CAPE 2026 brings Asia-Pacific economy researchers to IBSS

The 13^th Conference on Asia and Pacific Economies (CAPE) concluded at International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU).

With the theme “Global Adjustments in Economy, Technology, and Environmental Sustainability”, the conference brought together scholars from around the world to explore the key challenges and opportunities facing the Asia-Pacific region amid profound shifts in the global economic landscape.

Professor Eddy Fang, Dean of IBSS, delivered the opening remarks and  welcomed  participants. He noted that CAPE has been a flagship forum for Asia-Pacific economic research for over 13 years, and that hosting this edition during XJTLU's 20^th anniversary carried particular significance.

Professor Fang mentioned that IBSS will continue to strengthen its international partnerships and expand its global network, with the goal of further elevating CAPE's academic influence.

Professor Eddy Fang, Dean of IBSS, XJTLU

Two distinguished scholars delivered keynote addresses, offering complementary perspectives on the evolving global economic landscape. Professor Bohui Zhang, Executive Dean of the School of Management and Economics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shenzhen, delivered the first keynote, titled “Field Experiments in Accounting, Economics, and Finance.” Drawing on his latest empirical work, Professor Zhang offered methodological insights for scholars working on causal inference in research.

Professor Bohui Zhang, Executive Dean, School of Management and Economics, CUHK-Shenzhen

Professor Yong Yang, from Shanghai Polytechnic University, delivered the second keynote, titled “Business Environments, the Internationalisation of Digital Firms, and Performance.” He presented a theoretical framework and empirical evidence on the strategic positioning of digital enterprises in the global economy.

Professor Yong Yang, Shanghai Polytechnic University

The two-day conference featured 12 parallel sessions, showcasing research from around the world. This year, the conference hosted a dedicated Technological Forecasting and Social Change (TFSC) Special Session and a Meet-the-Editors session. Six editors from leading international journals joined in-depth discussions with participants on paper writing strategies, journal expectations, the peer-review process and effective pathways to publication.

Professor Jie (Jay) Cao, Co-Editor of International Review of Finance, Associate Editor of Financial Management and Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Professor Stephen Gong, Subject Editor for Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, XJTLU

Professor Jane Lu, Senior Editor of Journal of World Business and a Consulting and Guest Editor of Journal of International Business Studies, City University of Hong Kong

Professor Luca Mora, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Edinburgh Napier University

Professor Peng Zhang, Associate Editor of Journal of Development Economics and China Economic Review, CUHK-Shenzhen

Dr Ye Bai, Head of Department of Economics, delivered the closing remarks and expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the organising committee to all editors, presenters, participants and volunteers for their contributions to a stimulating and successful event. She noted that the conference will continue to expand its thematic scope and deepen collaborations with leading international journals. Scholars in economics, finance and management from around the world are warmly invited to join future editions of CAPE.

Following a rigorous review process assessing originality, methodological rigor, policy relevance, and contribution to the literature, the Awards Committee recognised 11 outstanding papers across three prize categories.

First Prize presented by Dr Nimesh Salike and Dr Ye Bai

Second Prize presented by Dr Nimesh Salike and Dr Ye Bai

Third Prize presented by Dr Yang Chen

List of Best Paper Award Winners