CKGSB Professor Wins prestigious Award for AI Research
Assistant Professor Jin Zhao of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) has been awarded the prestigious Brattle Group Prize for Distinguished Papers at the 2025 American Finance Association (AFA) Annual Meeting. This honor recognizes her exceptional research published in the esteemed Journal of Finance, solidifying her position as a rising star in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) research.
Professor Zhao’s winning paper, “Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship,” co-authored with Professor Michael Gofman of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explores the complex interplay between AI, education, and entrepreneurship.The research delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI talent migration, particularly its potential impact on educational systems and the burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape.
Professor Zhao’s groundbreaking work sheds light on the critical need to understand and address the evolving landscape of the AI-driven world. Her insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs as they navigate the complexities of this rapidly transforming field.
This award not only signifies a personal triumph for Professor Zhao but also marks a meaningful milestone for CKGSB and Chinese business schools. Her achievement paves the way for increased recognition and impact of Chinese research on a global platform.
AI Talent Migration: A Conversation with Professor Jin Zhao
Professor Jin Zhao, assistant professor of finance at the Cheung kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), has made waves in the academic world with his groundbreaking study on artificial intelligence (AI) talent migration. His research,which earned him the prestigious Brattle group Prize,explores the complex interplay between AI talent,education,and entrepreneurship. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition,” says Professor Zhao,”especially given the caliber of research published in the journal of Finance. It’s a testament to the importance of our study and the magnitude of the challenges we explore.”
Professor Zhao’s paper delves into the often-overlooked consequences of AI talent migration,particularly for emerging economies.”Our paper analyzes the complex dynamics of AI talent migration, exploring how it can negatively impact both educational systems and the growth of entrepreneurial ventures,” explains Professor Zhao. The study highlights the urgent need for policy recommendations that foster lasting AI industry growth globally.
Professor Zhao’s achievement marks a significant milestone for CKGSB,as he becomes the first scholar affiliated with a Chinese institution to receive the Brattle Group Prize since its inception in 1999. This triumph underscores the exceptional research capabilities and global impact of the school’s faculty,cementing CKGSB’s reputation as a leading research-driven business school.
Joining CKGSB in 2020, Professor Zhao holds a PhD in Finance from the University of rochester. His research,encompassing entrepreneurship,AI,and corporate finance,has garnered attention from prestigious institutions like Stanford University and leading academic journals.His work has even been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Aligning Education with the AI Revolution
As we witness the rapid advancement of AI technology, the need to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving job market becomes increasingly critical. Governments and educational institutions in emerging economies face a unique challenge: aligning AI education with the specific needs of their local industries and workforce.
What concrete strategies can be implemented to bridge this gap and ensure that future generations are prepared for the opportunities and challenges presented by AI?
Some potential approaches include:
- Investing in STEM Education: Strengthening foundations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial for fostering AI literacy and innovation.
- Promoting Interdisciplinary Learning: Encouraging collaboration across disciplines, such as AI, humanities, and social sciences, equips students with a broader perspective and critical thinking skills.
- Partnerships with industry: Establishing close ties between academic institutions and industry leaders allows for the growth of curricula that align with real-world needs and provides valuable industry experiance for students.
- Upskilling and Reskilling Programs: Offering targeted training programs to help workers adapt to the changing job landscape and acquire in-demand AI skills is essential.
- Fostering a Culture of Innovation: Creating an surroundings that encourages experimentation, creativity, and the adoption of new technologies is vital for driving AI development and its applications.
By embracing these strategies, governments and educational institutions in emerging economies can pave the way for a future where AI technology empowers individuals, drives economic growth, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable world.
China’s AI Talent: Challenges and Opportunities
China’s ambition in the field of Artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable. The country has invested heavily in research and development, fostering a wave of innovation that is reshaping the global landscape. Though, this rapid progress has also brought about new challenges, particularly in securing and retaining top AI talent.
A turning point came in 2017 at the “Future of Go” summit. Google’s AlphaGo,an AI program,stunned the world by defeating five top Chinese Go players. This event served as a wake-up call for China, fueling a national push to accelerate AI development.The government launched the “New Generation AI Development Plan,” a complete strategy aimed at making China a global leader in AI by 2030.
Professor Jin Zhao, a noted expert in the field, believes this achievement signifies more than just individual recognition.”It underscores the remarkable research capabilities and global impact of CKGSB’s faculty,” he states. “I believe it also sends a strong signal that Chinese business schools are contributing substantially to the global business and finance landscape, driven by innovative research and thought leadership.”
Yet, the global competition for AI talent remains fierce. Emerging economies, particularly those experiencing rapid technological advancements, face the risk of losing their brightest minds to more established hubs. Professor zhao offers a potential solution: “Implementing strategic, targeted AI education initiatives in collaboration with both private and public sectors could help emerging economies build a sustainable pipeline of AI talent,” he suggests. “This could involve industry-driven curriculum development, apprenticeship programs, and incentives for AI professionals to return and contribute to local growth.”
China’s journey in AI is a testament to its ambition and dedication. By nurturing homegrown talent, fostering collaboration, and implementing forward-thinking policies, China can not only navigate the challenges of talent migration but also emerge as a true powerhouse in the global AI revolution.
