Ms. Minxian Sun | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Minxian Sun | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Goethe Universität Frankfurt, Germany

Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Cornelia Storz embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in both economics and Japanese studies. She earned her Master of Arts in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn in 1992, demonstrating an early interdisciplinary approach that would define her career. Her passion for understanding economic structures led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, which she completed in 1996. During this period, she deepened her engagement with Japanese economic systems through multiple research opportunities in Japan, including at the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). These formative years shaped her expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of Japan and East Asia.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Following her doctoral studies, Storz quickly ascended the academic ranks. She began her teaching career as a Lecturer at the University for Applied Sciences, Bremen, in 1996. By 1997, she had secured a tenured professorship in Japanese Economy and Society at the same institution. Her deep knowledge of Japan’s business and economic structures made her a sought-after scholar, leading her to Philipps University, Marburg, in 2001, where she chaired the Japanese Economy department. Finally, in 2007, she joined Goethe University Frankfurt as a Professor and Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a focus on Japan and East Asia. Over the years, she has held numerous visiting research positions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Stanford University, Hitotsubashi University, and the University of Tokyo, solidifying her status as a leading expert in her field.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Storz’s research sits at the intersection of digital innovation, high-tech entrepreneurship, and institutional change. Her work explores how innovation ecosystems evolve, how firms collaborate within networks, and how institutional frameworks shape entrepreneurship, particularly in East Asia. She has extensively examined the role of established firms and their ability to innovate within structured institutional environments. Additionally, she has investigated the significance of university-industry linkages in emerging economies, particularly in China. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from economics, management, and institutional theory, making her research highly influential in both academic and policy-making circles.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her career, Storz has been the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants, and awards. Her most recent research projects include a 2024–2026 grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for her work on the “Visual Turn in Management Research” and a 2021–2024 collaborative project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), examining European firms’ cooperation with Chinese universities. These prestigious grants underscore her continued contributions to the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Her ability to secure competitive funding highlights her research’s impact and relevance in contemporary economic and business studies.

Impact and Influence 📈

Storz’s influence extends far beyond academia. Her research has played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly regarding East Asia. By bridging theoretical frameworks with empirical research, she has provided valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and fellow scholars. Her collaborations with leading institutions and researchers worldwide have fostered cross-cultural academic dialogue and influenced the broader discourse on innovation systems and economic development. Moreover, her mentorship of students and young researchers has contributed to the next generation of scholars in entrepreneurship and innovation studies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌐

Looking ahead, Storz’s legacy is poised to continue growing. With her ongoing projects exploring new dimensions of institutional change, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial networks, she remains at the forefront of research in her field. Her ability to adapt to evolving economic landscapes and integrate emerging technologies into her studies ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful. As digital transformation accelerates globally, her insights into how institutions and firms navigate these changes will continue to be invaluable. Through her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering international collaboration, Cornelia Storz’s contributions will leave a lasting imprint on the study of innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan, East Asia, and beyond.

 

📝Notable Publications

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

Authors: Miozzo, M., Storz, C., Casper, S.

Journal: Socio-Economic Review

Year: 2024

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

Authors: Casper, S., Miozzo, M., Storz, C.

Journal: Industry and Innovation

Year: 2024

Why do some entrepreneurs thrive? A network content perspective

Authors: Zou, N., Storz, C.

Journal: Journal of Business Research

Year: 2023

University satellite institutes as exogenous facilitators of technology transfer ecosystem development

Authors: Conlé, M., Kroll, H., Storz, C., ten Brink, T.

Journal: Journal of Technology Transfer

Year: 2023

Innovation in emerging economies: How do university-industry linkages and public procurement matter for small businesses?

Authors: Storz, C., ten Brink, T., Zou, N.

Journal: Asia Pacific Journal of Management

Year: 2022

Assoc Prof Dr. Shiqi Guo | Innovative Leadership | Best Scholar Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Shiqi Guo | Innovative Leadership | Best Scholar Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Profile 

