Dr. Yujia He

Assistant Professor

Dr Yujia He is an assistant professor at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, University of Kentucky. Her research interests span science and technology policy, international political economy, development studies, and Asian studies. Her current and past projects study Chinese tech firms’ overseas expansion, smart city development and international partnerships, digital trade and data governance, AI’s impact on labor, the geopolitical economy of technology development, rising powers in global economic governance, public participation in science, and rare earths trade and governance. Her research seeks to deepen the understanding of the local cultural, social, economic, and political contexts under which science and technology innovation develop in emerging economies, the implications of scientific and technological advancement for the marginalized and vulnerable communities in societies, and Global South players’ participation in global governance and knowledge production. Her research has appeared in leading journals such as International Affairs, Information Society, Information Communication & Society, Journal of Urban Affairs, Third World Quarterly, Georgetown Journal of Asian Affairs, Financial Innovation, Finance and Space, Resources Policy, International Journal of Emerging Markets, Politics and Governance, St Antony’s International Review, Asia Policy, and numerous think tank reports (Google Scholar; ResearchGate). She is strongly interested in international collaborative research, with experience in fieldwork and research collaboration with scholars in over ten countries and regions, supported by multiple research grants. She has held fellowships or research positions with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Institute for Emerging Market Studies and Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study, United Nations University Institute in Macau, Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, University of Chicago Center in Beijing, George Washington University Center for International Business Education and Research, Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Her media comments have appeared in the Financial Times, Times Higher Education, KrASIA, ISPI (Italy), OZY, SciStarter. She is an executive team member and communications officer of the Science Tech and Arts in International Relations (STAIR) section of the International Studies Association. She is a CFR Higher Education Ambassador (2024-25). She obtained her PhD in International Affairs, Science and Technology (IAST) and MS in International Affairs from Georgia Tech, and BS in Chemistry from Peking University and Stanford China Program certificate. At the Patterson School, Dr. He teaches courses including International Science and Technology Policy, Economic Statecraft, and Research Methods in International Relations (links to syllabus).