Alexandra Elena Carst
My background in research
My journey into academia began inadvertently when I found myself tutoring my younger sister at just six years old. While teaching came naturally, becoming a professor was not a goal I actively pursued. Instead, a mix of personal and professional experiences led me down this academic path.
My higher education journey began when I moved to Denmark, where I majored in International Business and Chinese at the University of Southern Denmark. My passion for Chinese culture and language deepened during my study period in Shanghai. Furthermore, meeting Japanese classmates there also ignited my interest in learning Japanese, which I began to study independently. After professionally exploring various industries—ranging from education and architecture to construction and FMCG, in roles such as marketing, sales, and project management—I embarked on a double-degree Ph.D. in Business and Management at Aalborg University (AAU), Denmark, and Innovation Management at Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), China. This step marked the beginning of my academic career, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, which limited my data collection and research travel to China.
After completing my Ph.D., I continued as a Research Fellow at AAU, followed by a research stay at UCAS, a long-awaited experience. Soon after, I embraced a new academic opportunity at Kyoto University, which broadened both my research interests and direction. Although academia was not my original pursuit, education has always been a guiding force, opening new doors, expanding my knowledge, and pushing me beyond my comfort zone.
My research interests
Sustainability has been a personal passion since childhood, evident through my involvement in volunteering activities like recycling and replanting forest patches. This interest naturally extended into my academic research, where I have focused on green technologies and sustainability-driven innovation.
During my Ph.D., I explored the wind energy context in Denmark and China, specifically investigated the dynamics of small and medium-sized enterprises in this innovation ecosystem. I find the interdependence of ecosystems particularly fascinating—how the actions of one actor or a shift in one element can ripple through and impact the entire ecosystem.
My current research centers around small businesses, green entrepreneurship, and the development of green tech. I am keen to explore how these firms innovate within sustainability-focused ecosystems in Japan, contributing to the broader shift towards a greener economy.
Work-life balance, message to students
Achieving work-life balance as an academic is challenging, but when you love your profession, reaching a state of flow while working feels incredibly fulfilling. Finding such a career is key to long-term happiness and professional satisfaction.
However, even with project management expertise, things do not always go as planned—my own Ph.D. journey was disrupted by the pandemic, and adaptability became crucial. Thus, I believe it is important to be prepared for the unexpected and learn to adjust smoothly.
Lastly, do not be afraid to take chances and pursue the opportunities life presents. No decision is permanent, and you can always change course if needed. I started my career in various industries, but now I am a scholar. I still stay connected to industry developments, but I personally find contributing to knowledge even more rewarding. So embrace opportunities! Regret for missed chances can last far longer than the fear of taking them.