Can you give a brief summary of your career to date, and the journey that brought you to the University of Edinburgh Business School?
I received my PhD in Economics from Toulouse School of Economics and the University of Bologna. Since then, I’ve worked in Belgium and England, and now in Scotland. I enjoy seeing the world and connecting with people along the way.
If you had to give your ‘elevator pitch’ and explain your research and/or teaching in layperson’s terms, how would you describe it?
In today’s interconnected world, my research focuses on competition and regulation of the digital economy, particularly in how platforms manage and disclose their data. I’m interested in how we can foster a safer, fairer, and more innovative digital economy. My work provides strategic insights for companies, while advising regulators on how to balance the needs of consumers and companies.
Is there anything exciting in the pipeline that you're currently working on?
Currently, I’m exploring the dynamics between innovation and imitation on digital platforms. A key factor is how platforms disclose information – not just the quantity of data, but also its quality and the speed at which it’s disclosed. These elements influence whether firms choose to innovate or simply imitate. I’m also looking at the interactions between cybersecurity, privacy, and competition. These are tough challenges, and that’s why the Cyber Economics Insight Initiative was launched: to provide actionable insights that help policymakers and businesses strike the right balance and foster a prosperous digital economy.
What do you enjoy most about your teaching and/or research? What challenges or excites you across both areas?
In the classroom, it’s the moments when students come up with great ideas and enjoy what they are doing. At conferences and seminars, I enjoy witty debates.
What do you enjoy most about working at UEBS?
I value the freedom to work independently, yet support is always there when needed.
What advice would you give to your younger self, just about to leave home and embark on further education?
I would tell my younger self to buy some Bitcoins but at the same time don’t forget to invest in yourself!
What one book, piece of music, and beloved item would you take to a desert island?
I would bring the Ultimate Survival Handbook by Bear Grylls, a great piano, and a really great bottle of wine. We live in a very busy world, maybe I’ll visit this desert island sometime soon…
If you could invite anyone (past or present) over for dinner, who would it be and why?
I would invite Adam Smith to ask him how he would make an impact today.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
It depends on how you define ‘the world’. If possible, I would love to ride on Voyager 1 to take me as far as possible across ‘the world’ to truly explore the wonders of our universe.
Research Spotlight: Dr Wynne Lam
Dr Wynne Lam (Senior Lecturer in Business Economics and Programme Director of MSc Banking Innovation & Risk Analytics) explores how strategic data use by major platforms can reshape competitive landscapes and regulatory frameworks.
Dr Wynne Lam investigates the impact of data management by platforms like Google and Amazon, including the implications for competition and regulation. Her research into data portability and platform encroachment provides insights into how businesses and regulators can better navigate the digital economy.
[Wynne Lam]
I'm Wynne Lam and an Associate Professor in the Business School.
I have a series of projects that look into the role of data for platform management and competition. In particular, I look at how dominant platforms like Google, Amazon collect, use and share data, and these findings have significant regulatory implications. For example, we find that data portability regulation do not necessarily benefit consumers because it could entrench the incumbent, further incentivising consumers to share more data.
Another topic that we look into is platform encroachment, where a platform introduces their own version of product and compete with sellers. And we find that if sellers can adapt to platform encroachment rather than remaining passive, it can actually incentivise them to innovate more and, benefit the society. So it all depends on how the platform positioned themselves, whether closer to the imitator or the innovator, and how much information they disclose, whether in greater, less quantity, with more or less detail or a faster or slower speed.
The reason I want to make an impact is because my projects have already been quite well recognised by the academia. They are published in world leading journals, and I really would like to extend the reach beyond academia to policymakers, regulators, businesses and society. And I believe that good research should not only be made visible, nor should they be thrown over a wall and left for people to pick up.
At the same time, it's not just about media attention. I think high quality and rigorous research should be directed to the right audiences in order to inform their decision, inspire innovation, drive changes and contribute to societal progress.
I contribute by writing policy briefings for the research centres I've been associated with in Belgium, in England and Scotland, and also in the United States. I also actively engage with stakeholders like, business leaders, regulators by participating in conferences, seminars and roundtables. In addition, I apply to grants and collaborate with other universities.
So through all of these efforts, the goal that I would like to achieve, it's for my research findings to inform platform strategy and also inform policy decisions that help promote fair trading and competition, that ultimately benefit consumers.
I guess it's all about like connecting with the world. And I think the school provides lots of interesting opportunities, connecting with policymakers, which I haven't seen before in other, in my previous job.
Thank you for listening.
Senior Lecturer in Business Economics and Programme Director MSc Banking Innovation & Risk Analytics