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.

 

Theodore Koutroukis | Innovation | Innovation Vanguard Award

Prof Dr. Theodore Koutroukis | Innovation | Innovation Vanguard Award

Prof Dr. Theodore Koutroukis | Innovation | Professor at Democritus University of Thrace | Greece

THEODORE KOUTROUKIS is an accomplished scholar, arbitrator, and academic leader whose extensive contributions to labour relations, collective bargaining, and European employment policy have established him as a respected authority in the fields of industrial relations and human resource management. With a distinguished academic background culminating in a doctoral specialization in employment relations and organizational adaptation, THEODORE KOUTROUKIS has cultivated a career that uniquely integrates academic research, professional arbitration practice, and international policy engagement. He serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, where he has been a faculty member since 2014, and he has simultaneously held a long-standing role as an Arbitrator in Collective Bargaining at the Organisation for Mediation and Arbitration in Athens since 1998, contributing directly to conflict resolution and labour market governance. His professional influence extends globally through his long-term membership in the International Labour and Employment Relations Association since 1989. His research interests span collective bargaining systems, European works councils, employee participation, labour market restructuring, crisis-driven organizational change, human resource management, and the socio-economic impacts of globalization and digital transformation on labour dynamics. In terms of research skills, THEODORE KOUTROUKIS demonstrates advanced expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis, comparative labour policy, workforce resilience studies, organizational diagnosis, policy evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, producing impactful insights that inform academic, professional, and governmental stakeholders. His scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and policy-oriented contributions published in reputable outlets such as Social Sciences, Societies, Merits, Religions, Administrative Sciences, and various international edited volumes. Among his awards and honours, THEODORE KOUTROUKIS is recognized for his long-term service in arbitration, his academic leadership, and his contributions to labour relations scholarship in Greece and Europe. His publications consistently reflect high research relevance, theoretical depth, and practical applicability to contemporary labour challenges. In conclusion, THEODORE KOUTROUKIS stands out as a highly influential figure whose integrated academic and professional career continues to shape labour relations discourse, support equitable employment systems, and advance interdisciplinary research on the evolving world of work.

Academic Profile: ORCID | Scopus 

Featured Publications:

  1. Koutroukis, T. (2025). Collective bargaining in post-memoranda Greece: Could it guarantee decent work by Greek employees? Social Sciences. (Citations: 0)

  2. Semertzian, T., Vamvakidou, I., Koutroukis, T., & Ivasina, E. (2025). Modern comprehension of the Treaty of Lausanne (1923): Historical documentary, Searching for Rodakis by Kerem Soyyilmaz. Histories. (Citations: 0)

  3. Spyropoulou, E., & Koutroukis, T. (2024). Principal–teacher relationships under the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic: Critical factors and implications for school leadership during crises. Societies. (Citations: 3)

  4. Koutroukis, T. (2024). European works councils: Their impact on the Europeanization of industrial relations in an era of market globalism. Social Sciences. (Citations: 4)

  5. Katimertzopoulos, F., Vlados, C., & Koutroukis, T. (2023). Business and regional innovation culture: An overview of the conceptualization of innovation culture. Administrative Sciences. (Citations: 6)

 

 

Raphael Bar El | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Raphael Bar El | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | Ben-Gurion University of the Negev | Israel

Prof. Raphael Bar El is a distinguished economist and innovation scholar recognized for his extensive contributions to the fields of regional development, innovation policy, and public management. His research focuses on innovation systems, entrepreneurship, and the strategic interplay between economic policy and regional growth. Professor Bar-El has authored and edited several influential books, such as Regional Development and Conflict Management: A Case for Brazil, Desenvolvimento Econômico Regional para a Redução da Pobreza e Desigualdade, Industrialização Rural no Nordeste, and The Economic Development of the Arab Sector in Israel. His academic publications have appeared in leading volumes and journals, addressing topics such as under-investment in innovative enterprises, the spatial distribution of high-tech industries, and socio-economic policy frameworks for conflict regions. Professor Bar-El’s leadership extends beyond academia to public service and international development. He has served as Director of the National and Economic Planning Authority at the Ministry of Economy and Planning and as Director General of the Development Study Center. As the Founder and President of the Israeli Regional Science Association, he has played a pioneering role in advancing regional science and innovation policy in Israel and abroad. His expertise has been sought by numerous international organizations and governments, including the World Bank, UNDP, and various ministries across Latin America, Africa, and Europe, where he has led and advised more than thirty major development and innovation projects. With an academic record comprising 56 documents, 387 citations across 328 publications, and an h-index of 11, Professor Bar-El continues to influence policy thinking and academic discourse on regional innovation and sustainable economic development. His long-standing commitment to integrating theory with practical policy solutions has positioned him as a leading voice in shaping innovation ecosystems and fostering socio-economic growth across diverse regions.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications :

