Dr. Shawn (Xiaoguang) Chen | Public Policy | Research Excellence Award

University of Western Australia | Australia

Dr. Shawn (Xiaoguang) Chen is an applied economist whose research spans public finance, taxation, misallocation, and development economics. With an h-index of 4, 9 scholarly documents, and 256 citations across 251 citing documents, he has contributed influential work to both international and top-tier Chinese journals. He holds dual PhDs from the London School of Economics and Peking University, supported by competitive scholarships including the LSE Postgraduate Research Scholarship. Dr. Chen is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia and has held visiting positions at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Hong Kong, and the University of Toronto. His research particularly focuses on tax enforcement, VAT systems, government incentives, misallocation, and firm productivity in developing economies, especially China and Sri Lanka. He has secured major research grants from the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, China’s National Science Foundation, and multiple institutional programs. Recognized for scholarly excellence, he has received awards such as the Best Paper Award at the Public Finance Forum of China, the Gregory Chow Award, and early-career distinctions from the Western Australia Chinese Scientists Association. Dr. Chen continues to advance empirical public finance with policy-relevant insights rooted in rigorous causal identification.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Geng, H., Chen, S.X., & Wu, Y. (2025). “The displacement effects of US–China political tensions on China’s international and domestic research collaboration: Evidence from the ‘China Initiative’.” Scientometrics, 40(2), 289–337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-025-05465-1

Chen, S.X. (2024). “Vulnerability to tax enforcement and spillover effect of corruption: Cross-industry evidence from China.” Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization. https://doi.org/10.1093/jleo/ewac019

Dewage Thilini Sumudu Kumari, R., Tang, S.H.K., & Chen, S.X. (2023). “Un-incorporation and conditional misallocation: Firm-level evidence from Sri Lanka.” B.E. Journal of Macroeconomics. https://doi.org/10.1515/bejm-2022-0107

Dewage Thilini Sumudu Kumari, R., Tang, S.H.K., Chen, S.X., & Li, B. (2023). “Can land misallocation be a greater barrier to development than capital? Evidence from manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka.” Economic Modelling. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106368

Mudiyanselage, H.K., & Chen, S.X. (2021). “What impairs the ‘money machine’ of VAT in developing countries?” International Tax and Public Finance. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10797-021-09705-x

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

Nird Urban Incerc Cluj-napoca Branch | Romania

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus is a Romanian economist and senior researcher with extensive expertise in economic sciences, sustainable innovation, and research management. He serves as Branch Director and Level I Scientific Researcher at NIRD URBAN INCERC, Cluj-Napoca, and is an expert within Romania’s National Committee for Accreditation of Academic Titles. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, administration, and R&D, he has authored numerous publications and led high-impact projects in energy, construction, and eco-innovation. His research excellence is recognized nationally and internationally, particularly in applying blockchain and AI technologies to sustainable development and smart construction.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Dr. Rus holds a PhD in Economic Sciences and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including in Civil and Commercial Law, Quantitative Economics and Finance, and Library & Communication Science, all from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. He also earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Management. His multidisciplinary academic background combines economics, law, and political studies with applied research training. His higher education reflects a strong foundation in public finance, econometrics, business law, and communication. These academic credentials have equipped him to engage in cross-sectoral research and contribute to policy development and financial leadership in scientific and innovation-based institutions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rus brings over 35 years of professional experience, with a core focus on economic research and development. Since 1999, he has held key positions at NIRD URBAN INCERC, rising from Economist to Branch Director and Senior Scientific Researcher. His roles have included financial coordination, project leadership, and administrative management of national and European R&D projects. He also served as Economic Director at TERMOCAD SRL and managed wholesale operations at NAPOCOM SA. His strategic roles in research management and national scientific committees underscore his expertise in innovation, finance, and policy implementation in the construction and energy sectors.

Awards & Recognition

Dr. Rus has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and innovation. His accolades include multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at EUROINVENT, INVENTCOR, and iCAN exhibitions for pioneering work in green buildings, AI in construction, and sustainable composite materials. He has been honored by prestigious institutions such as the Romanian Inventors Forum, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and international associations. His innovative work on blockchain, R&D governance, and alternative energy has earned Diplomas of Excellence and Special Awards for impact, creativity, and interdisciplinary contribution across the fields of engineering, economics, and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Rus is skilled in designing, managing, and evaluating complex research and development initiatives. His expertise includes economic modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and financial oversight in scientific projects. He specializes in sustainability-focused research, integrating AI, blockchain, and composite materials into smart urban infrastructure. His experience spans national core programs, EU-funded projects, and cross-disciplinary research involving economics, engineering, and policy. He is adept in research communication, strategic innovation management, and quantitative analysis, demonstrated through his extensive publications and active participation in accredited exhibitions. As a certified project and innovation manager, he advances research that bridges academic inquiry and real-world technological solutions.

Publications

Inflaţia în România în perioada de tranziţie

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Specializare, Integrare si Dezvoltare, Editura Sincron, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2003

Finanţarea activităţii de cercetare-dezvoltare. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Politici monetare aplicate în România în perioada tranziţiei

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Ţintirea directă a inflaţiei. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Lumea Financiară – Prezent şi Perspective, Casa Cărţii de Ştiinţă, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Analiza comparativă a metodelor utilizate pe plan internaţional pentru estimarea costurilor şi formarea preţurilor în activitatea de construcţii

Authors: Rus M.-I., Simion C., Enulescu C.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Proceedings of the International Conference, Constructions 2008, Editura Napoca Star, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2008

Research and its place in economical development

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010

Fields of research activity