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shiqi Guo embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sichuan University (SCU) in 2012, laying the foundation for a promising career in development economics. His quest for advanced knowledge led him to pursue a Master’s degree at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), where he was mentored by Professor Pinghan Liang, further refining his expertise in economics. Eager to contribute to global development studies, Dr. Guo joined the prestigious Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) in Geneva, completing his Ph.D. in Development Economics with the highest distinction, summa cum laude, under the supervision of Jean-Louis Arcand.
During his Ph.D., Dr. Guo expanded his horizons as a Visiting Fellow at Harvard University, where he was hosted by Richard Freeman. He also collaborated with international scholars during his tenure at the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), reflecting his early inclination toward impactful global research.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Guo began his academic career at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in 2021 as an Assistant Professor in the Antai College of Economics and Management. His innovative teaching and research methodologies earned him a promotion to Associate Professor in 2024. At SJTU, he has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring young economists.
Throughout his career, Dr. Guo has been actively engaged in advancing the field of development economics. His work spans applied microeconomics, policy analysis, and economic behaviors, making significant contributions to understanding complex global challenges.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Guo’s research portfolio highlights his commitment to addressing critical socio-economic issues. His key contributions include:

  • Development Economics: In his forthcoming paper in the Journal of Comparative Economics, Dr. Guo examines how foreign-assisted infrastructure projects impact local employment, particularly in Africa.
  • Environmental Economics: His research in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the adverse effects of straw burning on urban air quality in China.
  • Behavioral Economics: His study published in the Games and Economic Behavior investigates in-group bias within prison systems, shedding light on social dynamics in restrictive environments.
  • Economic History: Dr. Guo’s analysis of unexploded bombs’ legacy on educational attainment in Laos, published in the Journal of Development Economics, offers unique insights into post-conflict societal recovery.
    Dr. Guo has also made impactful contributions to Chinese-language journals, addressing topics such as air pollution governance and workforce transformation in China. These works bridge the gap between academic research and policy implementation.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Guo’s scholarly excellence has earned him recognition on a global scale. His publications in top-tier journals like The Economic Journal, Journal of Development Economics, and Journal of Comparative Economics underscore his ability to address diverse and pressing issues. His rigorous research and innovative approaches have established him as a thought leader in development economics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Guo’s work has a far-reaching impact, providing policymakers with actionable insights into economic development, environmental challenges, and social equity. His studies on foreign aid and infrastructure development in Africa, for instance, are instrumental in shaping international development policies. Similarly, his research on air quality and governance in China offers valuable guidelines for sustainable environmental practices.
Through his academic contributions and mentorship, Dr. Guo influences the next generation of economists, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address complex global challenges.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Guo is poised to expand his research portfolio to include emerging areas such as digital transformation in developing economies and the socio-economic impacts of climate change. His dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that his research remains relevant and impactful. As an Associate Professor at SJTU, he is committed to cultivating a culture of academic excellence and innovation, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of development economics.

With a strong foundation, significant achievements, and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Shiqi Guo exemplifies the role of a global economist making tangible contributions to both academia and society. 🌟

📝Notable Publications

Winter is Coming: Early-life Experiences and Politicians’ Decisions

Authors: Guo, S., Gao, N., Liang, P.

Journal: Economic Journal

Year: 2024

Does Terrorism Make People Pessimistic? Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Authors: Guo, S., An, J.

Journal: Journal of Development Economics

Year: 2022

Corrigendum to “The Legacy Effect of Unexploded Bombs on Educational Attainment in Laos”

Authors: Guo, S.

Journal: Journal of Development Economics

Year: 2021

How Does Straw Burning Affect Urban Air Quality in China?

Authors: Guo, S.

Journal: American Journal of Agricultural Economics

Year: 2021

The Legacy Effect of Unexploded Bombs on Educational Attainment in Laos

Authors: Guo, S.

Journal: Journal of Development Economics

Year: 2020

In-group Bias in Prisons

Authors: Guo, S., Liang, P., Xiao, E.

Journal: Games and Economic Behavior

Year: 2020

Dr. Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Centre of Demography of Gender, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

Profile 

Google Scholar

🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui’s journey into the realm of population studies began with a deep interest in social sciences and a commitment to addressing societal disparities. Driven by a desire to investigate the socioeconomic factors affecting mobility, education, and health, Dr. Siddiqui pursued a Ph.D. in Population Studies. During this time, he honed his expertise in intergenerational education and occupational mobility, focusing on the intricate links between family background, social class, and access to opportunities. His academic foundation provided a robust platform for his later work at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, where he would make substantial contributions in demographic research and social policy.

💼 Professional Endeavors at IIPS

As a Research Scientist at the Centre of Demography of Gender, International Institute for Population Sciences, Dr. Siddiqui has immersed himself in meaningful work addressing gender-based disparities, social mobility, and education. His role at IIPS involves conducting rigorous empirical research, publishing in high-impact journals, and serving as co-principal investigator (co-PI) on an Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-funded project. Beyond research, he has organized national and international workshops, collaborating closely with UNESCO to broaden discussions on education and social mobility. Dr. Siddiqui’s engagements extend internationally; he has been invited as a keynote speaker for UNESCO and UN events, where he has highlighted the importance of policy-informed research and data-driven solutions in tackling global issues of social inequality.

