Zhiyan Wu

Zhiyan Wu is an Associate Professor at Erasmus University's Rotterdam School of Management, Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. His research bridges strategy and entrepreneurship with governance, stakeholder activism, and political dynamics.

His research focuses on causal inference in strategic decision-making, examining how political wins influence corporate board appointments, state firms' responses to performance shortfalls, and gender representation in ventures. Key methodologies include abductive reasoning and institutional analysis.

Recent publications reveal a strong trend in political-strategic intersections (40% of output), gender dynamics in entrepreneurship (20%), and institutional responses to activism (40%), primarily published in top journals like Management Science and Journal of Management.

• EBS Best Paper Award recipient
• Featured in Netherlands/Sweden news outlets
• INFORMS podcast appearance (Resoundingly Human)

Teaching innovation recognized through Best New Course Award (Strategy & Entrepreneurship) and RSM Innovative Teaching Award nomination. Supervises MSc, MBA/EMBA, and PhD students while maintaining active industry engagement through consultancy. Personal interests include gardening as a metaphor for professional patience.