Biography
For more information please visit www.sukanlayasawang.com
Professor Sukanlaya Sawang is an accomplished academic and international research leader whose work spans psychology, entrepreneurial psychology, innovation management, and small business studies. She holds advanced degrees in organisational psychology and innovation management, complemented by professional experience across the public sector, commercial banking, and higher education in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Currently, Professor Sawang serves as Research Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Director of the Research Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS), and Head of the Management Group at 麻豆社区 Business School, United Kingdom. She also holds adjunct professorships at Queensland University of Technology (Australia) and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand). Her extensive leadership experience includes senior roles such as Associate Dean and Director of Research at leading universities in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Professor Sawang鈥檚 interdisciplinary research integrates psychological theory with management and innovation frameworks, advancing understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour, business sustainability, and the human factors influencing technological adoption. Her scholarly impact is reflected in over 4,400 citations, an h-index of 35, and a strong portfolio of high-quality publications in leading international journals. Her research has been consistently supported through competitive funding from prestigious bodies including the Australian Research Council, UKRI, the British Academy, and the Royal 麻豆社区 of Edinburgh.
Beyond academia, Professor Sawang has made substantial contributions to industry and public policy. She has provided consulting services to small businesses across Asia and Australia, delivered training programmes through the Asian Productivity Organization, and contributed expert recommendations to Australia's Innovation Policy Report. She also develops and leads academic modules, including "Contemporary Leadership," designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to navigate today鈥檚 complex and dynamic business environments.
As the founding director of CBISS, Professor Sawang fosters multidisciplinary collaborations that bridge academia, industry, and society. The Centre鈥檚 research addresses global challenges related to sustainability, digital transformation, and business resilience, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In recent years, Professor Sawang鈥檚 research has increasingly explored the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling sustainable transitions. Her projects examine how emerging technologies can facilitate eco-innovation, promote ethical engagement, and support resilient communities, contributing to key agendas such as climate action and responsible innovation.
Professor Sawang has secured and led over 拢1.5 million in research funding, managing high-impact projects across innovation ecosystems, AI maturity frameworks, sustainable development, wellbeing tourism, and youth unemployment solutions. Notable initiatives include a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) on AI-enabled adaptive learning, a British Academy project on innovation and sustainability, and a UKRI-funded international collaboration developing AI maturity frameworks for the UK and Japan. Through her leadership of KTPs, she works closely with industry partners to drive innovation, enhance business growth, and translate academic research into tangible business solutions.
Recognised globally as an expert in her field, Professor Sawang is regularly invited to present at national and international seminars, conferences, and industry workshops. Her presentations encourage critical thinking among academics, policymakers, and practitioners, fostering collaboration and inspiring innovative approaches to advancing small business development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.