ABIS – The Academy of Business in Society cordially invites you to participate in its upcoming 22nd Annual Colloquium, “Navigating Multiple Transitions”. The event will take place on 14-15 November 2023 at our partner institution Kozminsky University in Warsaw, Poland.

We welcome high-quality submissions that contribute to the advancement of our knowledge on the topics outlined below. The selected papers will be presented at the Colloquium. Subsequently, in January 2024, you will have the chance to submit the complete paper for consideration in the ABIS Special Issue. We are currently in the process of determining the most appropriate publishers and journals.

Theme: “Navigating Multiple Transitions”

The primary objective of the Colloquium is to foster discussions around how companies engaged in the transition process address global ESG challenges and how they cope with transdisciplinary complexity as well as unusually extended time horizons. Many new questions arise when facing a transforming financial system and a new paradigm of sustainable value creation with additional physical and transformation risks (Campiglio et al., 2022) and valuable opportunities on the other side.

One of the pivotal questions is the transition from an “inside-out” approach (which emphasises risk management) to an “outside-in” approach (which encompasses impact management). The shift must also account for the concept of double materiality as defined in the European Sustainability Reporting Standard.

While existing academic literature and business practices have highlighted conflicting priorities in sustainability actions, the concept of multiple transitions, particularly twin and just transitions, still needs to be explored. Furthermore, the current landscape demands that various institutions, including universities and business schools, undergo radical transformations in education and research to effectively navigate the complexities of the present poly-crisis scenario (Loorbach et al., 2023).

Consequently, it becomes imperative to consider how teaching methodologies and content should adapt. This adaptation must equip graduates with the competencies required to navigate through various transitions ethically, responsibly, and efficiently.  Moreover, inclusive engagement of diverse stakeholders is essential for the success of this discourse.

Questions to ask:

• How should the methods and content of teaching change?
• Will graduates be better prepared to navigate ethically, responsibly and effectively in multiple transitions?

Call for papers: Topics

We invite academic researchers and practitioners from our network and beyond to submit papers on the following:

• Decarbonisation strategies and policies
• Closing the loop, resource efficiency and just transition
• Diversity and inclusion within the context of multiple transitions
• Sustainable finance: from regulation to value creation
• Industrial Organisation (IO) of sustainable manufacturing transition
• Ethical framework for digital technologies
• Key AI-driven digital technologies for sustainable transitions
• Impact measurement and management
• The use of digitalisation and AI-based solutions for sustainability-related goals
• Transformative education: impacting mindsets and structures

We invite you to join us at the 22nd ABIS Annual Colloquium, where we will delve into these crucial matters and scrutinise the roles that companies and business schools play in successfully navigating the intricate challenges posed by multiple transitions. By collaborating, we can facilitate substantial transformation and play a key role in shaping a sustainable future.

To participate, kindly submit extended paper abstracts ranging from 700 to 1000 words no later than 15 October 2023. All submissions should be directed to: contributions@abis-global.org

For comprehensive information, please refer to the complete details outlined in the CALL FOR PAPERS available here.