Bar-El, R., Gavious, I., Kaufmann, D., & Schwartz, D. (2017). Under-investments in innovative SMEs: The effect of entrepreneurial cognitive bias. In K. O. Lundvall & P. Nielsen (Eds.), Human capital and assets in the networked world.

Schwartz, D., Avnimelech, G., & Bar-El, R. (2012). The location of knowledge economy and high-tech in Israel. In J. K. Gibson-Graham & G. Roelvink (Eds.), Societies in motion: Innovation, migration and regional transformation.

Bar-El, R. (2014). Economic considerations in implementing a parallel states structure. In M. Cohen & C. Scheindlin (Eds.), One land, two states: Israel and Palestine as parallel states University of California Press.

Bar-El, R., & Co-authors. (2024). Can the periphery survive innovation-led growth? Insights from Israel. Regional Studies, Regional Science.

Bar-El, R., & Co-authors. (2022). Adapting reverse mentoring strategy to SMEs: A new pilot model implemented in Brazil. Sustainability.

Syed Aamir Alam Rizvi | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Syed Aamir Alam Rizvi | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award 

Research Scholar at Institute of Business Management | Pakistan 

Dr. Syed Aamir Alam Rizvi is an accomplished Pakistani academic, auditor, and researcher with a distinguished career in business management, auditing, and public administration. His scholarly contributions include numerous published research articles addressing key areas such as women entrepreneurship, sustainability, fraud prevention, public sector reforms, and organizational behavior. His work on “Lean Practices and Industry 4.0 Implementation,” “Women Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation,” and “Financial Reforms and Net Interest Margins in Pakistan” has been presented at several national and international conferences. He has also authored books published by the Government of Pakistan and contributed to national literary and linguistic projects such as the Digital Urdu Dictionary and Urdu Sound Dictionary initiatives. Over the years, he has built a strong academic foundation complemented by several professional diplomas in project management, ERP systems, and leadership development. Dr. Rizvi has extensive teaching experience as a visiting lecturer at several esteemed universities such as the University of Karachi, Sindh Madrasa-tul-Islam University, ILMA University, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, and the National Textile University. His teaching and research expertise cover a wide range of subjects including entrepreneurship, taxation, quantitative analysis, financial management, and human resource management. Alongside his academic roles, he has served in various professional capacities within the Department of the Auditor General of Pakistan, demonstrating excellence in conducting regularity, performance, and environmental audits. His research impact is reflected in 3 documents, 5 citations, and an h-index of 2, underscoring his growing academic influence in the fields of business management, entrepreneurship, and public sector governance. Through his diverse academic, administrative, and research endeavors, Syed Aamir Alam Rizvi has established himself as a versatile scholar dedicated to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development in Pakistan’s educational and institutional landscape.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications : 

Rizvi, S. A. A., Shah, S. J., Qureshi, M. A., Wasim, S., Aleemi, A. R., & Ali, M. (2023). Challenges and motivations for women entrepreneurs in the service sector of Pakistan. Future Business Journal, 9(1), 71.

Batool, E., Usmani, S., & Rizvi, S. A. A. (2022). Succession planning practices and employee retention: The mediating role of career attitudes. City University Research Journal (CURJ), 12(2), 17–30.

Rizvi, S. A. A., Qureshi, M. A., & Ansari, J. (2024). Exploring the role of women entrepreneurial startups in shaping a sustainable future. Discover Sustainability, 5(1), 264.

