral Studies at Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany; Dr.rer.pol. (summa cum laude) Dissertation on 'Evaluating the Poverty and Distributional Impact of Economic Policies and External Shocks Combining Macro and Micro Approaches: Three Case Studies from Latin America' Master in Economics (Diplom-Volkswirt) at Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany Undergraduate Studies at Otto-Friedrich-University, Bamberg, Germany Additional studies at University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain and University of California, Los Angeles, United States Prof. Lay's research focuses on development economics, with particular emphasis on informal entrepreneurship in developing countries, structural change and its poverty and distributional implications, and the relationship between natural resources, economic development and conflict. His work primarily centers on Africa, where he has conducted extensive research on labor markets, economic policies, and development challenges. He has examined how digital technologies are tailored to local needs in Africa's emerging tech sector, the impact of global supply chains on decent work, and the effects of special economic zones on local labor markets in developing countries. Prof. Lay's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on empirical research addressing key development challenges. His work spans labor economics, agricultural development, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability within the context of global value chains. A notable trend is his use of rigorous impact evaluation methods, including randomized controlled trials, to assess the effectiveness of development interventions. His research often addresses policy-relevant questions about formalization of employment, skills training, land acquisitions, and sustainable supply chains, with implications for development policy formulation. His scientific contributions include: Membership in the Rat für nachhaltige Entwicklungspolitik der Stadt Hamburg (RANEP), 2018-2020 Advisory board member of W3 - Werkstatt für internationale Kultur und Politik e.V. (W3), 2015-2022 Membership in the Entwicklungsökonomischer Ausschuss, Verein für Socialpolitik, since 2010 Membership in the International Association for Research in Income and Wealth (IARIW), since 2009 Prof. Lay has supervised doctoral researchers, including Tevin Tafese, with whom he has co-authored several publications on Africa's tech sector and sustainable supply chains. His research has been supported by various grants from organizations including the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), and GIZ. Current projects include research on platforms and online workers in India and Africa, land-based investments in global supply chains, digital transformation for diplomacy, and the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa. Prof. Lay leads and contributes to several research teams and initiatives, including the Research Network Sustainable Global Supply Chains and the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) based at the University of Legon, Ghana. His work through the Digital Transformation Lab (DigiTraL) explores how digitalization creates new opportunities and challenges for foreign policy.
