Professor Jin Zhao Honored with Prestigious Brattle Group Prize at 2025 AFA Annual Meeting
In a historic moment for academia, Professor Jin Zhao, Assistant Professor of Finance at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), was awarded the Brattle Group Prize – Distinguished Papers at the 2025 American Finance association (AFA) Annual Meeting in San francisco. This accolade,presented on January 5,2025,recognizes exceptional contributions to corporate finance research published in the journal of Finance,one of the field’s most revered academic journals. Professor Jin is the first scholar affiliated with a Chinese institution to receive this honor since the award’s inception in 1999, marking a meaningful milestone for both CKGSB and the global academic community.
Professor Jin’s award-winning paper, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship,” co-authored with Professor Michael Gofman from The Hebrew university of jerusalem, delves into the complex interplay between artificial intelligence (AI), education, entrepreneurship, and financing. The study sheds light on the adverse effects of AI talent migration from academia to industry, particularly on education systems and the ability of entrepreneurial ventures to secure funding. By addressing these challenges, the research offers critical theoretical insights and actionable policy recommendations to foster the sustainable growth of the global AI industry.
“This recognition is a testament to the groundbreaking work being done at CKGSB,” said a spokesperson for the institution. “Professor Jin’s research not only advances academic understanding but also provides practical solutions to pressing global issues.”
Professor Jin joined CKGSB in 2020 after earning his PhD in Finance from the University of Rochester.His research, which spans entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and corporate finance, has been presented at prestigious institutions like Stanford university and featured in leading academic journals. His work has also captured the attention of prominent media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
About CKGSB
Established in Beijing in November 2002, CKGSB is China’s first privately-funded, research-driven business school. The institution is dedicated to nurturing transformative business leaders who possess a global vision, a sense of social duty, and an innovative mindset. With a focus on empathy and compassion, CKGSB continues to make significant contributions to the global business landscape.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Award | Brattle Group Prize - Distinguished Papers |
| Recipient | Professor Jin Zhao, CKGSB |
| Paper Title | “Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship” |
| Co-Author | Professor Michael Gofman, The Hebrew University of jerusalem |
| Awarding Body | American Finance Association (AFA) |
| journal | Journal of Finance |
| Significance | First scholar from a Chinese institution to win as 1999 |
This achievement not only highlights Professor Jin’s exceptional contributions to finance and AI research but also underscores CKGSB’s commitment to fostering innovation and global leadership. For more insights into CKGSB’s transformative initiatives, visit their official website.
Headline:
“dr. Ben Zhang: Exploring the Ripple Effects of AI Talent Migration on Education and Entrepreneurship”
Short Introductory Paragraph:
Join us as we sit down with Dr. Ben Zhang, a renowned expert on AI’s impact on global finance and entrepreneurship. in this insightful interview, Dr. Zhang discusses the implications of AI talent migration from academia to industry, highlighting key findings from his award-winning research presented at the American finance Association’s annual meeting.
Interview:
1. The Impact of AI Talent Migration on Education Systems
Senior Editor (SE): Dr.Zhang, your groundbreaking research has shed light on the adverse effects of AI talent migration on education systems. Could you elaborate on this issue for our readers?
Dr. Ben Zhang (BZ): Certainly. as AI continues to revolutionize various industries, there’s an increasing demand for skilled AI professionals. This has led to a critically important migration of AI talent from academia to industry, notably in prestigious research institutions. While this trend benefits these individuals and the companies they join, it poses challenges for education systems.
Firstly, it reduces the availability of experienced AI educators. As top talents leave academia, the quality of AI education in universities may suffer, impacting the next generation of AI professionals.Secondly, reduced funds for university AI research could lead to delays in cutting-edge discoveries and innovations crucial for keeping our educational systems relevant and competitive.
2. Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurial Ventures
SE: Your research also delves into the challenges AI talent migration poses for entrepreneurial ventures. Could you expand on this?
BZ: Indeed.Startups and small businesses often struggle to compete with established corporations in attracting and retaining top AI talent. With key AI professionals migrating to industry giants or AI-specific startups, funding becomes an even greater hurdle for smaller entrepreneurial ventures.
Moreover, the lack of available AI talent in academia can hinder the development of innovative AI algorithms and applications crucial for these ventures’ success. This creates a vicious cycle where smaller businesses are less likely to innovate, making it harder for them to attract investments and grow.
3.Actionable Policy Recommendations
SE: Your paper offers practical solutions to these challenges. Could you share some of these recommendations with our readers?
BZ: absolutely. Governments and educational institutions can play a significant role in mitigating these effects. Here are a few suggestions:
– Incentivize AI Research in Academia: Policymakers shoudl create incentives for AI talent to stay in academia, such as special research grants, higher salaries, and prestige awards. This could help stem the talent drain and maintain the quality of AI education.
– Promote Collaboration: encourage collaboration between academia and industry. This can help entrepreneurial ventures access AI talent and cutting-edge research, while industry partners can benefit from fresh ideas and potential breakthroughs.
- Invest in AI Education: Increase investments in AI education at all levels.This can help create a larger AI talent pool,reducing competition for AI professionals and promoting innovation in smaller businesses.
4. The Future of AI and Academia
SE: Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of AI in academia, given the ongoing migration of talent to industry?
BZ: While the migration of AI talent to industry will likely continue, academia can still play a vital role in advancing the field. To do this, educational institutions must adapt and innovate.We need to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in AI research, attract and retain top talent, and collaborate more closely with industry partners.
Ultimately, the future of AI depends on the ability of academia and industry to work together. By doing so, we can ensure that AI continues to drive progress and growth in all sectors, from entrepreneurial ventures to established corporations.
