Business Creativity and Circular Economy

Professor Asma Salman is the Vice President for Research and a Professor of Finance at the American University in the Emirates (AUE), Dubai, UAE, where she leads the university’s research strategy, scholarly output, and international research collaborations. Her work focuses on the intersection of finance, emerging technologies, and sustainable economic systems, with particular emphasis on FinTech, blockchain applications, digital transformation, and innovation-driven economic development. Professor Salman holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, and an MBA in Finance and Accounting. Her academic and research engagements span multiple international institutions, including research and academic collaborations in the United Kingdom, Middle East, and Asia. She has supervised graduate and doctoral research across business and finance disciplines and has contributed to the development of research-driven graduate programs.

Dr. Nikolina Ljepava is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Acting Dean of College of Business Administration at the University of Khorfakkan, bringing more than twenty years of combined academic, administrative, and professional experience. Before her current appointment, she served in multiple leadership roles at the American University in the Emirates, including Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration, Department Chair of Management, and MBA Program Director. In these roles, she led strategic planning, curriculum development, quality assurance, budgeting, faculty management, and international accreditation processes. A Chartered Marketer (FCIM) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Dr. Ljepava specializes in digital transformation, human-machine interaction, and the application of AI in marketing and business education. She has led initiatives in blended learning, launched industry advisory boards, and collaborated extensively with global professional bodies and industry partners. Recognized with multiple awards for research excellence and visionary leadership, she combines academic rigor with practical expertise, shaping programs that connect business education with the realities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Dr. Tunio is an assistant professor at Department of Business Administration, University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah, Pakistan. Dr. Tunio has prior working experience at Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi, Pakistan, as an assistant professor; Greenwich University, Karachi, Pakistan, as an assistant professor, in-charge director ORIC, and editor of biannual Journal of Business Strategy (JBS). Dr. Tunio has Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Economic Development, from Alpen Adria University, Klagenfurt, Austria. He was awarded government scholarship by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. He was awarded a young scientist research fellowship for Kent State University, Ohio. His fields of research interest are entrepreneurship, CSR, careers, youth development, and self-employment. He has publications in top-notch research journals, and he has presented papers at international conferences and conducted research workshops.