Rizvi, S. A. A., Qureshi, M. A., Ahmed, Q. N., & Ali, M. (2023). Being and becoming an entrepreneur: A narrative study on the development of entrepreneurial mindset in Pakistan. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 11(2), 171–183.

Samo, A. H., Ahmed, Q. N., & Rizvi, S. A. A. (2024). Influence of green inclusive leadership on sustainable performance through innovative behavior: Moderating role of green psychological climate and climate for inclusion. Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences (PJCSS), 18(3), 676–702.

Yiyong Yu | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yiyong Yu | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University | China 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yiyong Yu is an Associate Professor at the School of Business, Nanjing Normal University, specializing in strategic management and innovation management. He earned his doctorate in management from the School of Business at Nanjing University. His research focuses on innovation chains, collaborative innovation, organizational inertia, and creativity. Yu has contributed extensively to the academic field, publishing papers in reputable journals such as Management World, Nankai Business Review, Studies in Science of Science, and Technovation. His work explores topics including overcoming organizational inertia to sustain growth, strategic knowledge disclosure, the role of leading enterprises in collaborative innovation, leadership behaviors influencing team creativity, and the impact of market competition on cooperative innovation. He has led multiple youth-focused research projects supported by national and provincial funding agencies and actively contributes as a reviewer for prominent journals in management and psychology. His scholarly contributions are recognized with 16 citations across 16 documents, 2 Publications and he maintains an h-index of 1.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications : 

Yu, Y., & Yang, Z. (2022). How can enterprises overcome organizational inertia to achieve sustained growth in a dynamic context? — Based on the “Context-Cognition-Action” analytical framework. Management World, 38(12), 159–177.

Yu, Y., & Yang, Z. (2022). Connotation, research issues and prospects of strategic knowledge disclosure. Nankai Business Review, 25(6), 214–226.

Yu, Y., & Yang, Z. (2020). How to effectively exert the innovation chain function of leading enterprises — From the perspective of collaborative innovation based on the new Pasteur’s quadrant. Nankai Business Review, 23(2), 4–15.

Yu, Y., Yang, Z., & Li, J. (2020). A study on the influence mechanism of leadership boundary-spanning behavior on team creativity. Studies in Science of Science, 38(3), 515–524.

Yu, Y., Cheng, L., & Zhang, D. (2024). How does market competition affect enterprise cooperative innovation? The moderating role of intellectual property protection and government subsidies. Technovation, 137, 103102.

Hasan Mustafa | Global Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Mustafa | Global Innovation | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology | United Arab Emirates 

Dr. Hasan Mustafa is an accomplished economist and academic with extensive experience in teaching, research, and industry engagement. He earned his Doctorate in Economics from the Georg-August-University in Goettingen, Germany, where his doctoral thesis focused on the controlling of direct banks using the Balanced Scorecard. He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the same institution. His research centers on bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice, with a particular focus on long-term oil demand and supply, the impact of alternative energy on global energy markets, and the economic implications of health issues such as diabetes on national economies. Dr. Mustafa has an impressive record of publications in reputed international journals, contributing to areas such as global innovation and uncertainty dynamics, investor sentiment, geopolitical risk, economic diversification, and macroeconomic determinants of oil prices. His works have been cited 64 times across 60 documents, with an h-index of 4, reflecting his growing influence in economic and energy-related research. Some of his notable publications include studies on the economic costs of diabetes in the United Arab Emirates, the role of investor sentiment in MENA bank stock returns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and scenario analyses for the establishment of an electric vehicle industry and future oil demand trajectories. In his academic career, Dr. Mustafa has served as an Assistant Professor at several higher education institutions, where he has taught a wide range of economics and business-related courses including macroeconomics, microeconomics, cost-benefit analysis, financial management, money and banking, and business statistics.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Linked In 

Featured Publications : 

Albaity, M., Mallek, R. S., Ur-Rehman, I., & Mustafa, H. (2025). Global innovation and uncertainty dynamics: Implications for bank performance. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 10(6), 100800.

