Jayarethanam Pillai

Dr Jayarethanam Pillai is the Division Head of Business and Dean – School of Entrepreneurship and Business Administration and an Associate Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). He also dedicates his time as a Professor of Economics at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE Academy) and a lecturer and thesis supervisor for graduates. He is involved heavily in the School’s Strategic Development, particularly in the ongoing efforts towards AACSB, AMBA and CEEMAN Accreditation Standards. He recently established research centers within the SEBA umbrella: Centre of Entrepreneurship and Institute of Policy and Social Change (IPS), expanding the interdisciplinary research activities of the School in areas of State building, Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking. Currently, he is further engaged in AUCA Innovation HUB Project for the University. Jaya has published and teaches extensively in the political economy of Southeast and South Asian economic development. He researches and seeks to explore the developmental role of state in fostering economic development. His expertise explores the importance of technology development and the emergence of cluster–led economic progress in emerging economies. Developing collaborative R&D activities and designing policies among the Central Asian Economies is a key area he is now being highly engaged. Jaya received his PhD in Economics and Public Policy from The Australian National University in University in 2009. While being an adjunct lecturer in the initial years, Jaya has been working in the private sector in the various industry sectors, and has developed a keen interest to integrate theory to practice in this sectors. Outside the classroom, Jaya loves to work-out in the gym and time permitting attend cardio aerobics. He loves playing and watching soccer and an ardent fan of Liverpool and Brazil since the age of 7 years old. Of recent years, he has become a keen follower of the American National Football League (NFL). Travelling, hiking, movies and cooking are some of his other favorite past times.