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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Fu-Mei Chuang | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fu-Mei Chuang | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor at Rennes School of Business | France 

Dr. Fu-Mei Chuang is an accomplished academic and marketing scholar who serves as an Associate Professor in the Marketing Department at Rennes School of Business, France, an institution accredited by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. She possesses extensive international academic and professional experience across Europe and Asia, with previous roles at Loughborough University and Cardiff Business School in the United Kingdom, as well as Trans-World University and the World Trade Centre in Taiwan. Her academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation, holding advanced degrees in marketing, innovation, and international business from renowned universities in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Dr. Chuang’s research focuses on marketing innovation, new product development, strategic management, and value co-creation, particularly within high-technology and luxury industries. According to Google Scholar, she has achieved 257 total citations, an h-index of 4, and an i10-index of 4 across 7 key publications. Her scholarly contributions have been published in leading academic journals, including the British Journal of Management, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Research Policy, and Journal of Strategic Marketing. She has also contributed to the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing and has several papers under review in reputable outlets such as Technological Forecasting and Social Change and Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. Her work often explores how organizational learning, market orientation, and innovation strategies drive competitive advantage and new product success, especially in emerging markets like China. In addition to her research, Dr. Chuang has actively participated in major international conferences, including those organized by the American Marketing Association, the Academy of International Business, and the Strategic Management Society.

Profiles : ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications : 

Liu, X., Hodgkinson, I. R., & Chuang, F.-M. (2014). Foreign competition, domestic knowledge base and innovation activities: Evidence from Chinese high-tech industries. Research Policy, 43(2), 414–422.

Chuang, F.-M., Morgan, R. E., & Robson, M. J. (2015). Customer and competitor insights, new product development competence, and new product creativity: Differential, integrative, and substitution effects. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(2), 175–182.

Chuang, F.-M., Morgan, R. E., & Robson, M. J. (2012). Clan culture, strategic orientation and new product performance in Chinese marketing ventures: An exploration of main and moderating effects. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 20(3), 267–286.

Robson, M. J., Chuang, F.-M., Morgan, R. E., Bıçakcıoğlu‐Peynirci, N., & Di Benedetto, C. A. (2023). New product development process execution, integration mechanisms, capabilities and outcomes: Evidence from Chinese high‐technology ventures. British Journal of Management, 34(4), 2036–2056.

Chuang, F.-M., Morgan, R. E., & Robson, M. J. (2014). Creativity and innovation for new technology ventures. In The Sustainable Global Marketplace: Proceedings of the 2011 Academy of Marketing Science Conference (pp. 597–601). Springer.

Yaping Yin | Strategic Management | Best Researcher Award 

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Ms. Yaping Yin | Strategic Management | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. Yaping Yin | Hainan University | China

Ms. Yaping Yin is a PhD Candidate in Agricultural Microbiology at Hainan University, focusing on the role of microorganisms in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. With over five years of experience in microbial research, she has contributed to national projects such as the China Agriculture Research System and the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project, where her studies emphasize the construction of rhizosphere microbial networks and the regulation of cucumber rhizosphere health. Her research explores keystone microbial species such as Flavobacterium and Bacillus, demonstrating their impact on crop growth, yield stability, and stress resistance. She has collaborated with research teams from Sichuan Agricultural University and Hainan University, working on cross-regional microbial studies and microbial medium optimization. Her scientific output includes 3 documents, 87 citations by 86 documents, and an h-index of 3. Her work has provided practical insights for reducing chemical fertilizer use in agricultural cooperatives while promoting microbial strategies for sustainable farming. Yaping Yin has published research in peer-reviewed journals including New Biotechnology, Fungal Biology, and other indexed sources, addressing topics such as rhizosphere ecology, molecular regulatory mechanisms of beneficial fungi, and microbial solutions to soil salinity and plant disease resistance. Through these contributions, she has established herself as a young researcher advancing agricultural microbiome strategies and sustainable agroecosystem development.

Profiles : Scopus

Featured Publications : 

Yin, Y., Khan, R. A. A., Li, L., Wu, Y., Li, C., Li, Y., & Ren, S. (2025). The diversity and keystone species of cucumber rhizosphere microbiome: Unveiling their role in driving cucumber growth and microbial communities. New Biotechnology.

