Value Economics in Foodservice and Hospitality Research:
Grant-funded Insights on Consumer Value, Sustainability, and Industry Impact in the US
Prof. Amit SHARMA
Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management,
The Pennsylvania State University
Prof. Michael LIN
Assistant Professor,
School of Hotel and Tourism Management
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Date: 10 September 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 14:00-16:00
Venue: E22-1029/1030
Host: Prof. Yuansi HOU, Associate Professor in Integrated Resort and Tourism Management
Abstract
Drawing on recent projects, this seminar highlights the importance of aligning research proposals with both theoretical frameworks and practical industry needs. The first project focuses on consumer value of information and the behavioral response to carbon and calorie food labels, funded by the US Department of Agriculture in the United States. The second project explores the adoption of Sustainability Oriented Innovation (SOIs) to prevent and manage food waste in small restaurants, funded by the RGC in Hong Kong. This presentation also includes a session on exploring how hospitality and tourism research can strengthen its visibility and impact through grant funding. A proposed framework highlights the balance of theory, practice, and public relevance to enhance future opportunities, with a comparative focus on the United States and Hong Kong.
Speaker
Amit Sharma is the Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management and Associate Director of the School of Hospitality Management, and Director of the Food Decisions Research Laboratory (FDRL) at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Sharma teaches finance and economics, and his interdisciplinary research focuses on cost-benefit and economic value analysis, small business financing and the economics of the foodservice system. He has received funding for his research projects as a principal investigator from varied internal and external sources, including foundations, the US Department of Agriculture, and the World Bank Group. He is founding editor of ICHRIE Research Reports, Past President (2017-18) of International Council of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), Past President of the International Association of Hospitality Financial Management Educators (iAHFME) (2020-23), and creator/host of the allinfoodz podcast, featured on iTunes. Dr. Sharma is also the recipient of entrepreneurship Level 1 financing from Penn State University.
Michael S. Lin, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His current research focus includes hospitality and tourism issues in the following topics: entrepreneurship and innovation, small business management, and CSR/ESG issues. Dr. Lin holds a good publication record in top hospitality and tourism journals. He has actively sought grant opportunities and received funding from the Hong Kong Government (both Early Career Scheme and General Research Fund), private entities, and multiple universities. Dr. Lin is also the program leader for MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and advises multiple entrepreneurial endeavors within the hospitality and tourism industry.
All are welcome!
