Kun Cai | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kun Cai | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

University of International Business and Economics, China

Kun Cai is a rising scholar in the field of international trade and global value chains, currently based at the Global Value Chains Research Institute of the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing. Her research integrates empirical and quantitative methods to investigate productivity growth, knowledge spillovers, and the structural evolution of trade networks. Her work is notable for addressing complex issues such as firm ownership heterogeneity and domestic value-added in exports. Kun has made significant contributions to the construction and application of China’s input–output databases, which have facilitated detailed analysis of production networks across cities and provinces. Her collaboration with well-regarded economists and participation in large-scale national research projects further reflect her growing academic stature. She has co-authored publications in high-impact journals and participated in international conferences such as the ASSA/CEANA Annual Meeting and the Global Value Chain Development Report Workshop. Her blend of rigorous quantitative research and policy-relevant insight makes her work particularly valuable in contemporary discussions around industrial upgrading and technological self-reliance. As a researcher, Kun demonstrates both depth and innovation in tackling current economic challenges through data-intensive and policy-engaged approaches. Her trajectory indicates strong promise for leadership in her field in the near future.

Professional Profile

Education

Kun Cai has a solid academic background in economics, marked by progressive specialization in trade and industrial organization. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Economics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing (2019–2025), where she is conducting cutting-edge research on knowledge diffusion and productivity growth within production networks. Her doctoral work distinguishes itself by introducing firm ownership and upstream-downstream linkages into dynamic trade models, which are then empirically tested using advanced input–output data. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained a Master’s degree in Economics from East China University of Political Science and Law (2015–2018), where she built her foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and policy studies. Her undergraduate degree was completed at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (2011–2015), a well-regarded institution in China for economics and finance. This educational progression reflects both breadth and depth in economic knowledge, with a continuous emphasis on research and analytical skills. Through this trajectory, she has gained proficiency in dealing with complex economic data, academic writing, and policy interpretation, setting a strong foundation for a research-intensive academic career. Her academic training has equipped her with the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to both scholarly literature and public policy discourse.

Professional Experience

Kun Cai’s professional experience revolves around academic research, data analysis, and large-scale economic modeling, primarily through her involvement with the Global Value Chains Research Institute. As a doctoral researcher, she has played critical roles in major national research initiatives, including a flagship project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. In this role, she served both as a Research Assistant and Project Secretary. Her responsibilities included processing microdata from China Customs and economic censuses, updating provincial input–output tables, and aligning multiple economic datasets. She also coordinated project logistics such as organizing expert meetings, drafting reports, and compiling documentation for project deliverables. These experiences have enhanced her practical skills in data management, empirical modeling, and collaborative research. In addition to research execution, she has also demonstrated capability in academic publishing and international communication through her co-authored journal articles and conference presentations. Her hands-on work with input-output databases that distinguish firm ownership is a unique technical contribution, positioning her as a resourceful analyst in global trade and productivity studies. This blend of technical, administrative, and academic experience highlights her capability to handle multifaceted research tasks while contributing intellectually and operationally to complex, interdisciplinary projects.

Research Interests

Kun Cai’s research interests lie at the intersection of international trade, productivity growth, and knowledge spillovers within global and domestic production networks. Her primary focus is on understanding how ownership structures and supply chain positioning influence the diffusion of knowledge and technological progress. Her dissertation specifically adds depth to this domain by developing a dynamic general equilibrium model that integrates firm heterogeneity and upstream-downstream linkages to assess knowledge diffusion across three dimensions: country, industry, and firm ownership. She also has strong interests in the measurement and evolution of domestic value-added in the context of China’s export economy. Her work explores how industrial policies shape local content and supply chain integration, with implications for economic independence and industrial upgrading. Kun’s long-standing involvement with the development of China’s interprovincial and inter-city input-output databases reflects a methodological interest in large-scale empirical tools for economic analysis. These tools not only enable her research but also contribute to the global research community. Furthermore, she is engaged with the economic dimensions of the electric vehicle sector, particularly in evaluating localization, technology independence, and value creation. Collectively, her research addresses pressing questions in trade policy, innovation diffusion, and industrial development through a rigorous, data-driven lens.

