Robert is Professor of Management and Policy and Director of the Centre for International Competitiveness at the Cardiff School of Management, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Robert is the co-founder of the World Knowledge Competitiveness Index, and is the founder on the European Competitiveness Index and the UK Competitiveness Index. His key areas of research include the study of competitiveness, business networks, knowledge-based economic development and entrepreneurship. He is an economic development specialist of international standing, and acts as a policy advisor and consultant to a range of organizations, and is committed to furthering research that informs corporate strategy and public policy, especially practical actions aimed at improving the competitiveness of small businesses and the regions in which they are located.