My Journey Building Sustainable Technologies for Tomorrow's Economy

When I reflect on my career path, what continues to motivate me isn't abstract theory but practical impact. My research has always aimed to address real problems and create meaningful solutions. Let me share some insights from this journey.

The Power of Research with Purpose

Many academics produce excellent theoretical work, but I've always been drawn toward research that directly improves lives. The publication I'm most proud of exemplifies this approach: our Nature Communications article about Bitcoin's carbon footprint.

Our team quantified Bitcoin mining's environmental impact, providing solid evidence that sparked global conversation. The research led to policy changes in China, shifting the entire Bitcoin mining landscape worldwide. Elon Musk even cited similar concerns when Tesla stopped accepting Bitcoin payments shortly after.

The BBC recognised this work as one of 26 key research projects highlighted during COP26. Such recognition demonstrates how academic pursuits can shape industry practices and governmental policies when focused on urgent societal needs.

Connecting Different Worlds

My background spans computer science and business analytics, allowing me to bridge technological innovation with practical business applications. This interdisciplinary approach helps me spot opportunities others might miss.

Throughout two decades of UK-China innovation collaboration, I've witnessed how multicultural perspectives generate distinctive business ideas. Starting with student initiatives, I helped turn concepts into viable businesses by connecting young entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.

These experiences taught me that innovation thrives at intersection points, between disciplines, cultures, and sectors. The most transformative solutions often emerge when we connect seemingly unrelated fields.

Valuing the Intangible

Digital technologies have transformed how value works in our economy. Traditional approaches struggle to measure the worth of data, algorithms, and intellectual property: the driving forces behind modern innovation.

Our newly launched Global Alliance for AI and Intangible Valuation brings together over 20 world-class institutions to tackle this complex challenge. The digital economy demands new valuation frameworks that recognise worth beyond physical assets.

Advice for Tomorrow's Innovators

To those entering technology and policy fields today, I offer these suggestions:

Embrace new tools while questioning their implications. The pace of technological change continues to accelerate. Familiarise yourself with emerging technologies, but always consider their ethical dimensions and societal impacts.

Seek wisdom across generations. The traditional knowledge transfer model has reversed in many tech fields. Younger people often understand new technologies better than seasoned experts. Create learning environments where everyone contributes regardless of age or experience.

Balance technological advancement with social responsibility. Technology without ethical guardrails can cause harm. Consider how facial recognition systems show bias against women and people of color, or how AI systems have contributed to mental health crises. Our innovations must improve human welfare, not undermine it.

Think beyond borders. Global problems require international collaboration. My work with universities across continents shows how shared knowledge accelerates solutions to common challenges.

The future belongs to those who can harness technological advancement while maintaining humanity's best interests at heart. Technology should serve as our ally in creating more equitable, sustainable systems, not replace human judgment and compassion.