Lisa Harkness

Dr. Lisa Harkness holds the position of Associate Head of Department and Lecturer within the Department of Global Business and Enterprise at the Ulster University Business School, located at the Magee Campus in Derry~Londonderry. With a strong research profile, she has published extensively on topics including SME marketing, retail sector dynamics, and social entrepreneurship in post-conflict regions. Her work is recognized for its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing inequalities.

Her research interests are deeply rooted in the practical challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the retail sector. She has pioneered studies on relationship marketing, loyalty program adoption, and the impact of financial crises on supplier-retailer relationships. More recently, her work has expanded into transformative service research, ethical social media marketing, and the application of generative AI in education. Dr. Harkness is particularly noted for her comparative research on female social entrepreneurship in post-conflict societies, focusing on Northern Ireland and Croatia.

Dr. Harkness has been honored with prestigious awards that highlight the impact of her work:

• Creating Social Value in Post Conflict Places: The Case of Northern Ireland and Croatia (2019)
• Gen AI in Education Awards "Team of the Year" (2025)

She has successfully secured and managed significant research projects, including the Department for the Economy funded project "Engaging Tomorrow's Talent Through Transformative Marketing Technologies" (2024) and the multi-year project "Creating Social Value in Post Conflict Places" (2019-2022). Additionally, Dr. Harkness has contributed to the academic community through peer review services for leading journals such as the European Journal of Marketing.