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.

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.

Jihong Liu | technology innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jihong Liu  –  technology innovation – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Liu’s research aligns seamlessly with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Innovation category. Her interdisciplinary innovations in electronic and biological signal processing, combined with practical applications in wearable device systems, position her as a transformative figure in applied science and engineering. Her balance of research leadership and educational excellence sets a high benchmark in her field.

 Northeastern University | China

Profile

Orcid

Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Jihong Liu began her academic journey with a strong foundation in the fields of electronic technology and information systems. Her early studies laid the groundwork for a multidisciplinary career that merges electronics, biology, and intelligent systems. Demonstrating academic excellence and a passion for engineering innovation, she swiftly rose through the academic ranks, later earning her current role as an Associate Professor at Northeastern University, China. From the very beginning, her intellectual curiosity centered around real-world applications of engineering knowledge—particularly in how technology can be harnessed to gather and analyze biological information. These early academic choices became the bedrock of her career in both teaching and research.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Northeastern University, Dr. Jihong Liu is also recognized as one of the famous teachers of Liaoning Province, a testament to her excellence in pedagogy and mentoring. She is responsible for delivering several core courses that form the foundation of electronic engineering education, including: Basics of Analog Electronic Technology, Basics of Digital Electronic Technology, Application of Electronic Components, Intelligent Electronics and Information Technology, Digital Signal Processing

📚Contributions and Research Focus on technology innovation

Dr. Liu’s research sits at the exciting intersection of electronic technology, biological information collection and analysis, and intelligent information processing. She is particularly focused on developing Flexible Sensors for Wearable Devices. These cutting-edge technologies are designed to collect and process biological data in real-time, making them highly relevant for healthcare, fitness, and lifestyle applications. Her work significantly contributes to enhancing the efficiency and functionality of wearable technologies, which are rapidly becoming integral to modern life. These sensors not only monitor biological signals but also enable smart decision-making systems—a hallmark of next-generation intelligent devices. By advancing this research, she plays a pivotal role in driving innovation in smart electronics and personalized healthcare systems.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Jihong Liu has earned multiple distinctions throughout her career. Her designation as a famous teacher of Liaoning Province underscores her excellence and influence as an educator. This honor is reserved for top-tier faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional teaching effectiveness, innovative instructional methods, and a strong impact on student outcomes. Her scholarly contributions have also earned her academic visibility and citations in highly respected publications. Her Google Scholar profile records 752 citations, reflecting the growing recognition and influence of her research in the global academic community. These figures are a clear indicator of the relevance and scientific value of her work in the domains of sensor technology and bio-information systems.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

The impact of Dr. Liu’s research transcends academic circles. By focusing on flexible sensors for wearable devices, she addresses some of the most critical challenges in healthcare monitoring and real-time data analytics. These innovations contribute to the advancement of smart medical systems, enabling early detection of health anomalies, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and improving patient outcomes. Her dual role as a teacher and researcher allows her to shape both minds and technologies. Students trained under her guidance not only gain foundational knowledge but are also exposed to the frontiers of innovation—making them well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges. Moreover, her research publications, widely read and cited, continue to inform and inspire other researchers in similar domains.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Jihong Liu’s contributions to Northeastern University and the broader academic and technological communities are profound. Her interdisciplinary research is expected to lead to further breakthroughs in wearable health monitoring, smart electronics, and biological signal processing. With the wearable device market projected to grow substantially in the coming years, her work will likely remain central to its evolution. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to expand the applications of her flexible sensor systems, integrating them with artificial intelligence and cloud computing to develop even more responsive and intelligent information processing systems. She is also expected to mentor the next generation of engineers and researchers who will carry forward her legacy of innovation, education, and technological advancement.

