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.

Hasan Mustafa | Global Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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

Assistant Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology | United Arab Emirates 

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

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

Featured Publications : 

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

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

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

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

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

Zhubo Li | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhubo Li – Innovation Strategy – Best Researcher Award

 

Wuhan University of Technology, School of Entrepreneurship | China

      Profiles

📍Current Position

Zhubo Li is currently a Lecturer at the School of Entrepreneurship, Wuhan University of Technology. He is actively engaged in teaching and mentoring students while simultaneously advancing his research career. His role at the institution allows him to contribute to the academic community through both educational and research-oriented activities.

 

📝Publication Achievements 

Journals Published

Zhubo Li has an impressive record of publications, with articles featured in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, and Journal of Urban Planning and Development. His research primarily focuses on environmental management, innovation, and the economic impacts of regulatory frameworks. His paper, “The Effect of Mandatory Environmental Regulation on Innovation Performance: Evidence from China,” published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, stands out for its significant impact, having been cited over 109 times. This publication is an example of his contribution to understanding the intersection of environmental regulations and innovation performance.

🔍Ongoing Research 

Currently, Zhubo Li is involved in seven active research projects. These projects continue to explore his core research interests, including innovation, network effects, and environmental management. Additionally, he has 10 working papers that are in various stages of development, showcasing his dedication to expanding the boundaries of his research areas. These ongoing efforts reflect his commitment to contributing valuable insights into the academic community and the broader field of economic management.

 

🔬Research Interests 

Zhubo Li’s research interests are broad yet focused, covering topics such as innovation, R&D internationalization, and environmental management. His work often intersects with the challenges of urban planning and development, examining how regulatory frameworks influence innovation and environmental sustainability. By addressing these complex issues, his research provides valuable policy insights that aim to optimize state-owned enterprise reforms and enhance their competitiveness in the modern economy.

🎓Academic Background 

Dr. Zhubo Li earned his Ph.D. in a field closely related to economic management and environmental studies, which laid the foundation for his subsequent research and teaching career. His academic journey has equipped him with the expertise necessary to tackle complex issues in innovation and environmental management, making him a well-respected figure in his field.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his academic career, Zhubo Li has been recognized for his contributions to research and academia. His work has earned him accolades such as the Best Researcher Award and the Outstanding Scientist Award, acknowledging his dedication and impact in his field.

🧬Bioinformatics 

While Zhubo Li’s primary research is not centered on bioinformatics, the analytical and computational skills he applies to his studies in environmental management and innovation performance are akin to those used in bioinformatics. His approach to research often involves complex data analysis and modeling, which are essential components of bioinformatics.

🌐Professional Associations 

Zhubo Li is an active member of several professional organizations that align with his research interests. These memberships provide him with platforms to collaborate with fellow researchers, share his findings, and stay updated with the latest developments in his field.

 📚Training & Workshops 

As a proactive academic, Zhubo Li frequently participates in and conducts workshops and training sessions. These activities are aimed at both sharing his knowledge with peers and students and staying abreast of the latest research methodologies and trends in his areas of interest.

 🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Zhubo Li has delivered numerous oral presentations at international conferences, sharing his research findings with a global audience. His presentations are well-regarded for their clarity and the depth of insight they provide into complex issues such as environmental regulation and innovation.

 🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Throughout his career, Zhubo Li has completed a variety of research tasks, including leading projects, publishing in high-impact journals, and mentoring students. His ability to manage and complete these tasks effectively demonstrates his expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

 🚀Success Factors 

Several factors contribute to Zhubo Li’s success as a researcher and academic. These include his strong academic background, his dedication to continuous learning, his ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers, and his commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research.

 🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Zhubo Li’s publications highlight his extensive experience in conducting empirical research and applying rigorous methodologies. His work in the laboratory, particularly in environmental studies, has led to the development of new insights and innovations that have practical applications in both policy and industry.

🔍 Conclusion

In summary, Zhubo Li is a distinguished Lecturer at Wuhan University of Technology, whose research on environmental management and innovation has made a significant impact on both academia and industry. With a strong publication record, ongoing research projects, and active participation in professional communities, he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in his field. His success is driven by his dedication to research, his collaborative spirit, and his commitment to education and innovation.

📚Publications

Are cities under bright lights more innovative? Evidence from China

   Authors: Jiang, Z., Li, Z., Wang, J.

   Journal: Heliyon

  

Sustainable Development: R&D Internationalization and Innovation

   Authors: Li, Z., Li, M., Han, Y., Ye, X.

   Journal: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies

 

Whether Openness and Inclusiveness Exacerbates Urban Pollution: Evidence from China

    Authors: Jiang, Z., Li, Z., Wang, Z.

    Journal: Journal of Urban Planning and Development

 

Industry and Regional Environmental Regulations: Policy Heterogeneity and Firm Performance

    Authors: Li, M., Li, Z.

    Journal: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies