Enjun Xia | Innovation Management | Best Researcher Award

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.

Patricia Gomes Rêgo de Almeida | Digital Transformation | Best Paper Award- 3985

Mrs. Patricia Gomes Rêgo de Almeida | Digital Transformation | Best Paper Award

Mrs. Patricia Gomes Rêgo de Almeida, Chamber of Deputies of Brazil.

Dr. Patricia Gomes Rêgo de Almeida is a distinguished leader in digital governance and artificial intelligence policy. With a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Brasília, her work explores the intersection of AI and institutional governance. She currently serves as the Head of Innovation, IT Governance, and Digital Strategy at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, leading the national legislature’s digital transformation efforts. Dr. Almeida is also a prominent figure in the global parliamentary tech space, coordinating the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Her pioneering role in drafting AI Guidelines for Parliaments reflects her deep commitment to ethical, transparent, and innovative public sector modernization. Her leadership combines technical expertise with policy foresight, making her a pivotal voice in AI governance worldwide.

👨‍🎓 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Patricia Almeida holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Brasília (UnB), with a focused research on Artificial Intelligence Governance—an area that explores regulatory, ethical, and strategic frameworks for the implementation of AI in public institutions. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she gained foundational knowledge in computing systems and data-driven technologies. Her unique blend of engineering and public administration education allows her to approach technology policy with both analytical precision and institutional insight. Her academic background reflects a rare interdisciplinary expertise, positioning her at the forefront of emerging debates around the governance of emerging technologies in democratic institutions.

💼 Professional Experience

Currently, Patricia serves as the Head of Innovation, IT Governance, and Digital Strategy at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, where she designs and executes the legislature’s Digital Transformation Strategy. She is responsible for steering AI project portfolios, defining institutional AI policy, and leading Data Fluency initiatives across the chamber. Her work ensures that Brazil’s legislative processes integrate ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking AI tools. Additionally, she is the Coordinator of the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Centre for Innovation in Parliaments. In this role, she led the development of the AI Guidelines for Parliaments, establishing a global benchmark for responsible AI use in legislative contexts. Patricia’s dual leadership roles reflect her ability to navigate complex institutional environments while driving innovation.

🔬 Research Interests

Patricia’s research focuses on Artificial Intelligence Governance, digital transformation in the public sector, data ethics, and institutional transparency. Her work explores how parliaments and legislative institutions can harness AI in a trustworthy, accountable, and human-centered manner. Her academic and professional inquiry covers critical areas such as algorithmic decision-making, AI policy frameworks, ethical data management, and public trust in AI systems. She is especially interested in designing institutional safeguards that ensure responsible AI deployment while promoting citizen engagement and transparency. Patricia’s research is deeply policy-oriented and grounded in real-world applications, making a tangible impact on how public institutions think about and implement AI systems.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Patricia Almeida has received wide recognition for her contributions to AI policy and innovation in government. While specific named awards have not been publicly listed, her appointment as Coordinator of the Parliamentary Data Science Hub at IPU and her leadership in crafting the AI Guidelines for Parliaments signify international acclaim and trust in her expertise. Her work has been featured in global forums that bring together policymakers, technologists, and scholars, positioning her as a key voice in the development of digital governance models. Her achievements reflect not just personal excellence, but also her broader commitment to ethical leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.

📚 Publications

Cited by multiple institutions for responsible legislative AI implementation practices.

Giovanna Ferraro | Small businesses | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giovanna Ferraro – Small businesses  –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

As a nominee for the Best Researcher Award, Giovanna Ferraro stands out due to her: Strong research output in high-impact journals, Involvement in major European innovation projects, Contributions to Fintech, Industry 4.0, and complex network research, Editorial roles and mentorship of emerging scholars

 

 University of Rome Tor Vergata | Italy

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Giovanna Ferraro’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in Enterprise Engineering, leading her to obtain a Ph.D. in the field. She has always been passionate about research and innovation, particularly in the areas of technology transfer, strategic management, and Industry 4.0. Her early academic achievements set a solid base for her career, allowing her to explore complex networks and business innovation.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Management Engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Giovanna Ferraro is a distinguished academician actively involved in both national and international research projects. She has collaborated extensively with European institutions, particularly in technology transfer and business innovation management. She has played a pivotal role in several European projects, particularly those funded under the Horizon 2020 and COSME programs. These projects focus on SME innovation management, scaling up business activities in the Single Market, and enhancing enterprise competitiveness across Europe.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Small businesses

Giovanna Ferraro’s research contributions span innovation management, open innovation, technology transfer, Industry 4.0, Fintech, and complex networks. Her work has provided valuable insights into the evolving technological and economic landscape of Europe. One of her key research directions is integrating EU countries in Circular Economy, Energy Transition, and Social Justice using a multilayer network approach. This framework enables policymakers and researchers to evaluate policy analogies, facilitating better integration of sustainable strategies across nations. Another significant research area is Fintech patent analysis, where she has examined patent certificates to identify technical trends, influencing factors, and technological advancements. By employing network analysis techniques, she has detected innovation clusters, highlighting technological substrates and trajectories that shape the future of financial technology. Her work has laid a strong foundation for future studies in strategic innovation and technology transfer, helping businesses and policymakers understand and navigate the complexities of modern economic ecosystems.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Giovanna Ferraro has earned widespread recognition in academia and industry for her contributions to technological forecasting, strategic management, and business innovation. Her work has been published in prestigious journals, including: Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Technovation, Expert Systems with Applications, Small Business Economics, Annals of Operations Research. She has also served as a guest editor for leading journals like the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Innovation and Knowledge. Additionally, she is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Engineering Business Management.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Through her work in innovation ecosystems and enterprise competitiveness, Giovanna Ferraro has influenced policymaking and business strategies across Europe. Her research provides practical solutions for SMEs, governments, and multinational corporations seeking to optimize their innovation management strategies.

 

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Giovanna Ferraro’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business applications. She continues to contribute to large-scale innovation ecosystems and policy integration models, ensuring that her research has real-world implications.

Conclusion

Giovanna Ferraro has made significant strides in innovation management, strategic business growth, and technology transfer. Her academic rigor, extensive research portfolio, and leadership in European innovation projects position her as a leading figure in the field. Her work is not only academically enriching but also holds tangible value for businesses, policymakers, and technology-driven enterprises. As she continues to push the boundaries of research and innovation, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of Industry 4.0 and business strategy in the years to come.

📚Publications

Mapping socio-environmental policy integration in the European Union: A multilayer network approach

Authors: Roy Cerqueti; Giovanna Ferraro; Raffaele Mattera; Saverio Storani

Journals: Journal of Cleaner Production

The process supporting the emergence of the environmental innovation capabilities within small businesses: An empirical investigation

Authors: Giovanna Ferraro; Renato Passaro; Ivana Quinto; Antonio Thomas

Journals: Business Strategy and the Environment

Correction: Individual learning ambidexterity behavior and individual job performance in services: the role of organizational structure

Authors: Sebastian Ion Ceptureanu; Giovanna Ferraro; Eduard Gabriel Ceptureanu; Bogdan Georgescu

Journals: Review of Managerial Science

Individual learning ambidexterity behavior and individual job performance in services: the role of organizational structure

Authors: Sebastian Ion Ceptureanu; Giovanna Ferraro; Eduard Gabriel Ceptureanu; Bogdan Georgescu

Journals: Review of Managerial Science

Promoting sustainability goals: innovation trajectories of Fintech through patent analysis

Authors: Giovanna Ferraro; Antonio Iovanella; Alessandro Ramponi; Giulia Rotundo

Journals: Annals of Operations Research