Research Skills

Kun Cai possesses an impressive array of research skills, particularly in empirical economic modeling, database development, and statistical programming. Her work on interprovincial and inter-city input–output databases demonstrates advanced capabilities in data collection, processing, and integration. She is proficient in statistical software such as Stata, MATLAB, and R, which she uses for spatial econometric modeling, regression analysis, and visualization. These technical tools are instrumental in her quantitative analysis of productivity spillovers and value-added trade dynamics. Kun also has experience using Tableau for interactive data presentation, which enhances the accessibility and policy relevance of her research findings. Her academic work frequently involves complex data structures such as trade statistics, economic census data, and firm-level records, which she handles with accuracy and methodological rigor. In terms of research communication, Kun has co-authored peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, showing her skill in scholarly writing and collaboration. She has also presented her findings at international conferences, demonstrating her ability to convey complex concepts to academic and policy audiences alike. Her bilingual fluency in Mandarin and English enables her to operate effectively in both domestic and international research environments. Overall, her skill set aligns well with high-level academic research in economics and policy analysis.

Awards and Honors

Kun Cai has been recognized for her academic achievements through a series of competitive scholarships and awards during her doctoral studies. She was awarded the First-Class Academic Scholarship for the 2021–2022 academic year, highlighting her exceptional academic performance and research contributions. In addition, she received the Second-Class Academic Scholarship in three different academic years—2019–2020, 2020–2021, and 2022–2023—demonstrating consistent excellence in coursework and research engagement. These honors reflect her dedication, analytical ability, and high academic standing within her institution. Beyond scholarships, her inclusion as a co-author in several major research publications and presentations at internationally recognized conferences also signifies informal recognition of her capabilities by senior researchers and institutions. Her involvement in a nationally funded research project further testifies to the trust placed in her skills by principal investigators. These accolades are not just academic milestones but also indicators of her growing reputation in the field of global value chain research. They highlight her potential as a future leader in economics, especially in areas relating to industrial policy, trade, and knowledge diffusion. Taken together, her honors and achievements affirm her suitability as a strong candidate for awards recognizing excellence in research.

Conclusion

Kun Cai is a promising researcher whose work stands at the confluence of international trade, productivity, and policy-driven economic modeling. Her research is methodologically sound, conceptually innovative, and directly relevant to ongoing global discussions around industrial upgrading, localization, and knowledge transfer. Through her doctoral work and participation in national research projects, she has made valuable contributions to both academic literature and data infrastructure development. Her strengths include empirical rigor, policy relevance, and collaborative research experience, as evidenced by her journal publications, working papers, and conference presentations. While her current focus is centered on China, expanding her work to comparative or global studies could enhance her research scope and influence. Additionally, more leadership in independent research initiatives would further elevate her profile as a principal investigator. Nevertheless, her progress to date reflects strong commitment, intellectual maturity, and impactful scholarship. Given the quality of her work, the relevance of her research agenda, and the technical competencies she has developed, Kun Cai is a suitable and commendable nominee for the Excellence in Research Award. Her potential for continued growth and contribution to the academic community is evident, and she represents the kind of scholar that such recognition is intended to support.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: An inter-city input-output database distinguishing firm ownership in the Greater China area during 2002–2017

