James Tansey

James Tansey is an Associate Professor in the Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Innovation Group at the Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia. He serves as Executive Director of the Centre for Social Innovation & Impact Investing and holds an affiliation with the W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics (formerly Chair in Business Ethics). His academic background includes a BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of East Anglia, UK.

His research focuses on social innovation, impact investing, and sustainability with a particular emphasis on ecosystem service markets, social acceptability of technology, and institutional risk theories. Key projects include studies on Indigenous communities and Payments for Ecosystem Services, carbon governance in British Columbia, and the socio-economic implications of green technologies.

Tansey's work bridges academic research and practical application through initiatives like the 'Campus as a Living Lab' project at UBC and contributions to forest management policy frameworks. His publications span over 25 years, addressing topics from climate change mitigation to biotechnology ethics. Courses taught include Impact Investing and Innovation & Sustainability at both BCom and MBA levels.

Notable collaborations include the Great Bear Rainforest policy analysis and the BC Social Venture Sector Labour Market Study. His research emphasizes participatory methodologies and multi-stakeholder engagement in sustainability challenges.