Professor Petrus (Peet) Strydom is an extraordinary professor in the TRADE (Trade and Development) Research Entity of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus). Professor Strydom holds a DCom from the North-West University and a PhD from the VU University in Amsterdam.  Previously he held professorships at the University of South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand, and the University of Johannesburg.  Outside academia he worked as a private sector economist for 17 years, mainly in large corporations in Johannesburg. His research focus is on international economics and the digital economy.  He published widely in international peer review books and professional journals on these topics. The Economic Society of South Africa awarded him a medal and honorary membership for his contribution to the Society and economics.