  2. Authors: Wang, Yafei; Xu, Dingyi; Zheng, Heran; Yang, Peihao

  3. Journal: Scientific Data

  4. Year: 2025

Cinzia Battistella | Business | Sustainable Engineering Leadership Award

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Prof. Cinzia Battistella | Business | Sustainable Engineering Leadership Award

professor at University of Udine, Italy

Cinzia Battistella is an Associate Professor of Management Engineering at the Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Udine, a position she has held since October 2018. With an academic background grounded in excellence and a progressive career spanning prominent academic institutions, she has established herself as a leader in the fields of strategy and innovation management. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering from the University of Udine in 2004, followed by a Master’s degree in 2007 with top honors. She earned her PhD in Management Engineering and Quantity Surveying at the University of Padova in 2011. Her research focuses on strategic and organizational challenges in complex, uncertain environments, particularly through the lenses of innovation and strategic foresight. With over 100 publications in highly reputed international journals, she has contributed significantly to the scientific community. Additionally, she has authored two international books and actively leads collaborative initiatives across Europe, including a Special Interest Group on Strategic Foresight. Her work with public and private sector stakeholders underscores her applied approach to academic research. With a keen focus on future-oriented strategies and innovation ecosystems, she remains a driving force in shaping the evolution of management engineering.

Professional Profile

Education

Cinzia Battistella’s educational background reflects a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and a solid foundation in engineering and management sciences. She began her academic journey at the University of Udine, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering in 2004. Demonstrating outstanding academic potential, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in the same field at the University of Udine in 2007, graduating with the maximum grade of 110/110. Her pursuit of advanced knowledge led her to the University of Padova, where she was awarded a PhD in Management Engineering and Quantity Surveying in 2011 as part of the XXIII PhD cycle. Her doctoral research marked the beginning of her in-depth exploration into the complex dynamics of strategic and innovation management. This educational trajectory not only equipped her with a strong theoretical and analytical toolkit but also cultivated her interest in solving real-world organizational and strategic challenges. Her academic training laid the groundwork for a distinguished research and teaching career and remains the cornerstone of her multidisciplinary approach, which bridges engineering principles with managerial and strategic foresight in uncertain and dynamic environments.

Professional Experience

Cinzia Battistella’s professional career spans academic and research institutions, where she has contributed significantly to both teaching and applied research. She began her professional journey as a research fellow at Area Science Park from 2007 to 2010, where she engaged in early-stage innovation research. From 2010 to 2013, she worked at the University of Udine’s Department of Electrical, Management, and Mechanical Engineering, continuing to build her expertise. She was appointed Assistant Professor at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano from 2013 to 2016, where she also served in academic leadership roles. From 2016 to 2018, she held an Associate Professorship at the University of Siena’s Department of Information Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Since 2018, she has been Associate Professor at the University of Udine, teaching courses such as Complexity Management, Innovation Management, and Project Management in master’s programs. She has coordinated numerous research projects, collaborated with leading companies like Telecom Italia and Illycaffè, and held strategic roles, including scientific coordination of a master’s program. Her professional path reflects a consistent trajectory of academic growth, project leadership, and impactful collaboration with both public and private stakeholders across national and international contexts.

Research Interest

Cinzia Battistella’s research is deeply rooted in the study of strategy and innovation management, particularly as they relate to organizations operating in highly uncertain and complex environments. Her work emphasizes the dual themes of open and collaborative innovation and strategic foresight, seeking to address how companies can adapt and thrive amidst technological disruption and market volatility. Key areas of focus include the development of new products and services, the evolution of business models, and the formation of business ecosystems. She is especially interested in how organizations build strategic agility and future orientation to maintain competitiveness. Her research intersects with complexity theory, exploring how firms manage non-linear, dynamic systems in their decision-making processes. Through empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and applied methodologies, Battistella contributes to a broader understanding of innovation governance, organizational adaptability, and long-term strategic planning. She has developed cross-disciplinary approaches, integrating insights from engineering, social science, and business strategy. Her passion for advancing strategic thinking has led her to co-found a European Special Interest Group on foresight and agility. As such, her research continues to shape the discourse around how firms can navigate complexity and seize opportunities for sustainable innovation.

