The Industry Studies Association (ISA) cordially invites submissions of abstracts for individual papers and panels for the 2023 ISA Annual Conference. While the ISA welcomes papers and panels related to the conference theme, a tie to theme is not mandatory. Any papers or panels that build upon the ISA’s foundational interest in organizations and industries are welcome.   

ISA’s annual conference provides a forum to share industry studies research with fellow researchers, industry leaders and policy makers; provoke dialogue on industry challenges and opportunities; and form new collaborations. We welcome research that incorporates an industry focus from all disciplines; we regard the multi-disciplinary mix of scholars as one of the greatest strengths of our conference. ISA is especially interested in organized panels and papers that emphasize observation and insight into a particular industry or that consider how knowledge gained in studying one industry can provide insights into other industries.

2024 Conference Theme

Empowering Community Wellbeing: Clean Energy, Sustainability and Industrial Strategy

In the heart of the world’s largest subnational economy, California, the Industry Studies Association proudly presents its annual conference with a theme that resonates with the future of our planet and communities. Join us in exploring the dynamic interplay between California's pioneering efforts in clean energy and sustainability and their profound impacts on industrial policy and community wellbeing around the world. 

Sacramento State, the state’s capitol university, hosts our dialogue as California stands at the forefront of a global movement towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. As the state takes bold steps towards clean energy, it has become a living laboratory for the exploration of sustainable practices, policy innovations, and community-driven solutions. This conference invites scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in critical discussions and share insights on how this revolution is reshaping industries, and communities. 

Conference Themes: 

We welcome submissions that explore a wide range of topics related to energy, sustainability, community wellbeing and California's industrial strategy, including but not limited to: 

Energy, and Sustainability: 

1. Renewable energy, sustainable resource management of agriculture and natural resources, and technology innovations 
2. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for industries and firms 
3. Environmental policy and regulation - the impact of California’s policy initiatives, the Inflation Reduction Act, and comparative environmental policy globally 
4. Green manufacturing, the role of Industry 4.0’s digital transformation and blockchain 
5. California's net zero carbon initiatives and the push for sustainable transportation 

Community Impact: 

1. Circular economy dependence on sustainable supply chains, locally and globally 
2. The promise and challenges of managing public-private partnerships for sustainable development 
3. Social and economic impacts of sustainable practices for entrepreneurship and industry development 

Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing: 

1. The potential for AI and data analytics improving health equity and health access 
2. The role of sustainability improving workforce development outcomes,  
3. Health and wellbeing in disproportionately impacted neighborhoods because of pollution 

While the ISA encourages papers and panels related to the conference theme, a tie to theme is not mandatory. Any papers or panels that build upon the ISA’s foundational interest in organizations and industries are welcome. 

The deadline for all submissions is now extended to Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 5:00 PM.  

Please feel free to contact the Conference Program Co-Chairs listed below with questions.

• Darcy Fudge Kamal, California State University, Sacramento, [email protected]
  
• Hiram Samel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, [email protected]
• John Paul Helveston, George Washington University, [email protected]