Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihui Ding | Data Science in Marketing | Best Paper Award
Associate Professor at the School of Business, Qingdao University of Technology, China
Zhihui Ding is an Associate Professor at the School of Business, Qingdao University of Technology, whose research advances the intersection of innovation management and digital transformation. With a solid academic foundation and considerable contributions to applied research, Ding has established himself in areas such as product innovation, business model innovation, and AI-enabled industrial upgrading. He has led several high-profile research projects funded by national and provincial agencies, including the Ministry of Education. In addition to publishing more than 20 scholarly articles and an academic monograph, he actively engages in interdisciplinary collaborations to address practical industrial challenges. His expertise and academic output position him as an influential voice in the business and innovation research community.
Profile
Education
Zhihui Ding holds a PhD with a specialization in innovation management and organizational strategy. His academic training laid the groundwork for his research pursuits that focus on industrial transformation and technology-driven innovation. Throughout his educational journey, he has cultivated a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary business theories, with a special emphasis on strategic innovation models. His educational background complements his current role as a master’s supervisor, where he mentors graduate students in cutting-edge research areas, encouraging them to explore practical applications of theoretical frameworks in business and management.
Experience
With a current appointment as Associate Professor at Qingdao University of Technology, Ding has accumulated years of academic and applied experience. He is a leading researcher and educator in the School of Business, where he contributes to both curriculum development and academic research. His leadership has extended to the successful management of key research initiatives including a Humanities and Social Sciences Youth Fund project. He has also undertaken consultancy roles, such as participating in a city-level project supported by the Deputy Mayor of Qingdao that explored the integration of manufacturing with productive service industries. His academic and project-based experiences are synergistically aligned, fostering impactful contributions to both scholarship and society.
Research Interest
Zhihui Ding’s research interests lie in product innovation, innovation management, business model innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled industrial transformation. He particularly focuses on how firms can integrate users into innovation processes, using game theory and strategy modeling to understand customer participation in innovation ecosystems. He introduced novel frameworks like the “user gatekeeper” concept to explain online innovation behaviors. His recent work addresses the transformative role of AI in industrial and educational sectors, especially regarding the development of new profit models and mass customization strategies. Ding’s research portfolio bridges theoretical rigor with applied relevance, contributing to academic advancement and real-world problem-solving.
Award
Zhihui Ding has earned recognition through numerous funded projects, particularly the Humanities and Social Sciences project under the Ministry of Education. His academic leadership has been pivotal in securing multiple grants at the provincial and municipal levels. Acknowledging his contributions, his research outcomes have been integrated into regional economic policy-making efforts, such as the Qingdao industrial development initiative. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Best Paper Award under the AI Data Scientist Awards, reflecting the academic community’s recognition of his influential and innovative publications in AI-driven research areas.
Publication
Zhihui Ding has published over 20 scholarly papers and an academic monograph. Below are selected works with their publication year.
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Ding, Z., Lu, Z., & Zhu, W. (2025) – Evolutionary Game Analysis of Knowledge Sharing in Enterprise Sponsored Virtual Communities Considering User Characteristics,
Conclusion
Zhihui Ding stands out as a thought leader at the nexus of business innovation, strategic transformation, and digital evolution. With a research trajectory marked by intellectual originality and practical applicability, he continues to make significant academic and societal contributions. His work blends theoretical exploration with real-world relevance, particularly in China’s evolving industrial landscape. Through sustained research efforts, collaborative projects, and impactful publications, Ding remains a central figure in shaping how businesses and educational institutions adapt to and benefit from innovation and AI technologies. His ongoing pursuits promise to advance both scholarly knowledge and practical solutions for a rapidly transforming world.