Dr. Razieh Sadraei, Coventry University, United Kingdom
Dr. Razieh Sadraei, PhD, SFHEA, is an accomplished academic and international researcher specializing in international entrepreneurship, strategic capabilities, and SME internationalization. Currently serving as a Lecturer (Research) at Coventry University’s Centre for Business in Society (CBiS), she brings over a decade of dynamic teaching, research, and academic service experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Dr. Sadraei’s multifaceted career is defined by her commitment to enhancing entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially in underrepresented and disadvantaged contexts, and contributing actively to knowledge sharing through global collaborations, leadership roles, and impactful publications.
Profile 🌍
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Education 🎓
Dr. Sadraei’s academic journey reflects deep international and interdisciplinary grounding. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Turin, Italy (2019) under a fully funded scholarship, where her research laid the foundation for her ongoing interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. at Azad University in Iran (2015) and her B.Sc. at Hamedan University of Technology (2013). Her strong academic credentials across multiple countries have provided a broad and diverse perspective on business education and research.
Experience 🧠
Spanning over ten years, Dr. Sadraei’s academic appointments reflect her growth through progressive roles in education and research. At Coventry University, she transitioned from Assistant Lecturer to Research Lecturer and has held multiple leadership roles including Course Co-Director and Research Ethics Committee Associate Director. She has taught at Aston University, Kingston University, University of Wolverhampton, and University of Turin, and has contributed as an adjunct professor and dissertation supervisor globally. Her visiting researcher roles in Kenya and Canada underscore her global academic footprint and interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, she is a frequent mentor and examiner, reflecting her dedication to supporting emerging scholars.
Research Interests 🔍
Dr. Sadraei’s research explores the intersections of international entrepreneurship, SME internationalization, innovation networks, digital transformation, and gender in business. Her work often focuses on marginalized and underrepresented contexts—like women-led start-ups and deprived areas—using qualitative and mixed methods. Her recent studies examine how cognitive, cultural, and digital factors influence business internationalization and how entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve in response to disruptive trends such as the metaverse and sustainability transitions. Her contributions provide novel insights into inclusive and technology-driven growth for small businesses.
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Sadraei’s academic excellence has been recognized internationally. In 2025, she was honored with the Best Paper Award at the Academy of Management (AOM) Annual Meeting in Copenhagen. A year earlier, she received the Literati Award for Outstanding Reviewer from the Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, a testament to her scholarly rigor and contribution to academic peer review. Her academic service, leadership, and innovative research continue to earn her accolades and peer recognition.
Publications Top Note 📚
Family Dynamics and Relationships in Female Entrepreneurship: An Exploratory Study
Authors: S. Dewitt, V. Jafari-Sadeghi, A. Sukumar, R. Aruvanahalli Nagaraju, R. Sadraei
Journal: Journal of Family Business Management, Vol. 13(3), pp. 626–644, 2023
Citations: 77
Summary:
This study explores how family relationships shape and influence female entrepreneurship, focusing on both enablers and constraints. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of family support, intergenerational values, and role modeling, while also discussing challenges such as gender roles and familial expectations. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of family-influenced entrepreneurial decision-making.
How to Increase Sustainable Production in the Food Sector? Mapping Industrial and Business Strategies and Providing Future Research Agenda
Authors: R. Sadraei, P. Biancone, F. Lanzalonga, V. Jafari‐Sadeghi, F. Chmet
Journal: Business Strategy and the Environment, Vol. 32(4), pp. 2209–2228, 2023
Citations: 60
Summary:
This paper investigates strategies to boost sustainable production in the food industry. Using a systematic literature review and industry mapping approach, it identifies best practices, barriers, and enablers. The authors propose a research agenda that emphasizes innovation, circular economy, and regulatory compliance as core elements for sustainability advancement.
Metaverse Meets Digital Entrepreneurship: A Practitioner-Based Qualitative Synthesis
Authors: D. Calandra, M. Oppioli, R. Sadraei, V. Jafari-Sadeghi, P.P. Biancone
Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 30(2/3), pp. 666–686, 2023
Citations: 55
Summary:
The article synthesizes practitioner perspectives on the metaverse’s impact on digital entrepreneurship. It identifies key themes such as immersive marketing, virtual marketplaces, and new business models enabled by XR technologies. The research highlights challenges like digital literacy and data security while framing a strategic outlook on the metaverse economy.
Dynamic Performance Development of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the Agricultural Sector
Authors: M. Hosseinzadeh, M. Samadi Foroushani, R. Sadraei
Journal: British Food Journal, Vol. 124(7), pp. 2361–2395, 2022
Citations: 53
Summary:
This article evaluates how entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve within the agricultural sector. Using dynamic modeling, the study identifies key performance indicators including innovation, support infrastructure, and financial mechanisms. It concludes with policy implications to enhance sustainability and innovation in agri-entrepreneurship.
What Are the Fundamental Knowledge-Sharing Drivers of Small Family Business in the Restaurant and Fast-Food Industry?
Authors: M. Rezaei, G. Giovando, R. Sadraei
Journal: British Food Journal, 2022
Citations: 50
Summary:
This research identifies the core drivers that facilitate knowledge sharing in small, family-run restaurants. It emphasizes trust, family cohesion, and informal communication structures as critical enablers, and proposes a conceptual model to guide managerial practices in the foodservice industry.
Biotechnology Revolution from Academic Entrepreneurship to Industrial: Chemo-Entrepreneurship
Authors: R. Sadraei, V. Jafari Sadeghi, M. Sadraei
Journal: Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal, Vol. 7(6), pp. 546–550, 2018
Citations: 48
Summary:
The article discusses the transition of biotech innovations from academia to industry, focusing on chemo-entrepreneurship. It outlines the challenges of commercialization and proposes a roadmap involving university-industry collaboration, IP management, and entrepreneurial education in biotech fields.
Conclusion 🔚
Dr. Razieh Sadraei is a trailblazing academic committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable international entrepreneurship. Her rich blend of research, teaching, and leadership experience, paired with a strong global orientation, positions her as a significant thought leader in her field. Through her work, she not only contributes to scholarly knowledge but also fosters meaningful change in the entrepreneurial landscapes of emerging and underrepresented regions. Her ongoing projects and publications continue to shape conversations around innovation, digitalization, and global business growth.