Research Skills

Cinzia Battistella possesses a robust set of research skills developed through years of interdisciplinary work in management engineering. Her methodological expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including case studies, foresight methodologies, innovation audits, scenario analysis, and systems thinking. She has demonstrated proficiency in designing and managing large-scale research projects funded by competitive grants and partnerships with private and public institutions. Her strong analytical capabilities enable her to model complex organizational systems and derive actionable insights from multifaceted data. She is particularly skilled in translating theoretical constructs into practical frameworks, helping firms strategize around innovation and complexity. Battistella is also adept in research dissemination, having published extensively in high-impact journals and presented her work in international forums. Her ability to lead collaborative research is evident in her supervision of PhD students, research fellows, and associates, fostering a vibrant research environment. Additionally, her experience in coordinating European and national research networks has strengthened her collaborative and project management skills. These research capabilities not only enhance her academic output but also reinforce her engagement with industry stakeholders, bridging the gap between theory and practice through evidence-based strategies and applied innovation models.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Cinzia Battistella has earned several distinctions that reflect her excellence in research, teaching, and service to the academic community. Her academic achievements began with the conferral of the maximum grade in her Master’s degree program, highlighting her scholarly dedication. She has held prestigious research fellowships and appointments across top Italian universities, underscoring her recognized expertise in management engineering. Her extensive publication record in top-tier journals and the authorship of two international books have cemented her reputation as a thought leader in strategic foresight and innovation. Beyond individual achievements, she has played a key role in institutional quality assurance, serving on the Quality Presidium at the University of Udine and formerly at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano. She has also taken on leadership roles such as scientific coordinator of the Master in Innovation Management at the University of Udine. Her collaborative initiatives with global firms like Vodafone and Illycaffè have further showcased her applied impact. Moreover, her contribution as an expert advisor on management engineering for the Friuli Venezia Giulia recovery plan highlights her role in regional development and policy impact, attesting to her broad influence in both academic and applied contexts.

Conclusion

Cinzia Battistella’s career embodies the intersection of academic rigor, innovative research, and impactful collaboration. As an Associate Professor at the University of Udine, she has built a multidisciplinary portfolio that connects strategy, foresight, and innovation within complex systems. Her educational foundation, combined with a decade-plus of teaching and research across prominent institutions, demonstrates her unwavering commitment to advancing management engineering. Through her publications, leadership in special interest groups, and mentorship of emerging scholars, she has helped shape the direction of contemporary research in strategic foresight and innovation ecosystems. Equally adept in academia and applied research, she has bridged theoretical models with real-world challenges, engaging industry partners and public organizations to co-create knowledge. Her contributions to quality assurance, curriculum development, and regional policy reflect her broader institutional impact. As a scholar and leader, Battistella continues to inspire through her integrative approach, guiding organizations and students alike in navigating the future. Her work not only enriches academic discourse but also provides actionable insights for navigating complexity and embracing innovation in an ever-changing global environment.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Charting the temporal evolution of stakeholder involvement in business model for sustainability: A comprehensive bibliometric review

    • Authors: Giovanna G. Attanasio, Cinzia C. Battistella

  2. Title: B-Corp Certification: Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

    • Authors: Giovanna G. Attanasio, Cinzia C. Battistella, Elia E. Chizzolini

  3. Title: Future ecosystem business model tool: Design science and field test in the efuel ecosystem towards the sustainability transition

    • Authors: Giovanna G. Culot, Cinzia C. Battistella

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  4. Title: How do seaports use foresight to face environmental sustainability disruptions?