Song, J.-Z., Yin, Y.-P., Cheng, W., Liu, J.-H., Hu, S.-J., Qiu, L., & Wang, J.-J. (2021). The N-Mannosyltransferase gene BbAlg9 contributes to cell wall integrity, fungal development and the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana. Fungal Biology, 125(10), 776–784.

Yin, Y., Wang, R., Lin, R., Tang, Z., Sun, M., Yu, X., & Liu, T. (2024). The molecular regulatory mechanism of the hydrophobic protein TaHFB1 from Trichoderma in promoting lateral root growth and inducing disease resistance in tomato. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

Yin, Y., Wang, W., Zhang, F., Liu, Z., Hou, J., & Liu, T. (2021). A novel salt-tolerant strain Trichoderma atroviride HN082102.1 isolated from marine habitat alleviates salt stress and diminishes cucumber root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

Wang, R., Yu, X., Yin, Y., Norvienyeku, J., Khan, R. A. A., Liu, T., … & others. (2023). Biocontrol of cucumber Fusarium wilt by Trichoderma asperellum FJ035 dependent on antagonism and spatiotemporal competition with Fusarium oxysporum. Biological Control, 186, 105334.

Enjun Xia | Innovation Management | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Cornelia Storz | Strategy Formulation | Best Paper Award

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Prof Dr. Cornelia Storz | Strategy Formulation | Best Paper Award

Prof Dr. Cornelia Storz, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Storz is a tenured full professor and Chair of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Goethe University Frankfurt’s Faculty of Economics and Business. With prior professorships in Japanese Economy and Society at Philipps University Marburg and University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Dr. Storz bridges academia and global business perspectives. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics (Dr. rer. oec.) in 1996 from the University of Duisburg‑Essen, following an M.A. in Business Administration & Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn in 1992. Over her career, she has led 20+ completed and 10+ ongoing research projects, published 35 journal articles, and authored 13 books. Her work has garnered a citation index of 1,044, with an h-index of 18 and i10-index of 23. She serves as co-guest editor for Research Policy and maintains rich collaborations with leading international scholars—spanning Oxford, Tokyo, Singapore, Paris, Seoul, and beyond.

👩‍🏫  Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Storz’s academic journey began with a Master of Arts in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn (1992), reflecting her interdisciplinary grounding in management sciences and cross-cultural insights. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics (Dr. rer. oec.) at the University of Duisburg‑Essen in 1996, where she developed rigorous research skills in strategic management, innovation, and economic systems. This strong educational background laid the foundation for her impactful contributions to international research and teaching, and positioned her as a leader capable of analyzing complex innovation landscapes in Japan, Korea, Europe, and emerging economies.

💼 Experience

Since 2007, Dr. Storz has held the professorship and Chair of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Goethe University’s Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Management & Microeconomics. Before that, she was a full professor specializing in Japanese Economy at Philipps University Marburg (2001–2006), and at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen (1997–2001). From 1992 to 1996, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Duisburg‑Essen. Across these roles, she has supervised doctoral students, designed postgraduate curricula, and led strategic projects. She actively shapes international research networks and provides expert consultancy in innovation policy, organizational strategy, and digital transformation across academia and industry.

 🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Storz’s research centers on strategic management of innovation, firm adaptation in crisis contexts, and the emergence of new industries. She investigates topics such as labour-cost retrenchment strategies, digital innovation ecosystems, board governance’s impact on innovation, and design knowledge flows in product development. Her collaborative projects examine digital marketplaces in Sub‑Saharan Africa, optimal distinctiveness in Korean film, and entrepreneurial networks at the base-of-pyramid. She is particularly interested in how firms construct innovation policy practices that align with national and local systems, and how crisis strategies—from flexible to rigid—affect investor behavior and firm resilience.

 🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Storz has been nominated for several prestigious international awards in strategic management and business strategy, and recognized for excellence in innovation research. Her prolific output—including 35 journal articles, 13 books, and numerous editorial roles—has earned her a global citation index above 1,000, with an h-index of 18 and i10-index of 23. She has been co-guest editor for special issues in top-tier journals, including Research Policy. These accolades reflect peer recognition of her leadership in examining the strategic dimensions of innovation, crisis response, and cross-national economic systems, marking her a strong contender for awards such as the Best Paper Award.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Labour-cost retrenchment strategies in times of crisis: Comparing market reactions to flexible and rigid strategies

Digital creatives and digital engineers: entrepreneurial firms, institutional context, and the organization of innovation

The emergence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem: the interplay between early entrepreneurial activity and public policy in the Korean online gaming industry

Why do some entrepreneurs thrive? A network content perspective

Cornelia Marja van Duijn | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Cornelia Marja van Duijn – Strategic Planning – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Professor van Duijn’s career exemplifies excellence in biomedical research, innovation, and translational impact. Her work bridges fundamental genetic discoveries with practical public health applications, aligning strongly with the Best Researcher Award or Excellence in Lifelong Scientific Achievement category.

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Profile
Orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Professor Cornelia Marja van Duijn began her academic journey in the Netherlands, earning her Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Wageningen in March 1987. She then proceeded to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetic Epidemiology at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, which she completed in January 1991. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for her future research focus, particularly in unraveling the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. Shortly after completing her Ph.D., Van Duijn engaged in a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University between 1991 and 1992, deepening her expertise in genetic epidemiology. Her formative academic and research training at internationally renowned institutions helped establish her as a future leader in the field.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Over the years, Van Duijn has held various significant academic and research positions. She began her career as a Research Fellow with the Dutch Childhood Leukaemia Study Group in 1987, and from there, rose through the academic ranks at Erasmus University Medical School Rotterdam—starting as a Ph.D. student, and eventually becoming a full professor of Genetic Epidemiology in 2001. She also served as Full Professor of Translational Epidemiology at Leiden University in 2016. Since 2018, she has held the esteemed position of Professor of Epidemiology at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK. In this role, she continues to conduct pioneering research and mentor emerging scholars in the field. In addition to her academic appointments, Van Duijn has also undertaken foreign research training at prestigious institutions including Stanford University Medical School, MRC Biostatistics Unit Cambridge, and Boston University School of Medicine.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Strategic Planning

Van Duijn’s scientific contributions are both broad and profound, with her early work centering on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease. She has played a pivotal role in discovering genetic mutations such as those in the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene and linking APOE4 allele to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her work in genome-wide association studies has identified multiple risk loci, including rare coding variants like TREM2 and PLD3, underscoring the role of microglial-mediated innate immunity. She has actively contributed to leading scientific consortia such as CHARGE, ENGAGE, IGAP, IGGC, and EAGLE, and led multiple large-scale projects under the European Framework Programs, Horizon 2020, and the Netherlands Genomic Initiative. Her publication record—over 1300 scientific papers—reflects her sustained impact, and she has supervised and graduated 56 Ph.D. students, many of whom have gone on to successful academic careers.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Van Duijn’s work has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors. She received the Pioneer Grant Award from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/ZonMw) in 1998 and the Herman Boerhaave Award from Leiden University in 1996. In recognition of her research on aging and neurodegenerative disorders, she was awarded the Junior Research Award by the Gerontology and Geriatrics Society and the Research Award from Erasmus University. More recently, she was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, and a Fellow of St. Cross College, Oxford. She is also a Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences of the Netherlands and has served as the Chair of the Advisory Board at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM).

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Van Duijn’s influence extends beyond academic circles into international public health policy and biomedical infrastructure. She was instrumental in establishing the BBMRI-NL (Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure) and the Netherlands Consortium on Healthy Aging (NCHA). She has served on global scientific committees including the European Research Council (ERC) and the European Society for Human Genetics. Her research has significantly influenced our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, and cardiovascular disease through genomics and biostatistics. She has brought new insights into how polygenic risk scores and environmental interactions contribute to neurodegeneration, offering pathways for preventive strategies and early diagnosis.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Van Duijn’s legacy is marked by her visionary leadership in the field of genetic epidemiology. One of her notable achievements includes founding and directing the international MSc and Ph.D. program in Genetic Epidemiology at ErasmusMC Rotterdam, which has become a model for similar programs worldwide. Looking ahead, Van Duijn continues to lead research at the intersection of genomics, neurodegeneration, and population health, particularly through her work at Oxford. Her active involvement in global consortia like AMP-AD, EADB, and STREGA signals ongoing contributions to data-sharing frameworks and harmonized research methodologies in precision medicine.

