Adoption of Emerging Technologies and Regulatory Impacts on Innovation in Emerging Markets

This doctoral project will investigate the adoption and impact of emerging technologies—specifically blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)—in emerging markets, focusing on how regulatory environments and institutional pressures shape innovation strategies across sectors like finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.

While blockchain and AI offer transformative potential in enhancing transparency, automating processes, and driving data-informed decisions, organisations in emerging economies often face unique regulatory and infrastructural challenges that influence adoption rates and strategic approaches.

The student will undertake a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative case studies and interviews with quantitative data analysis to capture a comprehensive view of technology adoption trends and the effects of regulatory constraints. Quantitative analysis will involve examining large datasets on technology adoption, regulatory metrics, and economic indicators to identify statistical correlations and causal relationships. The research aims to quantify the impact of regulatory and institutional factors on innovation performance and explore how firms can leverage governmental cooperation to overcome barriers and foster sustainable adoption of these technologies.

This project offers collaboration opportunities with technology firms, regulatory bodies, and policy think tanks, providing the student with access to industry data and regulatory insights. The ideal candidate should possess strong quantitative analysis skills, including experience with statistical software (such as R, Python, or SPSS) and a background in business strategy, innovation management, or a related field, along with a foundational understanding of blockchain and AI. 

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Rebecca Li - Rebecca Li is a Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Management at Brunel Business School. With previous experience as a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Essex, she has developed expertise in sustainable innovation strategies, statistical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, aimed at enhancing both advancement in academic contribution, student learning and institutional growth. Her research interests cover cross-border innovation management, blockchain adoption in emerging markets, and the influence of regulatory policies on innovation. Rebecca is particularly focused on how interdisciplinary knowledge networks—spanning customers, suppliers, and research partners—can foster innovation in complex and dynamic markets. Her work also addresses sustainable business models and resilience in innovation processes, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Rebecca’s research has been featured in leading journals, including the Journal of Product Innovation Management, Technovation, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of International Marketing, and Journal of Business Research. She currently serves on the editorial board of the International Marketing Review. Rebecca invites prospective PhD students and industry collaborators with interests in sustainable innovation, regulatory impacts, and interdisciplinary approaches to innovation strategy and social economy transitions. Those with aligned research goals are encouraged to connect with a research proposal.

Related Research Group(s)

Strategy Entrepreneurship and International Business - Our themes of research range from entrepreneurial and internationalisation strategies of small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to inward and outward investment by large enterprises and supra-national governance.