    • Authors: Giovanna G. Attanasio, Cinzia C. Battistella, Elia E. Chizzolini

    • Year: 2024

  5. Title: The impact of cultural dimensions on project management performance

    1. Authors: Cinzia C. Battistella, Thomas T. Bortolotti, Stefania S. Boscari, Fabio F. Nonino, Giulia G. Palombi

    2. Year: 2024

    3. Citations: 7

Rushde Akbar | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rushde Akbar | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Post-Doc from Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada

Dr. Rushde Akbar is a distinguished economist and academic with a rich background in both scholarly research and applied economic analysis. Currently affiliated with New York University – Abu Dhabi and Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Akbar has demonstrated expertise in microdata analysis, labor economics, international trade, and policy evaluation. His academic and professional experiences span a range of roles including researcher, faculty member, and policy consultant. Dr. Akbar’s academic journey reflects his commitment to tackling socio-economic challenges using empirical data and econometric modeling. He has played a pivotal role in analyzing large administrative datasets from Statistics Canada to evaluate wage dynamics, productivity, and policy impacts. His academic contributions are complemented by an extensive teaching portfolio covering undergraduate and graduate courses in economics and statistics at prominent institutions such as York University, Carleton University, and North South University. In addition to academia, Dr. Akbar has engaged in impactful consultancy projects focusing on labor markets, gender equity, and industry forecasting. His research has been featured in reputable economic journals and conferences. A prolific contributor to the intersection of public policy and economic theory, Dr. Akbar continues to shape discourse on international trade, immigrant labor outcomes, and economic inequality with methodological rigor and policy relevance.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Rushde Akbar’s academic foundation is rooted in a robust and comprehensive training in economics, all attained from York University in Toronto, Ontario. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics in September 2016, completing a doctoral dissertation titled “Essays on Inequality and Productivity Growth Decomposition,” which provided critical insights into the intersection of trade, labor markets, and economic development. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Akbar received his Master’s degree in Economics in June 2010, which further honed his skills in econometric analysis, microeconomic theory, and international trade. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honors), also from York University, completed in June 2009. Dr. Akbar’s educational trajectory has been distinguished by academic excellence and multiple scholarships, including the prestigious International Student Scholarship and the Graduate Student Scholarship. His time at York University not only equipped him with deep theoretical knowledge but also provided hands-on experience with quantitative research methodologies. His dissertation and coursework laid the groundwork for a career that bridges empirical economic research with real-world policy issues. With a solid academic base, Dr. Akbar has become a prominent figure in applied economics, contributing to policy discussions, academic literature, and institutional research across Canada and beyond.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rushde Akbar’s professional experience is both diverse and impactful, combining academic instruction, high-level research, and economic consultancy. He currently holds research roles at New York University – Abu Dhabi and Toronto Metropolitan University. At NYU Abu Dhabi, he leads research on wage markdown using Statistics Canada’s administrative microdata, exploring firm-level wage behavior and its relation to export activity. As a Quantitative Project Lead at Toronto Metropolitan University, he designs and analyzes surveys focused on student housing and its broader implications. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Fellow, he conducted extensive analysis on the Canadian Employer-Employee Dynamics Dataset, evaluating programs like the Post Graduate Work Permit and their effects on international students and firms’ productivity. Dr. Akbar has also held teaching appointments at York University and Carleton University, delivering courses in statistics, research methods, microeconomics, and international trade. Earlier, as an Assistant Professor at North South University, he developed research on Latin American firm data and export dynamics. His industry experience includes working with organizations like ACTRA, the Conference Board of Canada, and Policy Research Group, where he analyzed labor markets, gender disparities, and sectoral productivity. Across all roles, Dr. Akbar has demonstrated analytical rigor, interdisciplinary thinking, and a commitment to policy-relevant economic research.

Research Interests

Dr. Rushde Akbar’s research interests lie at the confluence of labor economics, international trade, public policy, and development economics. He is particularly interested in how global trade and labor market policies shape productivity, inequality, and economic opportunities across different social groups. A major focus of his work involves examining wage structures and firm behavior using administrative microdata. His recent research investigates wage markdowns in Canadian firms, uncovering how export status and firm dynamics influence wage-setting practices. Another key area is the evaluation of immigration and labor policies, such as Canada’s Post Graduate Work Permit Program, where he assesses its impact on international student labor market outcomes. He also explores gender dynamics in trade, analyzing the representation and treatment of women in new exporting firms. Beyond Canada, Dr. Akbar has delved into issues in South Asia, such as food security, water estate allocation, and garment industry productivity. His work often emphasizes the unintended consequences of policies and the structural forces behind economic disparities. With a strong commitment to empirical validation, Dr. Akbar employs large-scale datasets and econometric models to provide actionable insights. His research not only informs academia but also offers guidance for policymakers and development organizations.

