Small Business, Innovation & Well-being Research
Psychometric properties
Before being able to state that a questionnaire has excellent psychometric properties, meaning a scale is both reliable and valid, it must be evaluated extensively.
(Portney & Watkins, 2009)
To use this tool, please contact Professor Sukanlaya.
Why middle-aged entrepreneurs are better than young ones
by Sukanlaya Sawang
New research reveals that middle-aged entrepreneurs are more successful than younger ones, thanks to greater experience, industry knowledge, and financial stability. The article challenges the myth of the young startup founder and suggests a shift in how we approach entrepreneurship education, funding, and support.
Featured ARTICLE
Sukanlaya Sawang is an accomplished researcher with a global portfolio of interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of innovation, technology, and societal wellbeing. Her work addresses complex challenges across sectors and regions, with a particular focus on practical, evidence-based solutions that drive meaningful impact. With extensive experience in academic, industry, and policy-facing collaborations, Professor Sawang brings a strategic approach to research leadership and engagement.
Leadership and Funding
Sawang has secured over £1.5 million in competitive research funding from leading institutions including UKRI, the British Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Australian Research Council. She has led major initiatives across the UK, Australia, and internationally.
Expertise and Focus Areas
Her research spans innovation management, entrepreneurial ecosystems, AI maturity frameworks, wellbeing tourism, sustainable development, and youth unemployment. These themes are unified by a focus on applying innovation and technology to enhance societal outcomes.
Key Projects and Contributions
Key projects include a Knowledge Transfer Partnership on AI-enabled adaptive learning, a British Academy-funded initiative on innovation and sustainability, and a UKRI-supported UK–Japan collaboration on AI maturity. Professor Sawang also served as partner lead in a UKRI GCRF project tackling youth unemployment in Africa.
Impact and Research Philosophy
Sawang’s work reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative research with tangible benefits for policy, practice, and communities. Her approach consistently bridges sectors and geographies, combining academic rigour with a focus on real-world impact.
