Dr Ashkan Pak Seresht
Lecturer in International Business

Research area(s)

• Technology management in [international] supply chain systems
• Sustainability innovation diffusion in agri-food systems
• Innovation management in the context of domestic and international business
• Digitalization of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 
• Circular and sustainable business models in the agri-food supply chain

Research Interests

Dr. Ashkan Pak Seresht studies innovation and technology strategy, with a particular focus on understanding how large firms both generate and respond to new technologies. He has two main areas of research. First, he studies the interplay between technology strategy and supply chain management, examining the transformative impact of technological innovations on optimising and enhancing efficiency as well as the sustainability of supply chain processes. Specifically, He is intrigued by the integration of Industry 4.0-powered digital applications (AI, IoT, blockchain, big data, digital twin, physical internet) into [global] supply chain systems. He is keen on investigating how these technologies can streamline logistics, improve real-time tracking, and foster greater transparency across the entire supply chain network.

Second, he studies how technology adoption decisions and outcomes are shaped by how firms structure and manage key human capital relationships. He investigates how the preferences and demands of shareholders/managers can shape an organization's innovation strategy. Moreover, his interest extends to analyzing the implications and challenges associated with adopting these technologies, aiming to contribute valuable insights that can inform decision-makers and industry practitioners. 

Main research interests concern innovation management in the context of domestic and international business, the impact of managers' cognitive processes on firm international activities, and determinants of the internationalization strategy of multinational enterprises including the technology choice. His recent research focuses on managers' willingness to adopt novel technologies and firm productivity. 

Project details

Some of my recent projects include:

• Fostering sustainable development goals in the UK fashion SMEs
• Co-leading the Brunel's Blue Bioeconomy Research Lab
• Debunking the myths of Blockchain-based food traceability
• Blockchain adoption in global supply chains (empirical evidence from MNEs in China)
• The emergence of blue bioeconomy circular business models.
• The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Swedish Food Supply Chain (Joint project with SLU University Uppsala, Sweden.
• How blockchain contributes to the circular economy in the agri-food systems (Joint project with SLU University Sweden.
• Enhancing the supply of green energy through digital twin technology.
• Facilitating the transition to sustainable food systems and food security.
• Consumer acceptance and risk perception of insect-based aquafeed
• Factors affecting acceptance of cultured meat