Research Skills

Dr. Rushde Akbar possesses a robust set of research skills that combine theoretical acumen with advanced empirical techniques. He is adept at working with large administrative and firm-level microdatasets, including the Canadian Employer-Employee Dynamics Dataset and other Statistics Canada databases. His ability to clean, merge, and analyze complex datasets enables him to extract meaningful insights from large-scale data. He is proficient in econometric modeling, using tools such as STATA to conduct causal inference, policy evaluation, and productivity analysis. Dr. Akbar has developed algorithms to track firms over time, estimate opportunity costs, and identify wage disparities across various segments. He also designs and implements comprehensive surveys, particularly in housing and labor market contexts, and applies linear and probability models to study outcomes like academic performance and financial stress. His skills extend to data visualization and presentation, allowing him to communicate complex findings clearly to both academic and policy audiences. Additionally, Dr. Akbar’s interdisciplinary approach integrates economic theory with real-world applications, making his research accessible and impactful. With experience in both academic and consultancy environments, he adapts quickly to diverse research demands, ensuring methodological rigor and practical relevance. These skills collectively underscore his role as a dynamic, data-driven economist.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Rushde Akbar has received recognition for his scholarly excellence and dedication to research. At York University, where he completed his undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, Dr. Akbar was awarded the International Student Scholarship, a prestigious honor that acknowledges outstanding academic achievement and contributions by international students. He was also a recipient of the Graduate Student Scholarship, reflecting his commitment to excellence during his advanced studies in economics. These awards not only highlight his academic distinction but also supported his continued research and development in labor economics and trade. Beyond formal scholarships, Dr. Akbar’s work has been acknowledged through invitations to present at major academic conferences such as the Canadian Economic Association, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and the Canadian Research Data Centre Network. His research outputs, including articles under submission and peer-reviewed publications, further underscore his academic contributions. The combination of financial recognition and intellectual acclaim marks Dr. Akbar as a scholar whose work is both respected and impactful. These accolades have not only supported his academic pursuits but have also provided platforms to amplify his findings and collaborate with scholars, policymakers, and institutions globally.

Conclusion

Dr. Rushde Akbar stands as a multifaceted economist whose contributions span academic research, policy analysis, and education. His career exemplifies a rare blend of empirical rigor, policy relevance, and teaching excellence. With a solid educational foundation from York University and a rich portfolio of research and consultancy experience, Dr. Akbar has effectively bridged the gap between theoretical economics and real-world impact. Whether investigating wage markdowns, evaluating labor migration policies, or analyzing gender disparities in trade, his work provides actionable insights grounded in data. His ability to design complex models and interpret administrative microdata has made him a valuable asset to both academic institutions and industry partners. In parallel, his teaching and mentoring roles have helped shape future economists by fostering analytical thinking and research skills. His commitment to socio-economic equity is evident in projects focused on immigrant labor, gender representation, and international development. Recognized through awards, conference presentations, and journal publications, Dr. Akbar continues to influence the fields of labor economics and trade with clarity and depth. As his research evolves, Dr. Akbar is poised to remain at the forefront of economic inquiry, shaping policies and perspectives that advance inclusive and data-driven decision-making.

Publication Top Note

  1. Title: Assessing the Impact of the Post Graduate Work Permit Program on the Earnings of International Students: Evidence From Canadian Employer Employee Dynamics Dataset

  2. Authors: Rushde Akbar; Rupa Banerjee

  3. Year: 2025