Mustafa, H., Al Shawwa, H., & Kļaviņš, K. (2005). China’s new dynamic cooperation paradigm with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Mustafa, H., Theuma, A., & Al Shawwa, H. (2025). Knowledge-driven economic diversification: Scenario analysis for future trajectories in the UAE.

Mustafa, H., & Al Shawwa, H. (2023). Direct costs of diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates in 2018. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 43(1), 1–6.

Mustafa, H., Albaity, M., & Mallek, R. S. (2023). Heterogeneity of investor sentiment, geopolitical risk, and economic policy uncertainty: Do Islamic banks differ during the COVID-19 pandemic? International Journal of Emerging Markets, 2023(1), 1–22.

Reza Khalili | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Reza Khalili | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award 

Research Assistant at Stony Brook University | United States 

Mr. Reza Khalili is a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a strong academic record. His educational background also includes a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Isfahan. His research primarily focuses on power systems optimization, renewable energy integration, electricity markets, and the application of advanced computational and machine learning methods in energy systems. His scholarly impact is reflected in 81 citations across 78 documents, with 6 publications and an h-index of 4. Khalili has contributed to several peer-reviewed journals and conferences, publishing impactful works on topics such as robust multi-objective optimization for electricity markets, socio-economic energy hub design, peer-to-peer energy trading, and uncertainty management in renewable energy integration. His co-authored works have appeared in respected journals including Applied Energy, Journal of Energy Storage, and Energy & Buildings, and he has contributed a book chapter published by Taylor & Francis. His conference papers include research on security-constrained optimal power flow and distribution network resilience, one of which was recognized as a best paper finalist at IEEE SmartGridComm. In his academic career, Khalili has gained valuable research experience as a graduate research assistant, working on advanced optimization techniques, contingency prediction in power systems, and uncertainty quantification methods.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications: 

Khalili, R., Khaledi, A., Marzband, M., Nematollahi, A. F., Vahidi, B., & Siano, P. (2023). Robust multi-objective optimization for the Iranian electricity market considering green hydrogen and analyzing the performance of different demand response programs. Applied Energy, 334, 120737.

Darvishi, A., Ranjbar, B., Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., & Dashti, R. (2024). Multi-objective optimization of a socio-economic energy hub with demand response program and considering customer satisfaction. Journal of Energy Storage, 100, 113624.

Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., Vahidi, B., Nematollahi, A. F., Dashti, R., & Marzband, M. (2025). Enhancing energy hub performance: A comprehensive model for efficient integration of hydrogen energy and renewable sources with advanced uncertainty management strategies. Journal of Energy Storage, 107, 114948.

Gharibi, H., Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., Dashti, R., Marzband, M., & Rawa, M. (2025). Optimizing multi-objective peer-to-peer energy trading in green homes: Robust strategies to address non-probabilistic uncertainty using IGDT with integrated demand response. Energy and Buildings, 116435.

Gharibi, R., Vahidi, B., Dashti, R., & Khalili, R. (n.d.). From electrons to solutions: Power-to-X strategies for energy systems integration. In Power-to-X in regional energy systems (pp. 201–227). Taylor & Francis.

Bakhtiar Ostadi | Competitive Advantage | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi | Competitive Advantage | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor at Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi is an Iranian scholar and Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran. With over two decades of academic and industrial contributions, he has advanced research in risk assessment, quality management, reliability engineering, and process improvement. He has authored numerous journal articles, conference papers, and books, and has supervised key projects in industries ranging from automotive and gas refineries to telecommunications and insurance. Fluent in English and Farsi, Dr. Ostadi integrates theoretical expertise with practical applications, making significant impacts in both academia and industry.

Profiles 

Scopus 

ORCID

Google Scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi has a strong interdisciplinary academic foundation in mathematics and industrial engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran with a dissertation titled “An Examination of the Role of the Quality Management Systems in the Preparation and Implementation Stages of BPR Projects Using Concept of Dynamic Capabilities and RBVF Model.” Prior to that, he received his M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tehran, where his thesis focused on cost management in a flexible manufacturing system with an activity-based costing approach in the forging industry. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. He has led and participated in numerous research and industrial projects in areas such as process management, business process reengineering, reliability and risk engineering, and quality systems. His applied projects include activity-based costing in manufacturing industries, cargo train scheduling, risk management in civil and energy projects, evaluation of dependability in gas refineries, and developing excellence roadmaps for large-scale organizations such as Iran Insurance Company, IRIB, and MCI (Hamrah-e-Avval).

