Conor Neville

With an extensive background in research, academia, and industry, Dr Conor Neville combines academic rigour with industry expertise to advance innovation, financial sustainability, and SME growth. His research focuses on addressing complex financial challenges and unlocking growth opportunities for high-potential SMEs and startups, enabling them to scale effectively in competitive global markets.  As an academic leader, Dr Neville directs the MSc in Corporate Finance at University College Cork, where he guides the next generation of finance leaders to excel. He teaches a broad range of finance modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring students develop the analytical and strategic capabilities required in today’s financial landscape.

Dr Neville’s research explores critical themes such as optimising funding frameworks and capital structures for startups and SMEs while examining the dynamics of scaling and growth in competitive markets. He also examines sustainable financial strategies to bolster resilience and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in enhancing business performance and efficiency.  Dr Neville demonstrates exceptional methodological rigour and analytical proficiency, employing advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques to generate evidence-driven insights that bridge theory and practice.

Prior to his appointment at Cork University Business School, Dr Neville served as a Research Specialist at the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), a government-backed institution focused on improving access to affordable credit for Irish SMEs and driving sustainable economic growth. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative research initiatives in high-impact areas, including ESG, digital transformation, innovation, and SME financing, making substantive contributions to national policy discussions and shaping strategic economic frameworks. Dr Neville led two major research studies, capturing insights from business advisors representing over 8,000 SMEs across Ireland. He authored and presented incisive analyses on critical topics, including the effects of COVID-19 on the SME lending market, proposed capital needs for loan refinancing due to the pandemic, and the economic impact of the conflict in Ukraine. His findings informed board-level strategies and addressed critical challenges in Ireland’s SME ecosystem. Dr Neville earned a PhD in Finance from Trinity Business School at Trinity College Dublin, an MSc in Finance and Capital Markets from Dublin City University, and a BSc in Business and Management from Technological University Dublin. He has also served as an External Examiner at Technological University Dublin, an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Finance at Dublin City University, and an MSc Thesis Supervisor at Trinity College Dublin.

Dr Neville is recognised for his contributions to academic discourse and professional practice, with a distinct focus on high-potential SMEs and startups. He has a proven track record in fostering innovation, sustainable growth, and financial resilience. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, he actively engages in research, consulting, and strategic initiatives, bridging academic inquiry and real-world application to drive impact. Dr. Neville is open to research collaborations, advisory engagements, and strategic partnerships. He welcomes researchers, businesses, innovators, and institutions to connect regarding projects and shared opportunities.

Qualifications