 

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Jihong Liu, Associate Professor at Northeastern University, stands as a remarkable figure in the fields of electronic technology, biological information collection and analysis, and intelligent information processing. Her contact details—liujihong@ise.neu.edu.cn—reflect her openness to academic and collaborative inquiries. With a strong academic background, a portfolio of impactful research, and a teaching record that inspires, she continues to be a driving force in her discipline. Through her ongoing work on flexible sensors for wearable devices, Dr. Liu is helping to shape a smarter, healthier, and more connected world.

📚Publications

Research on Flexible Sensors for Wearable Devices: A Review

Authors:  Jihong Liu; Hongming Liu

Journals: Nanomaterials

A Saturation Artifacts Inpainting Method Based on Two-Stage GAN for Fluorescence Microscope Images

Authors: Jihong Liu; Fei Gao; Lvheng Zhang; Haixu Yang

Journals: Micromachines

Applications of Graphene-Based Materials in Sensors: A Review

Authors: Jihong Liu; Siyu Bao; Xinzhe Wang

Journals: Micromachines

Research Progress of ECG Monitoring Equipment and Algorithms Based on Polymer Materials

Authors: Lvheng Zhang; Jihong Liu

Journals: Micromachines

Recent Progress in Flexible Wearable Sensors for Vital Sign Monitoring

Authors: Jihong Liu; Meilin Liu; Yu Bai; Jiahao Zhang; Hongwei Liu; Wenbin Zhu

Journals: Sensors

Fahim ullah | Technological Innovation and Innovation Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fahim ullah – Technological Innovation and Innovation Management  – Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu University   |  China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

He embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in renewable energy. He earned his Ph.D. in Renewable Energy from Nanjing Agricultural University, China, where he focused on innovative approaches to harnessing solar energy. His early academic pursuits laid a strong foundation in the principles of energy systems, solar technology, and sustainable energy solutions. During his doctoral studies, he developed a deep understanding of solar energy, desalination, and thermal energy storage, which became the cornerstone of his future research endeavors.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

Currently, He holds the position of Post Doctorate Fellow at the School of Energy and Power Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China. In this role, he collaborates with a team of researchers to advance the field of renewable energy. he has previously served as a Research Associate at both Jiangsu University and the International Islamic University Malaysia, where he contributed to several groundbreaking projects in solar energy and heat recovery systems. His professional journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, driving significant advancements in solar technology and energy storage systems.

Contributions and Research Focus on Technological Innovation and Innovation Management 📚

Research and Innovations

His research primarily focuses on the fabrication of silicon solar cells with different organic/inorganic compounds to enhance efficiency. One of his notable contributions is the development of polymer-based solar cells (PSCs), where he introduced a novel approach by incorporating Rubrene into the PEDOT: PC71BM hole transport layer. This innovative method systematically examines different weight percentages of Rubrene, determining its optimal concentration for enhancing device performance. His research indicates that the addition of Rubrene at specific concentrations can significantly boost the efficiency of PSCs, offering a promising route for cost-effective and efficient solar energy solutions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His work has been widely recognized and celebrated within the scientific community. He has published 35 papers with a total impact factor of 45, showcasing his expertise in experimental and numerical analysis of renewable energy systems. His research contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Excellent International Student award and the Nanjing Government Scholarship. These accolades are a testament to his dedication and significant impact in the field of renewable energy research.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

The impact of His research extends beyond academia, influencing the renewable energy industry and contributing to global sustainability efforts. His work on solar collectors and hybrid solar cells has provided new insights into improving energy efficiency and storage capabilities. his innovative approaches have inspired fellow researchers and professionals in the field, promoting the adoption of sustainable energy practices. His research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for practical applications in solar energy systems.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Future Contributions

His legacy in the field of renewable energy is characterized by his pioneering research and dedication to innovation. As he continues his work at Jiangsu University, he remains committed to exploring new frontiers in energy technology. His current research interests include Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), pyrolysis of algae, silicon solar cells, and biomass. he aims to further enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems and develop sustainable solutions to address the world’s energy challenges.

Citations 

Citations        239

h-index           9

i10-index        9

Notable Publications