Jinbo Zhou | Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Jinbo Zhou | Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies | Research Excellence Award

Dr Jinbo Zhou | Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies | Research Excellence Award | Professor | Guangxi Normal University | China

Dr Jinbo Zhou is an accomplished scholar in digital entrepreneurship, user innovation, and technology-driven business ecosystems, recognized for his extensive academic contributions and leadership in international research projects. He holds a doctoral qualification in management with specialization in innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by strong academic training and continuous professional development across global research environments. Dr Jinbo Zhou’s professional experience spans advanced research, university teaching, and large-scale project coordination, where he has served as Principal Investigator on multiple nationally and internationally funded studies supported by the China National Social Science Fund, the European Union, and the China Scholarship Council. His work focuses on digital network embeddedness, big data–driven entrepreneurial behaviour, makerspace innovation models, user community participation, and AI-enabled entrepreneurial ecosystems. He possesses strong research skills in empirical analysis, comparative methods, data modelling, systematic review methodologies, and the study of user innovation performance across digital platforms. His research interests centre on user entrepreneurship, digital transformation, ambidextrous learning, entrepreneurial intention, and the integration of next-generation AI technologies into entrepreneurial processes. Throughout his career, Dr Jinbo Zhou has produced a substantial body of peer-reviewed scientific work published in respected international journals such as Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, International Review of Economics & Finance, Sustainability, PLOS One, and Sustainable Futures, where his studies have contributed to advancing knowledge in digital innovation and entrepreneurial opportunity development. His scholarly achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards, fellowships, and competitive research grants, including multiple national-level projects equivalent to ESRC funding, international excellence research fellowships in Europe, and advanced studies supported by the China Scholarship Council. Dr Jinbo Zhou’s professional recognition also reflects his influence within academic and industry networks, where he collaborates with international institutions and contributes to theoretical and practical advancements in innovation research. His work continues to inform policymakers, entrepreneurial communities, and digital ecosystem practitioners seeking to understand how technology reshapes entrepreneurial processes. With a strong publication record, impactful research leadership, and expertise in the emerging domains of AI-driven entrepreneurship, Dr Jinbo Zhou remains dedicated to advancing global knowledge and contributing to the development of sustainable, data-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems. His continuing commitment to high-quality research, cross-national collaboration, and academic excellence positions him as a future leader in innovation and entrepreneurship studies, capable of shaping the next generation of digital transformation research.

Profile:  scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. Zhou, J. (2025). An empirical study on big data analysis capability and innovation performance of user entrepreneurs in China. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management.

  2. Zhou, J. (2023). A cross-national comparative study on factors influencing user entrepreneurial intention. Journal of Theory and Practice of Management Science.

  3. Zhou, J. (2024). Accentuated user entrepreneurship by digital technology: A systematic review and research agenda. Journal of Business Theory and Practice.

  4. Zhou, J. (2025). Ambidextrous entrepreneurial learning, serendipity, and new venture innovation performance. International Review of Economics & Finance.

  5. Zhou, J. (2024). Investigating the effect of ChatGPT-like new generation AI technology on user entrepreneurial activities. Innovation & Technology Advances.

  6. Zhou, J. (2025). Makerspace network embeddedness, business model innovation, and user entrepreneurial performance in China. PLOS One.

  7. Zhou, J. (2025). How does user participation affect firm innovation performance: The moderating effects of open innovation community environments and user individual factors. Sustainable Futures.

 

Zulnaidi Yaacob | Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies | Academic Leadership in Business Strategy Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob – Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies – Academic Leadership in Business Strategy Award

Alignment with Award Category

Given his extensive research, leadership, and contributions to entrepreneurship and financial well-being, Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob is highly deserving of recognition in categories such as Academic Excellence, Research Leadership, and Entrepreneurship Education. His interdisciplinary approach and global collaborations exemplify the qualities of an outstanding academic leader.

 

 Universiti Sains Malaysia | Malaysia

Profile

Scholar

orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Assoc Prof Dr Zulnaidi Yaacob began his academic journey with a strong foundation in accounting. He obtained a Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) in 1999 from a prestigious Malaysian university. His passion for academia and research led him to pursue a Master in Accounting in 2003, further honing his expertise in the field. In 2008, he completed a PhD in Management Accounting from Universiti Utara Malaysia, marking the beginning of a distinguished academic career dedicated to advancing financial and management accounting knowledge.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob has built a remarkable career as an academic and researcher. Currently serving as the Dean of the School of Distance Education at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s academic policies and programs. His contributions extend beyond administrative duties, as he has actively engaged in various professional development courses, such as the Executive Certificate for Entrepreneurial Leaders (Swansea University, UK, 2017) and Professional Certificate in Blockchain Fundamentals (University of California, Berkeley, 2019). These certifications underscore his commitment to lifelong learning and adapting to the evolving landscape of accounting and entrepreneurship.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Entrepreneurship and Start-up Strategies

Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob’s research interests span multiple disciplines, including Management Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Financial Well-being, and Quality Management. His research has been instrumental in providing insights into financial decision-making, organizational performance, and sustainable entrepreneurship. His extensive publication record includes numerous journal articles addressing quality management practices, financial stability, and the impact of public policy on entrepreneurship. Notable publications include:

  • Developing Instrument for Measuring Organizational Performance (Jurnal Akuntabilitas, 2008)
  • The Link Between Quality Management and Balanced Scorecard Cause-and-Effect Linkage (Malaysian Management Journal, 2008)
  • Kesan Pengurusan Kualiti Terhadap Prestasi Perkhidmatan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (Jurnal Kemanusiaan, 2008)

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob has received numerous awards recognizing his contributions to academia and research. Some of the most notable accolades include: Excellent Educator Award (2010, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Best Paper Award (2010, IAM Conference, Taiwan), National Book Industry Fund, (2012, DBP and Ministry of Finance Malaysia), Outstanding Reviewer Award, (2013 & 2014, Emerald Literati Network) Excellent Service Award (2017, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Entrepreneurship Mentor Award (2018, Universiti Sains Malaysia) These achievements reflect his dedication to excellence in education and research

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob’s influence extends beyond his institution. As a Visiting Scholar at prestigious universities such as the University of Newcastle (Australia), Universitas Trisakti (Indonesia), and Hebei University (China), he has contributed to global academic discourse. His keynote addresses at international conferences, including The International Engineering & Management Conference (2012) and The 10th International Research Symposium (2024, Prince Songkhla University, Thailand), have highlighted critical issues in financial well-being and sustainable entrepreneurship.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob continues to shape the future of accounting and entrepreneurship education through his research, teaching, and mentorship. His work on financial well-being and management accounting will remain valuable for policymakers and business leaders. His commitment to distance education ensures that quality education is accessible to a broader audience, fostering future generations of accountants and entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Assoc Prof Dr Zulnaidi Yaacob’s distinguished career reflects a profound impact on academia and entrepreneurship. Through his extensive research, international engagements, and leadership in education, he continues to contribute significantly to the fields of management accounting, financial well-being, and quality management. His legacy as a scholar and mentor will undoubtedly inspire future generations in the academic and business communities.

📚Publications

Determinants of effective financial risk management in small business: A theoretical framework
Authors: NA Rahman, Z Yaacob, RM Radzi

Journals: Information Management and Business 

Impact of logical thinking skills and digital literacy on Thailand’s generation Z accounting students’ internship effectiveness: Role of self-learning capability
Authors: N Imjai, S Aujirapongpan, Z Yaacob

Journals: International Journal of Educational Research

Strategy for financial well-being among public servants in Malaysia
Authors: NN Wahab, Z Yaacob

Journals: Journal of Techno-Social