Published on 18/07/2023
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Professor Cher Li
  • Cher Li is set to join Aston Business School in October 2023 as a professor of economics
  • It will follow a successful tenure as a professor of economics of innovation at Nottingham University Business School
  • Her expertise centres on business innovation, digital economy and productivity.

Aston University has announced Cher Li will join Aston Business School in October 2023 as a professor of economics.

It follows a successful tenure as a professor of economics of innovation and the director of external engagement at Nottingham University Business School. 

She has previously held roles at other UK institutions such as Imperial College Business School and the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde. 

Her expertise centres on business innovation, digital economy and productivity, and she has shared her insights with government offices, international organisations and private businesses, advising on a range of topics from innovation, intellectual property, technology standards and internationalisation to green growth.

Most recently, Cher is a co-investigator of the £2.5m ESRC PrOPEL Hub, a collaborative consortium that includes Aston University. Her role involves leading projects aimed at applying academic insights on productivity into practical solutions, and she implements business support interventions through the use of randomised control trials (RCTs) to improve management practices. 

Cher has also been recognised by the British Standards Institution with the BSI Standards Makers Awards for her contributions to teaching and research on standards, innovation, and productivity. 

Cher said:

“Aston Business School has long held my deep admiration for its unique blend of high performance, dynamism and innovation. 

“As I prepare to embark on this new chapter at Aston University, I am heartened by the vibrant initiatives permeating the School, College and University, all showcasing a tangible commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. 

“The attraction of the University transcends its strategies and initiatives; it is rooted in its robust community. I am thrilled to integrate into this nurturing network of academics, students, partners, and other stakeholders, renowned for their trailblazing collaborations. 

“My dedication remains in the co-creation of value, fostering an inclusive space where diverse voices unite, our collective strengths are amplified, and we navigate towards impactful outcomes that echo beyond our immediate community.”

Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Cher to Aston Business School.

“Her research has received funding from sources like the ESRC, UK government departments and international organisations. 

“Her affiliation with the Innovation Caucus think tank, her service in various ESRC commissioning panels and her membership with the BEIS Expert Peer Review group underscore her role as a valued advisor in reviewing and evaluating high-value grants and business support programmes. 

“She is a fantastic addition to our growing academic team.”
 

Notes to Editors

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

Aston University is ranked 22nd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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