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi is an active educator and has taught a wide range of graduate and doctoral-level courses, including Reliability Engineering, Risk Reengineering, Quality and Process Improvement in Healthcare, Corporate Finance, Quality Engineering, Marketing Management, and Computer Simulation & Optimization. He also contributes to the scholarly community as a review board member of the International Journal of Production Research.

Research Interests

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi’s research interests cover a wide range of topics in industrial and systems engineering, reflecting both theoretical depth and practical application. He is particularly focused on data-driven risk assessment and pricing strategies for bidding, with an emphasis on improving decision-making under uncertainty. His work also extends to resilience engineering and quality engineering and management, aiming to enhance the robustness and efficiency of complex systems. In addition, he has a strong interest in process management, modeling, and simulation as tools for analyzing and optimizing organizational performance. Reliability engineering forms another key area of his expertise, where he explores methods to improve system dependability and maintenance practices. Complementing these technical domains, he also investigates customer value, customer experience, and marketing, integrating human and organizational dimensions into engineering solutions.

Publications

Using extended Monte Carlo simulation method for the improvement of risk management: Consideration of relationships between uncertainties

Year: 2007 | Citation: 159

Grouping evolution strategies: An effective approach for grouping problems

Year: 2015 | Citation: 66

Activity-based costing in flexible manufacturing systems with a case study in a forging industry

Year: 2008 | Citation: 64

A combined modelling of fuzzy logic and Time-Driven Activity-based Costing (TDABC) for hospital services costing under uncertainty

Year: 2019 | Citation: 60

An assessment model for hospital resilience according to the simultaneous consideration of key performance indicators: A system dynamics approach

Year: 2020 | Citation: 44

Conclusion

Dr. Bakhtiar Ostadi stands out as a highly accomplished researcher whose work embodies both innovation and practical impact. His career reflects a dedication to advancing industrial and systems engineering through risk management, resilience, and quality improvement. With his strong academic record, successful industrial projects, and commitment to education, he has established himself as a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By continuing to broaden his international collaborations and embracing emerging research trends, Dr. Ostadi is well positioned to achieve even greater global recognition. His contributions already make a lasting difference, and his future endeavors promise to further enhance the field.

Enjun Xia | Innovation Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Enjun Xia | Innovation Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Enjun Xia | Beijing Institute of Technology | China

Professor Enjun Xia, born in August 1962, is a distinguished scholar and full professor at the School of Management, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). He serves as a doctoral supervisor and has devoted his academic career to advancing the field of Technology Economy and Management. With decades of impactful teaching and research, Professor Xia has educated and mentored nearly 400 graduate students, including 69 PhD and 310 Master’s graduates. His educational influence continues with 12 active postgraduate students and 8 postdoctoral researchers who have completed their research under his supervision. In addition to academia, he has held visiting professorships at top international institutions including Stanford University, the University of Manchester, and Loughborough University, showcasing his global academic presence. A respected leader and academic contributor, he also serves as director of the China Technology Economy Society, playing a vital role in shaping China’s research agenda in economic management.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Enjun Xia received his academic training and academic degrees in China, where he cultivated a strong foundation in Technology Economy and Management—a discipline integrating engineering, innovation, and strategic planning. His commitment to interdisciplinary study paved the way for his future leadership at Beijing Institute of Technology. Over the years, he supplemented his formal education with high-level international academic exchanges, including scholarly visits and teaching engagements at world-renowned universities such as Stanford University (USA), University of Manchester, and Loughborough University (UK). These opportunities provided him with exposure to global methodologies and allowed him to develop a modern, research-driven curriculum for BIT students. His educational philosophy emphasizes the integration of research, practice, and cross-border collaboration—preparing students for the demands of high-level policy and innovation environments. His academic trajectory is a testament to his dedication to fostering both domestic excellence and global competence.