Conclusion

Professor Cornelia Marja van Duijn stands as a luminary in the field of epidemiology and genetic research. From her early academic roots at Wageningen and Erasmus University to her current leadership role at Oxford, she has consistently pushed the frontiers of scientific understanding. Her work has transformed how we approach the genetic basis of complex diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, and has fostered global collaboration across disciplines. With her unwavering commitment to education, innovation, and public health, Van Duijn’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of genetic epidemiology for generations to come.

📚Publications

Mendelian randomization identifies proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases

 Authors: Lazaros Belbasis; Sam Morris; Cornelia van Duijn; Derrick Bennett; Robin Walters

Journals: Brain

Integration of genetic testing into diagnostic pathways for cardiomyopathies: a clinical consensus statement by the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Genomics

Authors: Perry Elliott; Heribert Schunkert; Antoine Bondue; Elijah Behr; Lucie Carrier; Cornelia Van Duijn; Pablo García-Pavía; Pim van der Harst; Maryam Kavousi; Bart Loeys et al.

Journals: European Heart Journal

Treating Hypertension: Important for Heart Health, Fundamental for Brain Health

Authors: Sanjula D. Singh; Jasper R. Senff; Cornelia M. van Duijn; Jonathan Rosand

Journals: Stroke

Blessing Guembe | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Global

Dr. Blessing Guemb – Innovation Strategy – Best Researcher Award

 

University of Milano | Italy

Profiles 

Scholar

📍Current Position

Since April 2024, he has been serving as a Research Fellow at the University of Milan. In this role, she focuses on developing explainable knowledge-based solutions to address critical issues related to privacy and information security. Her research aims to empower users to manage their personal data and access reliable content while safeguarding freedom of expression. She is actively involved in the KURAMi Project under the guidance of Prof. Giovanni Livraga, working on innovative solutions in privacy protection and data security.

📝Publication Achievements 

“Trustworthy Machine Learning Approaches for Cyberattack Detection: A Review” Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2022 Workshops, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10548-7_20. “The Emerging Threat of AI-Driven Cyber Attacks: A Review” Applied Artificial Intelligence, 36(1) doi:10.1080/08839514.2022.2037254 “Cloud Applications Management – Issues and Developments. Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2018 doi:10.1007/978-3-319-951713_54

 

🔍Ongoing Research 

Explainable AI: Developing methods to make AI systems more interpretable and understandable to users. Federated Learning: Enhancing privacy and security in distributed learning environments. Misinformation: Tackling the spread of false information on social media platforms. Privacy: Ensuring that users’ personal data is protected and managed effectively.

 

🔬Research Interests 

Explainable AI: Techniques that make machine learning models transparent and understandable. Federated Learning: Collaborative learning methods that maintain data privacy and security. Misinformation: Strategies to detect and mitigate false information in digital media. Privacy and Security: Protecting personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

🎓Academic Background 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science Covenant University, 2023 . Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science
Covenant University, 2019.  Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science Niger Delta University, 2012

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his academic and professional career, Blessing has been recognized for her contributions to computer science and technology. His achievements are indicative of her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in her field.

🌐Professional Associations 

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). IEEE Computer Society . International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

 📚Training & Workshops 

Advanced Machine Learning Techniques, Federated Learning and Privacy-Preserving Technologies , Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection

🎤Oral Presentations 

He has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and workshops, sharing insights on her research in AI, cybersecurity, and privacy. These presentations have contributed to her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Implemented Federated Learning Models: Developed and deployed federated learning models for healthcare applications. Applied Homomorphic Encryption: Secured research datasets through advanced encryption techniques. Conducted Privacy Risk Assessments: Evaluated privacy risks associated with social media platforms and proposed protective measures.

🚀Success Factors 

His success can be attributed to her dedication to research, her ability to stay abreast of technological advancements, and her collaborative approach to problem-solving..

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

His publications highlight her contributions to the fields of machine learning and cybersecurity. Her laboratory experience includes working on innovative projects related to data security, federated learning, and privacy-preserving techniques.

📚Publications: