Professor Jin Zhao: First Chinese Scholar to Win Prestigious AFA Award at CKGSB

CKGSB's Jin Zhao: A Pioneering Scholar in Finance

In an impressive achievement for the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), Professor Jin Zhao has been awarded the Brattle Group Prize at the 2025 American Finance Association (AFA) Annual Meeting held in San Francisco on January 5, 2025. His recognition marks him as the first scholar from a Chinese institution to receive this prestigious award, which has been given since 1999. The accolade honors outstanding contributions to the field of corporate finance, showcasing the remarkable research capabilities of CKGSB's faculty.

Professor Jin's award-winning paper, "Artificial Intelligence, Education, and Entrepreneurship", co-authored with Professor Michael Gofman from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, delves into the connections between artificial intelligence (AI), education, and entrepreneurship. This work not only introduces a novel perspective on the subject but also employs a rigorously developed methodology to analyze the adverse effects of AI talent shift from academia to the business sector. This issue significantly impacts educational systems and the financial viability of new ventures.

Through this research, Jin Zhao provides critical insights into how the migration of AI talent can undermine educational frameworks while also destabilizing the funding capabilities of entrepreneurial efforts. His findings contribute valuable theoretical frameworks and practical policy recommendations aimed at fostering the sustainable growth of the global AI industry.

Jin Zhao has been an integral part of CKGSB since 2020, following the completion of his PhD in Finance at the University of Rochester. His academic trajectory has included presentations at prestigious institutions like Stanford University and publications in leading academic journals. His work's relevance has not gone unnoticed, catching the attention of mainstream media outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

CKGSB, established in Beijing in 2002, stands as China's first privately-funded and research-driven business school. Its mission is to cultivate innovative business leaders equipped with a global perspective and a strong sense of social responsibility. The institution's commitment to these values is evidenced by the recognition of its faculty, highlighted by Jin Zhao's recent accolade.

This year’s AFA Annual Meeting celebrated not only Jin's pioneering work but also the growing importance of Chinese scholars in the global finance arena. As institutions like CKGSB continue to advance cutting-edge research, the implications resonate across international borders, enhancing the academic dialogue on topics that are increasingly relevant in today's complex economic landscape.

In conclusion, Professor Jin Zhao's achievement is a testament to his dedication and the pivotal role CKGSB plays in shaping competent, socially conscious leaders in the evolving world of business. The award amplifies CKGSB's global impact and reinforces the promise of significant contributions from scholars associated with the institution.

As the world watches, the future holds great potential for innovations emerging from this vibrant academic hub.