Professional Experience

Throughout his career at the School of Management, Beijing Institute of Technology, Professor Xia has taught six core courses across undergraduate and graduate levels, consistently earning respect from peers and students alike. As a doctoral supervisor, he has mentored a significant number of scholars who now contribute to academia, industry, and government sectors. Beyond classroom instruction, Professor Xia has led and participated in over 30 high-impact research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, National Key R&D Programs, and provincial and ministerial-level bodies. His roles have ranged from principal investigator to co-researcher, demonstrating both leadership and teamwork. Internationally, he has served as advisor and visiting professor at prestigious universities abroad, contributing to cross-national academic dialogue and research collaboration. His tenure also includes extensive involvement in editorial boards, academic societies, and strategic research panels, reinforcing his position as a key opinion leader in China’s academic and policy spheres.

Research Interests

Professor Xia’s research interests lie at the intersection of technology, economy, and management, with a special focus on innovation systems, economic decision-making models, technology forecasting, and strategic planning. His work emphasizes the integration of quantitative modeling with socio-economic impact evaluation, making his research especially relevant for policymaking and industrial applications. He aims to bridge theory and practice, providing decision-makers with rigorous, evidence-based tools. His ongoing interest in how emerging technologies influence economic development positions him as a leader in China’s innovation policy landscape. He also actively explores sustainability transitions, digital economy frameworks, and R&D performance assessment models. Professor Xia continues to push the boundaries of traditional management science by incorporating elements from data science, behavioral economics, and public policy. His research has significantly contributed to advancing national-level strategies on science and technology development.

Awards & Recognition

Professor Enjun Xia’s scholarly contributions have been recognized through four provincial and ministerial-level scientific achievement awards, highlighting the practical and theoretical excellence of his research. These honors are testaments to his impact on national innovation systems and academic advancement in technology management. His leadership in collaborative research programs has earned recognition from both government agencies and academic institutions. He has also been honored for his outstanding mentorship of graduate students and his service to academic societies. His editorial work, textbook authorship, and contributions to curriculum development have been widely praised. Additionally, his international engagements and role as a visiting professor at globally ranked institutions further affirm his standing as a global academic. He has consistently demonstrated excellence across research, education, and service, embodying the qualities of a visionary academic leader.

Publications Top Notes

Antecedent configurations toward radical green innovation: Based on resource orchestration theory

The Impact of Open Innovation on the Performance of Multinational Corporations in Emerging Markets: an Empirical Study

Crowdsourcing solutions for innovation: An evolutionary examination of participant behavior strategy

Coupling and coordination of food security and agricultural carbon emission efficiency: Changing trends, influencing factors, and different government priority scenarios

Coupled coordination and pathway analysis of food security and carbon emission efficiency under climate-smart agriculture orientation

Conclusion

Professor Enjun Xia’s career exemplifies academic leadership, innovation-driven research, and global collaboration. From educating hundreds of graduate students to influencing national policy, he has left a profound mark on the field of technology economy and management. His portfolio of scholarly contributions, award-winning research, and leadership in national and international academic forums underscores his status as a thought leader. Through tireless dedication, he continues to advance China’s academic landscape and fosters international dialogue on strategic management in high-tech sectors. With over 300 academic works, multiple awards, and a sustained mentoring legacy, Professor Xia is exceptionally qualified for recognition on the global academic stage. He represents the best of scholarship, mentorship, and research excellence in today’s competitive academic environment.

Besnik Qehaja | Innovation Strategy | Best Innovation Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Besnik Qehaja | Innovation Strategy | Best Innovation Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Besnik Qehaja, University for Business and Technology, Albania.

Prof. Assoc. Dr. Besnik Qehaja is a leading academic and digital innovation strategist based in Pristina, Kosovo. Currently serving as the Dean of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at UBT College, he is widely recognized for his pioneering work in digital transformation in education and telemedicine. With a PhD from Corvinus University of Budapest and a solid academic foundation in Software Engineering and Telecommunications, he has actively led program accreditations and educational technology implementations. Dr. Qehaja combines technical mastery with strategic vision, spearheading initiatives in AI, IoT, and smart city infrastructure. A dynamic educator and researcher, his leadership has played a crucial role in elevating Kosovo’s higher education sector. Through his contributions to digital pedagogy, LMS systems, and VR/AR in education, he continues to innovate for inclusive, intelligent, and impactful learning ecosystems.

