Professor Bing Xu leads international conference in Dublin on sustainable finance and AI
Professor Bing Xu, the newly appointed President of the Chinese Economic Association (CEA) UK/Europe and Professor of Finance at Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh Business School, recently chaired a major international conference in Dublin. The conference brought together leading researchers, policymakers and industry experts to explore how sustainable finance, artificial intelligence (AI) and the circular economy can help address some of the world's most pressing economic and environmental challenges.
Held at University College Dublin (UCD) from 2 to 4 August 2026, the annual conference of the Chinese Economic Association (CEA) UK/Europe welcomed delegates from around the world to discuss pathways towards a more sustainable and resilient future. The event was jointly chaired by Professor Xu, Professor Liming Wang of UCD and Professor Wing Thye Woo of the University of California, Davis.
The conference centred on the theme "Sustainable Finance, AI and the Circular Economy: Pathways to a Sustainable Future,” examining how emerging technologies, innovative financial systems and effective policy frameworks can support sustainable economic growth and accelerate the transition to circular business models. Discussions explored topics including green finance, AI-driven innovation, digital technologies, climate resilience and responsible investment.
A particular highlight of the conference was a keynote address delivered by Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University. Her contribution reinforced the University's commitment to international collaboration and thought leadership on the global challenges shaping the future of business, society and sustainability.
Professor Xu, who is also the Director of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Financing a Sustainable Future, said: “I am delighted to serve as the new President of the Chinese Economic Association (UK/Europe), and I was incredibly proud to see Heriot-Watt University so prominently represented. Professor McGregor’s keynote not only inspired the delegates but also showcased the HWU's leadership, international outlook, and commitment to shaping discussions around sustainability and the future of business. Many colleagues commented on how wonderful it was to see Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Business School playing such a visible role within the CEA community, and I couldn't agree more.”
Professor Xu played a leading role in shaping the conference programme, which provided an interdisciplinary platform for academics and practitioners to share cutting-edge research and practical solutions. The event attracted participation from scholars representing universities across Europe, Asia and North America, alongside experts from the finance and sustainability sectors.
The choice of Dublin as the host city reflected the conference's international outlook. Hosted at UCD, one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities, the event created opportunities to strengthen global partnerships and foster new collaborations across economics, finance, sustainability and digital innovation.
The conference further strengthened Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Business School’s visibility within international research networks and highlighted the University's growing contribution to debates around sustainable finance, emerging technologies and the future of the global economy.