📊 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Siddiqui’s research portfolio is marked by pioneering studies in social mobility, maternal and child health, aging, and educational mobility across generations. His groundbreaking work in multigenerational education mobility in India stands out as an exemplary contribution. He is the first Indian researcher to use both quantitative and qualitative primary data, encompassing three generations, to explore the dynamics of educational and occupational mobility within families. His innovative approach also extends to secondary data sources, where he utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) to examine educational mobility specifically among women across biologically connected generations.

A major highlight of his research is his influential paper published in the Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), where he revealed the intersection between social class and aging. This work sheds light on disparities in aging experiences based on social stratification, adding a unique perspective to the literature on aging and inequality. Through his studies, Dr. Siddiqui has contributed significantly to understanding how gender and social factors impact life outcomes across generations.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Siddiqui’s dedication and research have not gone unnoticed. His recent work has been shortlisted for the Best Researcher Award and the Best Paper Award for its insightful analysis of three generations of biologically connected women in India, examining their educational mobility across time. This recognition underscores his role as a thought leader in social mobility research. Dr. Siddiqui’s affiliations with key professional organizations, including the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP), Population Association of America (PAA), and the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), further demonstrate his commitment to advancing demographic research and connecting with a global academic community. His involvement with the Indian Sociological Society also reflects his interdisciplinary approach, which blends population studies with broader social sciences.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Siddiqui’s work has far-reaching implications. By exploring how education and occupation trajectories evolve across generations, he has provided valuable insights for policymakers aiming to reduce social inequalities and enhance access to education. His research on gender and intergenerational mobility particularly addresses the challenges faced by women in navigating educational opportunities and occupational advancement. His policy briefs and collaborations with UNESCO contribute to the formulation of initiatives that tackle systemic barriers in education and social mobility, with the ultimate goal of promoting equitable development in India and beyond.

His research has made substantial contributions to Scopus-indexed journals, where his work is widely referenced, with a Google Scholar citation index of 51 and Scopus citations totaling 23. These metrics underscore the academic influence of his research and highlight the relevance of his findings in both academia and policy-making circles. Dr. Siddiqui’s dedication to data-driven, evidence-based solutions has allowed him to collaborate on two consultancy projects, lending his expertise to initiatives that align with his commitment to impactful social research.

🔗 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Siddiqui continues his work at the Centre of Demography of Gender, he envisions a future where his research will influence generations of scholars, policymakers, and advocates. By addressing core issues of social mobility and inequality, he aims to establish a legacy that inspires more research into the links between gender, education, and socioeconomic outcomes. With forthcoming book chapters and additional high-impact publications, he is set to expand the literature on intergenerational mobility, pushing for a better understanding of the social dynamics at play within families and communities.

Dr. Siddiqui’s work holds the potential to inspire reforms in educational policy and social development programs. His pioneering efforts in multigenerational studies, especially with a gendered lens, serve as a model for future demographic research. As he explores new methodologies and collaborations, Dr. Siddiqui’s commitment to population studies and social change stands as a testament to the power of research in promoting a fairer, more inclusive society.

📝Notable Publications

Prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among weavers of Varanasi, India: A cross-sectional study

Authors: LA Siddiqui, A Banerjee, P Chokhandre, S Unisa
Journal: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health
Year: 2021

Continuum of maternal health care services and its impact on child immunization in India: an application of the propensity score matching approach

Authors: M Usman, E Anand, L Siddiqui, S Unisa
Journal: Journal of Biosocial Science
Year: 2021

Mediation of the association between multi-morbidity and sleep problems by pain and depressive symptoms among older adults: Evidence from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India

Authors: LAS T. Muhammad, Trupti Meher
Journal: PLOS ONE
Year: 2023

 Women and Intergenerational Mobility in Education: A Micro-Level Study from Weavers’ Community of Varanasi, India

Authors: NS Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui
Journal: Social Indicators Research
Volume:
Issue:
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Year: 2024

Exploration of spatial clustering in maternal health continuum of care across districts of India: A geospatial analysis of demographic and health survey data

Authors: AB Mohd Usman, Umenthala Srikanth Reddy, Laeek Ahemad Siddiqui
Journal: PLOS ONE
Volume:
Issue:
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Year: 2022