معرفی
Keyan Lai is a Lecturer in International Human Resource Management at the University of Edinburgh Business School, specialising in the intersection of geopolitics, state power, and international business. He joined the University of Edinburgh in 2019, after serving as an Associate Lecturer in Management at the University of St Andrews. He holds a PhD from Cardiff Business School.
Education:
- PhD, Cardiff Business School
Research Interests:
Dr. Lai's research explores how geopolitical dynamics and state power shape organisational behaviour, identity, and strategy. His work delves into the lived experiences of geopolitical disruption within organisations, examining how firms respond to crises triggered by state interventions, rebuild legitimacy, and cultivate resilience. He is particularly interested in how state power—via policy, ideology, regulation, and ownership—affects organisational cultures and identities, and how geopolitical tensions influence international business activities such as investment decisions, global strategy, and talent management.
Publications Overview:
His recent publications reflect a strong focus on strategic and organisational responses to geopolitical pressure, particularly in the context of Chinese multinational enterprises and national security concerns. Themes include organisational identity construction under ideological influence, the transformation of foreign investment into perceived security threats, and the role of ambiguity in national security policy on FDI.
Scientific Awards:
- Sino-British Scholar Award (2012)
Professional Contributions & Projects:
- Invited contributor to the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry on the role of the FCDO in screening foreign investments for national security concerns (2021)
- Collaborator on the Minoritised Enterprise Policy and Action Lab Scotland (MEPALS) project (from 2024)
Consultancy & Outreach:
Dr. Lai also serves as a consultant and trainer, offering strategic guidance to businesses navigating geopolitical risks, global talent management challenges, and international market complexities. He leads the Geopolitics & International Business Research Lab and maintains an active online presence at www.keyanlai.com.
