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Jianan Lu

Jianan Lu
Associate Professor in ESG and Sustainable Finance (tenure track)
University of Vaasa / School of Accounting and Finance / Finance Group
Finance and financial accounting

Contact

jianan.lu [at] uwasa.fi
+358294498784

Finland

Introduction

Jianan Lu is an Associate Professor in Finance at the School of Accounting and Finance, University of Vaasa.

Jianan obtained his PhD in Finance from the University of Edinburgh (with a 4-year full scholarship funded by the university and awarded the degree with Grade A) and served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford. Before joining the University of Vaasa, Jianan was a Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Tsinghua University.

Jianan’s research is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature, encompassing a few topics:

  • Culture, Social Capital, and Corporate/Household Finance
  • ESG and Sustainable Finance
  • Financial Technology and Financial Inclusion
  • Innovation and Development Economics
  • Experimental / Environmental economics

His work has been published in prestigious academic journals, such as:

  • Lu, J., Hou, W. and Main, B.G., 2024. The Cultural Legacy of Historical Ethnic Violence: The Impact on Access to Finance and Innovation. Journal of Financial Intermediation, p.101119. ABS 4. ABDC A*.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfi.2024.101119 
  • Fu, X., Ghauri, P. and Lu, J., 2025. Digital Technology and Inclusive Development during Global Crisis: Evidence From a Randomised Experiment in Bangladesh. Research Policy, 54(3), p.105173. ABS 4*, FT 50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2025.105173

Jianan has received several research grants and has led a few international research projects as the Principal Investigator (PI), such as :

  • UK–Ukraine collaborative project “Fintech as a Fence for the Shock and Fuel for the Recovery? Lessons from the War” (completed), involving eight scholars from both countries. 
  • ESG–Social Investment Quality Mark project in collaboration with the City Council of the London Borough of Walton Forest.

He has a few teaching and administrative roles at the University of Vaasa:

  • AI and Data Analytics in Accounting and Finance (AYLASK3072A, Course Organizer)
  • Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (LASK3011, Course Organizer)
  • Corporate Finance: Case Studies (LASK3048, Supporting Teacher)
  • Types of Literature Reviews: Examples and Applications for Doctoral Students (TOFO4028, Supporting Teacher)
  • ERASMUS+ BIP - Advanced Research Methods for Doctoral Students (TOFO4033, Blended Intensive PhD summer school, Course Organizer)

Jianan currently holds a few long-term external engagements: 

  • Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford (host - Stephen Broadberry): Link
  • Visiting Fellow at the University of Portsmouth: Link
  • Associate Editor (Digital Finance Department) of the Journal of Digital Economy:Link
  • Associate Editor and Guest Editor of the Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies: Link

  • Board member of Chinese Economic Association (UK/EU): Link

 He is supervising a few PhD students and welcomes new applicants. Please contact Jianan before making applications: Link