学术报告新

 Yingqi (Annie) Wei is Professor of International Business and Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation at Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds. Her research interests lie in foreign direct investment (FDI), international trade, and the internationalization of firms, particularly in the context of emerging economies. She has published in leading journals such as the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, Journal of Product Innovation Management, British Journal of Management, Business History, and Regional Studies. She has received multiple accolades for her research, including best paper awards from the Academy of International Business (AIB) (UK & Ireland), AIB (MENA), the Academy of Marketing Conference, and the International Journal of the Economics of Business. Her work has also been recognized by the Emerald Literati Network and the CEIBS Best Paper Award Finalist for the IM Division of the Academy of Management. Professor Wei is actively involved in shaping research policy and culture. She is Co-Chair of the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) Pilot Exercise (UOA17 Business and Management) of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and serves as a member of the REF2029 Sub-panel for Business and Management (UOA17), where she participates in national-level dialogues on research assessment and the development of inclusive, supportive research environments. Professor Wei also contributes to editorial and scholarly communities, including serving as Series Editor for the Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series, Guest Editor of Journal of International Business Studies and on the editorial boards of journals including International Business Review. She was past President of Chinese Economics Association and Treasurer of AIB (UK & Ireland).

This presentation explores the evolving role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) as strategic agents in driving sustainability and foreign direct investment (FDI) as a contextual framework in influencing corporate conduct. It critically engages with the literature that presents a dichotomy in how MNEs and their undertaking of FDI are perceived; either as green guardians, championing eco-innovation and sustainable practices, or as pollution drivers, exploring regulatory gaps and contributing to environmental degradation. Our research based on meta-analysis of studies on China reveals that central to this discussion are contextual factors, including industry types, geographic region, regulatory enforcement and technological capability of host regions. A key theme also includes the role of the public as a powerful stakeholder. Societal pressure and civic engagement can steer firms toward more environmentally responsible practices. Furthermore, the presentation brings attention to the underexplored impact of MNEs on biodiversity, arguing that this dimension of sustainability has been largely overlooked and deserves greater scholarly and policy focus. Finally, the presentation explores how FDI functions not only as the engine of change but also a moderating context for corporate conduct. In particular, it highlights how FDI environments can moderate the relationship between CEO narcissism and financial misconduct, underscoring the need for robust frameworks to ensure responsible leadership.