Qualifications

PhD in Sociology (Cambridge); MPhil (Cambridge); MA (Tsinghua); FHEA

Core Research Question I am Concerned with:

How cultural systems, technological innovations, and business practices intersect to shape contemporary social and economic life. 

I am a cultural and economic sociologist by training. I address this question drawing on perspectives from sociology, political economy, business studies, and innovation studies. 

Theoretical Resources I Draw On:

Cultural Sociology; Economic Sociology; Political Economy of Culture and Technology; Innovation Studies; Social Theory

Empirical Fields I Examine:

The cultural and creative industries, especially book publishing and retailing

AI and the tech industry

I'm also having a growing interest in the automotive (especially EV) industry

Selected Publications:

Cultural Mavericks | Columbia University Press

Sociological perspectives on artificial intelligence: A typological reading - Liu - 2021 - Sociology Compass - Wiley Online Library

Current projects:

1. The social structures of China’s AI industry (funded by British Academy and Sino-British Fellowship Trust)
2. How cultural norms, processes and practices shape AI innovation practices and outcomes
3. How AI is transforming trade book publishing in China beyond market and editorial domains

Things I Currently Teach and Have Previously Taught on:

Digital transformation; business model and innovation thereof; the social study of AI; cultural sociology; media and culture; qualitative research methods

PhD Supervision:

I am interested in supervising PhD projects in the following domains:

1. Innovation; digital transformation

2. Sociological study of AI, digital technology, the tech industry

3. The cultural and creative industries (book publishing, cultural tourism, etc.)

4. Chinese society and economy

Prospective PhD students – feel free to email me about your project. Please include CV and research proposal in your email.

Important Affiliations:

Cambridge Digital Humanities; Bristol Digital Futures Institute; Jesus College Cambridge; Sociological Association Theory Study Group (co-convenor)