The Institute for Entrepreneurial and Sustainable Finance and Accounting at Zhejiang International Studies University is a research-based center focusing on sustainable finance, entrepreneurial finance, SME finance, family business governance, corporate governance, corporate finance, capital markets, financial engineering, sustainable accounting and digital intelligence. The institute is in line with the university's strategy, that is serving the open development of Zhejiang province and the construction of "One Belt, One Road", "Important Window" and "The Demonstration Zone of Common Wealth ". It focuses on the university’s strategic development goal of "three places and four regions". The institute was established in November 2022 and its founding members include professors from leading overseas research institutions and senior researchers in financial markets. There are three research centers under the Institute:
（1）Center for SME Finance and Sustainable Governance
This center focuses on entrepreneurial finance and corporate governance (especially SME and family business governance). We study the financing, growth and exit of startups, as well as the financial management of startups. In the area of corporate governance, we study the design and practice of corporate governance structures and the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. In the area of sustainable finance, our research involves the assessment of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors of financial products and services, financial inclusion, and the study of the relationship between financial sustainability and financial performance. We also study the design and application of green financial instruments, the interaction between green financial policies and markets, and the role of green finance in achieving sustainable development. In addition, our research explores sustainable accounting. We examine the disclosure and reflection of environmental and social impacts in accounting information, as well as the impact of accounting information on firms' financial performance and their fulfillment of social responsibility.
（2）Center for Quantitative Investment and Asset Pricing Research
The center focuses on traditional asset pricing theory and empirical research and the practical application of quantitative investment strategies. We have obtained a national investment of RMB 1.5 million for Phase I (RMB 1.5 million for Phase II is expected to be approved) to establish a quantitative financial data analysis center, and have achieved certain results in quantitative algorithm research and application.
（3）Digital Intelligence Research Center
The center focuses on the four major directions including digital intelligence science, digital intelligence industry, digital intelligence security and digital intelligence governance to carry out organized scientific research, and is committed to research on basic theories and core key technologies of digital intelligence, the construction of digital intelligence R&D platforms and service platforms, and the application of industrialized scenarios of digital intelligence.
We are committed to promoting the cross-fertilization of sustainable development with the fields of finance, accounting and computer science, empowering the transformation and upgrading of local industries and high-quality development of the economy, and promoting the cooperation and exchange between the academia and the industry, so as to contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nameplate of Institute for Entrepreneurial and Sustainable Finance and Accounting
Members of Institute visit Taihe Tea Limited Company
