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.

Fu-Mei Chuang | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

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.

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

Ieda Margarete Oro | Digital Transformation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ieda Margarete Oro  –  Digital Transformation –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Ieda Margarete Oro’s extensive contributions to research in accounting, business strategy, and management control systems strongly align with categories such as: Best Researcher Award (for significant research impact in accounting and management sciences). Excellence in Innovation Award (for her contributions to digital strategies and sustainable business practices).

 

Universidade do oeste de Santa Catarina | Brazil

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Ieda Margarete Oro embarked on her academic journey with a deep interest in Accounting and Administration, fields that play a crucial role in business sustainability and organizational growth. She earned her PhD in Accounting and Administration from the Regional University of Blumenau in 2015, focusing on strategic financial management and controllership. Her strong foundation in these disciplines paved the way for an extensive career in research and teaching, ultimately shaping the future of business management through innovation and sustainability.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently, Ieda Margarete Oro serves as a Researcher and Professor at UNOESC, where she contributes significantly to the Accounting Sciences Course and the Professional Master’s Degree in Administration. Her expertise extends to the Academic Doctorate program at UNOESC, where she mentors students and leads groundbreaking research initiatives. Her professional experience encompasses diverse areas, including Management Control Systems, Performance Evaluation, Corporate Finance, and Family Businesses. Between 2018 and 2020, she held the prestigious position of Editor-in-Chief of RACE, a well-regarded academic journal. She is also an active member of the scientific committee of the RCCC – CRCSC and an ad hoc associate editor at RAE-FGV, further showcasing her dedication to advancing research in her domain. Additionally, she is a distinguished member of the Santa Catarina Academy of Accounting Science, underscoring her influence in shaping accounting standards and practices.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Digital Transformation

eda Margarete Oro has made substantial contributions to the fields of accounting, administration, and business strategy. Her research primarily focuses on sustainable business practices, digital transformation, and financial strategies for MSMEs. Some of her key research projects include:

1. Green Strategy and Innovative Performance

This research investigates the interrelationship between sustainable business practices and innovation in family and non-family businesses. The study evaluates how management control systems mediate this relationship, providing insights into the adoption of green strategies for long-term business sustainability.

2. Strategies to Improve MSME Competitiveness in Ibero-America

Recognizing the economic challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), this project analyzes their primary obstacles and proposes strategic solutions to enhance their competitiveness. The research employs qualitative interviews and empirical analysis to devise actionable frameworks for business resilience.

3. Digital Strategy in Brazilian Family Businesses

This study explores the role of digitalization strategies in improving business performance, particularly among Brazilian family MSMEs. Using quantitative research methodologies and SmartPLS 4.0 software, the findings confirm the positive impact of digitalization and organizational innovation on business success.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Ieda Margarete Oro’s contributions have garnered widespread recognition in the academic and professional communities. Her research citations (788), h-index (15), and i10-index (20) reflect her substantial impact in the field. With 29 indexed journal publications and 6 indexed documents, she has established herself as a thought leader in accounting and business strategy. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in major research collaborations, including her leadership position as Theme Leader for the ENANPAD Accounting Division.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Beyond academia, Ieda’s research has profound real-world implications, influencing corporate decision-making, business sustainability, and financial strategy development. Her work on green strategies and digitalization serves as a guiding framework for businesses seeking sustainable and technology-driven growth. Furthermore, her involvement with FAEDPYME, a collaborative network for Latin American and Spanish researchers, amplifies her contributions to global research in MSME development.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Looking ahead, Ieda Margarete Oro continues to push the boundaries of research in strategic management, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices. Her upcoming projects aim to expand knowledge on corporate finance models, sustainability metrics, and digital adaptation in emerging markets. She is also working on publishing books that encapsulate her research insights, further enriching the academic and professional communities.

Conclusion

Ieda Margarete Oro’s dedication to research, education, and business transformation positions her as a leading figure in the domains of accounting and administration. Her commitment to sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic financial management continues to shape industries and inspire future generations of business leaders and researchers. As she forges ahead with her groundbreaking work, her legacy in academia and industry will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the global business landscape.

📚Publications

  • Digital strategy in Brazilian family business

    Authors: Oro, I.M., Begnini, S., Cassaro, E., Scherner, T.T.

    Journals: Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries

  • The relationship between the use of technologies and digitalization strategies for digital transformation in family businesses

    Authors: Begnini, S., Oro, I.M., Tonial, G., Dalbosco, I.B.

    Journals:  Journal of Family Business Management

  • Organizational values: Antecedents of well-being at work for rural successors | VALORES ORGANIZACIONAIS: ANTECEDENTES DE BEM-ESTAR NO TRABALHO PARA SUCESSORES RURAIS

    Authors: Zawadzki, P., Teston, S.F., Lizote, S.A., Oro, I.M.

    Journals:  Revista de Administracao Mackenzie

  • Conformity of integrated reports in relation to the guidelines for international integrated reporting council | Fatores determinantes da conformidade dos relatÓrios integrados em relaÇÃo Às diretrizes divulgadas pelo international integrated reporting council

    Authors: Rizzi, D.I., Mazzioni, S., De Moura, G.D., Oro, I.M.

    Journals:  Revista de Gestao Social e Ambiental, 

  • Interface between management control systems and strategy and performance measures in a family business*,**

    Authors: Oro, I.M., Lavarda, C.E.F.

    Journals:  Revista Contabilidade e Financas