Udeni Salmon

My main research interest is in family firms and entrepreneurship, with a focus on innovation, manufacturing and public policy. My most recent research has explored the application of sociological theories to understanding the innovation strategy of family firms in the SME manufacturing sector. I am a mixed methods researcher with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research techniques. I have published papers in the areas of SMEs, innovation, family firms, and policy support for innovation.
My role on the Mercia Centre for Innovation Leadership project involves publishing high quality research into SMEs growth and innovation, the impact of public policy on SME growth, and the effectiveness of university-business collaboration.
I have an MA from the University of Oxford, an MSc in Computation from the University of Manchester and an MBA from the Open University. My PhD was awarded from the University of Salford.
In addition to my academic career, I have over 20 years of experience in project management, sales, and fundraising in the public, private and voluntary sector. I have worked in senior roles at Deloitte Consulting, IBM, and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

I hold a number of professional memberships, including membership of the Project Management Institute, the Project Management Professional group and a fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. I have taught on research methods and organisational design at undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive levels in the United Kingdom and abroad.
When not at work, I can be found as far away from a computer as possible. Generally walking my elderly dog with my husband in the Peak District or visiting family in Wales.