Call for Papers: 2026 Oxford, U.K. Conference
Call for Papers
“COMPARATIVE INDUSTRY STUDIES & PUBLIC POLICY IN A CHANGING WORLD”
ISA 2026 International Conference
September 3-5, 2026 | Oxford, U.K.
Join the Industry Studies Association (ISA) for our inaugural international conference to be held at the University of Oxford, UK.
The conference provides a premier forum in Europe for sharing industry studies research with fellow scholars, industry leaders, and policy makers. We welcome research from all disciplines that incorporate an industry-based focus, and we view the conference’s multidisciplinary character as one of its greatest strengths.
ISA is particularly interested in submissions that offer deep observation and insight into a specific industry, compare dynamics across multiple industries, or demonstrate how knowledge gained from one industry can illuminate patterns or practices in others. We welcome field-based, qualitative, quantitative, model-based, and mixed-methods research.
Conference Location
Proudly hosted by Saïd Business School, 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.
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 welcome reception at Rhodes House, and a gala conference dinner at Balliol College.
Conference Theme
The 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 labour 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.
Submission Process
We welcome submissions aligned with ISA's core focus on industry-based scholarship examining markets, firms, and institutions within specific industries. Connection to the conference theme is encouraged, though a thematic link is not required.
Researchers may submit single papers or organised panels.1
Single Papers
Submit an abstract of up to 250 words at the submission link below.
To be considered for the Best Conference Paper Award or Best Student Paper Award, an extended 5-page abstract must also be submitted.
Organised Panels
Panels may be discussion-based or paper-based.
Panel submissions must include:
- A panel description outlining a clear unifying theme, purpose, and coherence of the session. For example, diverse approaches to a common challenge within one industry or a shared methodology applied across multiple industries.
- For paper-based panels, upload a single compiled document containing for each paper:
- Title
- Abstract of up to 250 words
- Author information
- For discussion-based panels, a list of panellists and their roles.
Panels that include practitioners from industry, government, or other organisations are especially encouraged.
Submission Link for Papers and Panels
All submissions must be made through Microsoft's Conference Management Toolkit (CMT), not through your ISA account.
Click here to create a new CMT account or login to your existing CMT account.
Once logged in to CMT, you can locate the conference be searching for “ISAOxford2026” under the "All Conferences" tab.
Important Dates
- Submission Portal Opens: Thursday 12th March 2026
- Submission deadline: Friday 17th April 2026, by 10pm BST
- Decision notification sent: Friday 1st May 2026
- ^ The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Research Streams
Please select from the following streams. Submissions may also be made to General Industry Studies, and the program committee may reassign papers or panels where appropriate.
- Sustainable Innovation, Energy, and Mobility
- Healthcare Systems, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceuticals
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and AI-Driven Transformation
- Public Policy and Global Competitiveness
- Labor Markets, Organizations, and the Future of Work
- Operations, Supply Chain, and AI-Enhanced Industry 4.0
- General Industry Studies
ISA International Conference Committee
- Benn Lawson, 2026 International Conference Chair and ISA Board Member, Non-U.S. Strategy and Programming (Oxford University)
- John Gray, ISA President (The Ohio State University)
- Edward Anderson, ISA Vice President (The University of Texas, Austin)
- Daniel Armanios, Oxford Local Organising Committee (Oxford University)
- Federica De Stefano, Oxford Local Organising Committee (Oxford University)
- Matthew Amengual, Oxford Local Organising Committee (Oxford University)
- John Paul Helveston, 2026 Annual Conference Chair (George Washington University)
Awards
The conference paper awards recognise excellent industry-based research that demonstrates deep knowledge and investment in understanding industry markets, firms, and institutions.
Authors can ask their work to be considered for:
- Best Paper Award
- Best Student Paper Award
- The student author must be a PhD candidate at the time of submission.