👨‍🏫  Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Besnik Qehaja’s academic path reflects a strong foundation in digital innovation and educational technology. He earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering with a focus on Computer Networks and Telecommunications, followed by a Master’s degree in Software Engineering and Telecommunications from the University for Business and Technology in Kosovo. His academic excellence culminated in a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies from Corvinus University of Budapest. His doctoral thesis, “The Framework of a Real-Time Patient Monitoring System (Case Study: Kosovo),” focused on telemedicine and real-time data analytics, a pioneering research area that bridges health informatics and AI-driven digital systems. Dr. Qehaja’s academic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of technology, digital education, and healthcare transformation. His lifelong learning journey continues to fuel his innovative approaches in developing e-learning systems, smart educational platforms, and scalable IoT infrastructure for smart cities and intelligent classrooms.

💼 Experience

Dr. Qehaja has a proven track record in both academia and large-scale digital implementation. Since 2009, he has held various senior academic and administrative roles at UBT College, including Lecturer, Program Coordinator, and currently, Dean of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He played a pivotal role in securing long-term accreditations for Bachelor and Master programs across multiple campuses. As a project leader, he spearheaded digital infrastructure projects such as QR-based student tracking systems, IoT-based smart city platforms, and Learning Management System (LMS) deployments. His role as a Foreign Systems Analyst with M4Health Germany, working on Kosovo’s national e-health feasibility study, demonstrates his cross-sectoral expertise. Notably, Dr. Qehaja has led national-level VR/AR and AI integration projects, significantly advancing Kosovo’s academic digitalization. His project leadership extends to change management, ensuring technological transitions are smooth, strategic, and inclusive for educators and learners alike.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Besnik Qehaja’s research interests span digital transformation, educational technology, telemedicine, IoT applications, AI-driven analytics, and smart learning environments. At the core of his research is the strategic use of technology to enhance real-time decision-making, monitoring, and learning. His doctoral focus on telemedicine has matured into a broader inquiry into health informatics, with particular attention to system interoperability and secure data migration in national health systems. In the educational domain, Dr. Qehaja explores AI for predictive learning models, IoT-enabled connected classrooms, and the development of adaptive learning systems. He also leads research on data privacy, LMS design, and inclusive digital pedagogy. As a technologist and strategist, he is passionate about building intelligent, equitable, and scalable systems that address both human and institutional needs. His current projects involve Smart City IoT eco-platforms and cross-institutional digital integration, contributing impactful research in the European EdTech and eHealth landscapes.

🏆 Awards & Distinctions

Dr. Qehaja’s leadership in technology-enabled education and system innovation has earned him widespread recognition. He successfully led his faculty through national accreditation processes for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs—an achievement that secured 5-year accreditation in both Pristina and Prizren. He also served as the head of Kosovo’s eHealth feasibility study implementation, a landmark initiative involving Germany’s M4Health and the Ministry of Health. His efforts were pivotal in laying the digital groundwork for national-level healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, Dr. Qehaja is a certified Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality trainer by EON Reality, where he trained faculty and implemented immersive learning in education. He has received internal awards for excellence in curriculum design, project leadership, and contributions to digital pedagogy at UBT College. With several international conference roles and advisory board positions, his career has been marked by a consistent commitment to innovation, collaboration, and digital inclusion.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Mental health among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a cross-sectional multi-country comparison

Physical activity among adults residing in 11 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Application of biometric models of authentication in mobile equipment

Enterprise technology architecture solution for eHealth system and implementation strategy

Challenges and lessons learned during private 5g open ran deployments

Enterprise integration, networking and virtual communications

Comparision of maturity model frameworks in information security and their implementtation

Image Analysis of Water Level using Remote Sensing

Framework for real-time monitoring E-Health systems

Mathematical Modeling and Statistical Evaluation of the Security–Performance Trade-Off in IoT Cloud Architectures: A Case Study of UBT Smart City