Entrepreneurship, innovation and responsible futures
Professor Sukanlaya Sawang examines how entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate digital and sustainability transitions, connecting human behaviour, responsible AI and business resilience.
Professor
Sukanlaya Sawang
Sukanlaya Sawang, Jian Zhao, Zimu Xu
Can Going Digital Boost Profits? Here’s What the Research Says.
In today’s tech-driven world, businesses are racing to go digital — but does digital transformation really lead to profit? This study says: Yes — but only if it’s done right. By examining over 400 companies, researchers found that just having new technology isn’t enough. The real secret is digital maturity — how well a company integrates digital tools into its daily operations — and strategic alignment, meaning the tech must support the company’s goals.
Firms that scored high on both saw significant profit growth. Those that rushed into tech without a plan? Not so much.
Bottom line: Going digital can pay off, but only when strategy and tech move hand in hand....
Examining the influence of customers, suppliers, and regulators on environmental practices of SMEs: Evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Sukanlaya Sawang, Poh Yen Ng, Robbert Anton Kivits, Jacinta Dsilva, Jasmina Locke
How Green Is Business in the UAE? This Study Has Answers.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) make up the heart of the UAE economy — but how green are they really? This study explores who’s driving them to adopt eco-friendly practices. The answer? Government regulations are the biggest push, even more than customer demand or pressure from suppliers.
But here’s the twist: when regulations are strong, they make other influences (like customer expectations) even more powerful. It’s a chain reaction that gets businesses to act more sustainably. With nearly 150 business leaders surveyed, the study highlights how rules, relationships, and reputations all combine to shape a greener future. The message is clear: smart policies matter, and when paired with public and industry pressure, they can drive real change....
Sukanlaya Sawang, Safiya Mukhtar Alshibani, Poh Yen Ng
What Kind of Entrepreneur Are You? Meet the Lions, Bees, and Chameleons.
This study dives into how personality shapes an entrepreneur’s path to success—and their well-being along the way. After analyzing data from nearly 29,000 entrepreneurs, researchers uncovered three distinct types: Lions, who lead with drive and confidence but carry the weight of stress.
Bees, who thrive in teams and find fulfillment through collaboration. And Chameleons, who adapt and compete with sharp strategy, but sometimes at the cost of personal balance. Each style brings unique strengths—and challenges. Understanding these differences can help entrepreneurs grow smarter and guide the kind of support that fuels both business performance and personal well-being....
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
MY VISION
“I believe innovation should strengthen not only the performance of businesses, but also the wellbeing of the people and communities that sustain them. My vision is to advance research that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate technological and environmental change responsibly, while building the capabilities, relationships and resilience needed for a more inclusive and sustainable future.” — Professor Sukanlaya Sawang
BIO
Professor Sukanlaya Sawang is a research leader whose work connects entrepreneurship, organisational psychology and innovation management. Her research examines how entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises navigate digital transformation, responsible AI and sustainability transitions. As Director of the Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Solutions, she leads international collaborations that translate research into practical insights for businesses, policymakers and communities.
Explore More of Sukanlaya’s Work
Teaching Excellence
With over 17 years in higher education, Professor Sawang delivers research-led teaching across undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA and executive education programmes, while supervising doctoral researchers and preparing future leaders to navigate innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Global Impact
Professor Sawang connects academia, industry and communities through international research collaborations that advance responsible innovation, sustainable enterprise and inclusive economic development.
Research & Grants
Professor Sawang has secured over £1.5 million in research funding, leading international projects on responsible AI, entrepreneurship, SME innovation and sustainability transitions.
Industry Engagement
Professor Sawang collaborates with businesses and policymakers to advance responsible AI, SME innovation and sustainable growth, translating research into practical solutions through research-led partnerships.