2026 Oxford, U.K. Conference

"Comparative Industry Studies & Public Policy in a Changing World"

Join the Industry Studies Association (ISA) for our inaugural international conference in Oxford, U.K. Our theme of comparative industry studies and policy reflects the nature of the first ISA conference held outside of the US. Proudly hosted by Oxford’s Saïd Business School, we will explore the contributions of industry studies and policy work in shaping research and public policy around the world.

Get to Know Oxford:

Our location in Oxford offers a unique setting that invites reflection and open conversation. The city brings together centuries of scholarship, a rich research culture, and strong links to public institutions in the United Kingdom and Europe. Proudly hosted by Oxford’s Saïd Business School, we invite scholars, policymakers and industry leaders to engage in critical discussion and share insights on how industries and industrial policy is shaped. We look forward to welcoming attendees to the historic city of Oxford.  

The main conference will be hosted within the business school, located next to Oxford railway station and easily accessible from major London airports. Other networking and social opportunities will include company tours, a drinks reception at Rhodes House, and a gala conference dinner at Balliol College. Founded in 1263, Balliol is the oldest college in Oxford and in the English-speaking world.

Get to Know ISA:

ISA promotes interdisciplinary research that delves deeply into the context of industries, addressing phenomena and issues that are critical to both managerial practice and public policy. Our community includes academics, experts from policy organizations, think tanks, government agencies, and industry sectors, who work to bridge research and real-world applications. Through our conferences, ISA fosters collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and industry practitioners, driving impactful insights into the challenges and opportunities facing modern industries.

Conference Theme:

Our theme “Comparative Industry Studies and Public Policy in a Changing World” reflects the growing importance of understanding industries within broader global and institutional systems. Contemporary challenges such as technological change, environmental constraints, shifting labor relations, and renewed state involvement in markets are rarely confined to a single sector or national context. Comparative analysis across industries and policy regimes allows researchers to identify common mechanisms, contextual differences, and transferable insights that would remain hidden. At a time when governments and firms face heightened uncertainty, comparative industry research offers a rigorous basis for informed policy design and meaningful scholarly engagement.

While we encourage submissions related to the conference theme, a thematic connection is not required. Any paper or panel grounded in ISA’s core interest—rigorous scholarship on organizations, industries, and industry dynamics—is welcome.

We welcome submissions that explore the full range of topics in industry studies and public policy, including but not limited to: 

• Sustainable Innovation, Energy, and Mobility: Explore sustainability challenges in energy, the future of mobility (including electric vehicles), and industrial decarbonization
• Health Systems, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceuticals: Present research on healthcare systems, biotechnology, and the evolving pharmaceutical landscape
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and AI-Driven Transformation: Examine how AI and digital technologies are reshaping innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship
• Public Policy and Global Competitiveness: Investigate the role of public policy in shaping industrial competitiveness, market structures, and firm strategies
• Labor Markets, Organizations, and the Future of Work: Discuss labor relations, organizational structures, and the evolving nature of work
• Operations, Supply Chain, and AI-Enhanced Industry 4.0: Delve into the technological innovations driving efficiency and transformation in supply chains and operations
• General Industry Studies: A flexible stream for high-quality research that doesn’t fit into the above categories but contributes to the understanding of industries and their evolution

Oxford Awaits:

With its rich academic life, historic setting, and close ties to policy and industry communities Oxford offers a memorable location for the  inaugural international ISA conference. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay tuned for updates on submission deadlines, session topics, and plenary speakers via our website: www.industrystudies.org.

ISA International Conference Committee:

• Benn Lawson, 2026 International Conference Chair and ISA Board Member, Non-U.S. Strategy and Programming (Oxford University)
• Daniel Armanios, Oxford Local Organising Committee (Oxford University)
• Federica De Stefano, Oxford Local Organising Committee (Oxford University)
• John Paul Helveston, 2026 Annual Conference Chair (George Washington University)
• John Gray, 2025 ISA President (Ohio State University)
• Ed Anderson, 2026 ISA President (University of Texas, Austin)