Alison Hearne

Alison Hearne is a Lecturer at Southeast Technological University (SETU), Ireland, specializing in international business, regional studies, and economic history. She holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin (2022) and advanced degrees from University College Dublin and Dublin City University. Her research focuses on historical perspectives of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Northern Ireland's economic policy post-1945, and the role of Investment Promotional Agencies (IPAs).

• Education: PhD in International Business (Trinity College Dublin), MSc in European Economic Policy (UCD), BA in International Marketing (DCU)

Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary policy, emphasizing how historical FDI trends inform modern regional development strategies. She has presented at leading conferences including the Academy of International Business and the European Business History Association.

Notable recognitions include reaching the final of the International Coleman Prize for Best Dissertation in Business History (2023) and winning the UK/IRE AIB Doctoral Proposal Award (2016). Currently, she teaches economics, statistics, and international business at SETU and is completing a teaching qualification.

• Awards: Coleman Prize Finalist (2023), AIB Doctoral Proposal Award (2016), SETU Early Career Nominee (2023)

Her research explores policy transfer mechanisms and comparative analyses of regional IPAs, with ongoing projects on historical FDI policies and post-war economic development. She also serves as a journal reviewer and external examiner, contributing to academic governance through memberships in the European Business History Association and the Business History Conference.