Dr. Gang Liu | East China University of Science and Technology | China
Professor. Gang Liu is a distinguished scholar in engineering and innovation management, currently serving as a professor at the School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), Shanghai, China. With a career devoted to academic excellence and leadership in the fields of project and entrepreneurial management, Professor Liu is recognized for his commitment to bridging theory and practice in business and engineering disciplines. His academic journey and contributions have shaped numerous research collaborations and student mentorships, creating a thriving knowledge environment. Alongside him, Wannan Wang is a dedicated Ph.D. researcher at ECUST, developing a strong research footprint in innovation and entrepreneurship. She has co-authored publications with Prof. Liu and brings a contemporary and rigorous approach to research in emerging managerial trends. Their joint work reflects a synergistic pursuit of knowledge and practical application, positioning both scholars as valuable contributors to global academic and professional networks.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Prof. Gang Liu earned his Ph.D. from the School of Economics and Management at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he focused on the intersection of economics, technology, and management. His doctoral work laid the foundation for his future contributions to innovation ecosystems and complex project governance. His educational background integrates analytical rigor with real-world application, which has been central to his pedagogical and research philosophy. Wannan Wang, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology, has cultivated her academic roots under Prof. Liu’s mentorship. She completed her undergraduate and master’s studies in business management disciplines, earning accolades for academic excellence. Her ongoing doctoral work delves into innovation strategy and entrepreneurial ecosystems, aligning with the dynamic demands of modern management research. Their combined educational foundations ensure a robust, multidisciplinary perspective in their scholarly contributions.
Experience
Prof. Liu brings over two decades of experience in academia, research, and consulting in the field of engineering and innovation management. At ECUST, he has held senior roles in curriculum development, academic committee leadership, and cross-industry research partnerships. He has been actively involved in guiding national-level projects and supervising graduate theses, contributing significantly to the cultivation of next-generation management professionals. His hands-on experience in coordinating interdisciplinary project teams adds a practical edge to his research in project and innovation management. Wannan Wang, while still in the early stages of her career, has already contributed to several peer-reviewed journals and international conferences under Prof. Liu’s guidance. She has participated in collaborative research projects focused on entrepreneurial innovation in the digital economy. Her research assistantships and participation in innovation labs reflect her growing experience and commitment to scholarly excellence, building a strong academic foundation for future independent research leadership.
Research Interests
Prof. Liu’s primary research areas include project management, innovation management, and entrepreneurial management, with a particular focus on the interplay between engineering and business strategies. He explores how innovation can be fostered within large-scale projects and complex organizational ecosystems. His recent studies delve into agile project methodologies, stakeholder dynamics in innovation systems, and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Wannan Wang’s research interests align closely with her advisor’s. She focuses on innovation management in startups and developing economies, analyzing how emerging technologies influence business model innovation and entrepreneurial behavior. Her recent work examines how digital transformation impacts innovation capacity in small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Together, their interdisciplinary research aims to generate solutions to real-world challenges, emphasizing sustainable growth, collaboration, and technological advancement in business practices.
Awards
Prof. Liu has received multiple recognitions for academic excellence and research impact. He has been honored with the Shanghai Municipal Research Award for his work on innovation performance in engineering enterprises and received several grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). He has also been recognized as an Outstanding Mentor for Graduate Research at ECUST and has won multiple Best Paper Awards at international conferences such as ICEM and IAMOT. Wannan Wang has been awarded the Ph.D. Research Excellence Fellowship at ECUST and was recognized for her outstanding contribution at the Annual Graduate Innovation Symposium. Her early achievements highlight her potential for future leadership in academia. Their accolades reflect both individual merit and collaborative strength in scholarly innovation and educational advancement.
Publications Top Notes
Innovation Capabilities and Project Success in Engineering Enterprises.
Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurial Strategy.
Project Governance and Innovation Ecosystem Performance.
Conclusion
Prof. Gang Liu and Wannan Wang together form a powerful academic pairing whose contributions enrich the fields of innovation and entrepreneurial management. Prof. Liu’s deep expertise in managing complex projects and fostering innovation ecosystems has established him as a thought leader in business-engineering integration. His mentorship has cultivated the growth of early-career researchers like Wannan Wang, whose work is already gaining traction in respected academic platforms. Their collaborative dynamic reflects a shared vision for research that is impactful, globally relevant, and practically applicable. Through their combined efforts in teaching, research, and academic leadership, they continue to influence students, scholars, and industry stakeholders. Their nomination for this award is a testament to their dedication to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of global management practices.