2026 Oxford, UK Conference
ISA International Conference
University of Oxford
“COMPARATIVE INDUSTRY STUDIES & PUBLIC POLICY IN A CHANGING WORLD”
ISA 2026 International Conference
September 3-5, 2026 | Oxford, UK
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.
The Saïd Business School is a vibrant and entrepreneurial business school, deeply embedded in the world's most prestigious university. The main programme will be hosted here for the duration of the event.
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From its opening in 1929, Rhodes House has enjoyed a storied past, playing host to world figures from Queen Elizabeth II, Albert Einstein to Nelson Mandela. As the headquarters of one of the world's most prestigious international scholarship programmes, it has supported the education of world leaders, Nobel scientists and others at the forefront of many professions.
A welcome reception will be held in the McCall MacBain Hall to celebrate the launch of the conference.
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Founded in 1263, Balliol College is one of the oldest colleges of the University of Oxford, and the oldest academic institution in the English-speaking world still on its original site.
A three-course conference gala dinner will be held in the traditional dining hall.
Get directionsResearch 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.
- General Industry Studies
- Track chairs:
- Guendalina Anzolin, University of Modena
- Keno Haverkamp, University of Cambridge
- Track chairs:
- Public Policy and Global Competitiveness
- Track chair: Angela Garcia Calvo, University of Reading
- Labor Markets, Organizations, and the Future of Work
- Track chair: Federica De Stefano, University of Oxford
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and AI-Driven Transformation
- Track chair: Laura Dupin, University of Amsterdam
- Operations, Supply Chain, and AI-Enhanced Industry 4.0
- Track chair: Oliver von Dzengelevski, ETH Zürich
- Healthcare Systems, Biotechnology, and Pharmaceuticals
- Track chair: Rossella Salandra, University of Bath
- Sustainable Innovation, Energy, and Mobility
- Track chair: David Reiner, University of Cambridge
ISA International Conference Committee
- Benn Lawson, 2026 International Conference Chair; ISA Board Member, Non-U.S. Strategy and Programming (University of Oxford)
- John Gray, ISA President (The Ohio State University)
- Edward Anderson, ISA Vice President (The University of Texas, Austin)
- Daniel Armanios, Oxford Local Organising Committee (University of Oxford)
- Federica De Stefano, Oxford Local Organising Committee (University of Oxford)
- Matthew Amengual, Oxford Local Organising Committee (University of Oxford)
- 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.
Membership
ISA membership provides access to Annual and International Conferences - the primary venue for networking with fellow industry studies scholars and practitioners. Your membership directly supports this community.
New Member Renewing Member Non-Member
Registration Fees
Registration for the ISA 2026 International Conference will open early May 2026.
| Participation Level | Early Bird Until 26 June 2026 |
Regular 27 June - 14 August 2026 |
| Professional Member | $495 | $595 |
| Professional Non-Member* | $690 | $790 |
| PhD Student Member | $345 | $395 |
| PhD Student Non-Member* | $440 | $490 |
*Non-Member registration fees include ISA's 2026 membership rates. Fees in U.S. dollars (USD).
All presenting authors must register by 14 June to be included in the programme schedule. Inclusion is not guaranteed for registrations received after this date.
Additional Options
Information on optional company visits and a walking tour of Oxford will be posted once registration opens.
Information on guest passes to social events will also be available in due course.
GETTING TO OXFORD
By plane
We recommend flying into London Heathrow (LHR), which is the most convenient airport for Oxford. London Gatwick (LGW) is also an option, as is Birmingham International Airport (BHX).
From Heathrow and Gatwick - Both airports offer a regular coach service to Oxford operated by The Airline, arriving at Gloucester Green bus station in central Oxford. This is generally the simplest and most direct way to travel to the city. From Heathrow, you can also take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then board a train to Oxford.
From Birmingham International - Take the free Air-Rail Link shuttle to Birmingham International station and board a direct CrossCountry train to Oxford. Journey time is approximately one hour, with services running hourly.
By train
Oxford has direct main line services to and from Oxford, London, and Birmingham.
From London, you can travel from:
- London Paddington via Great Western Railways, approx. 50 minutes
- London Marylebone via Chiltern Railways, approx. 90 minutes
Saïd Business School is adjacent to Oxford station.
TRAVEL WITHIN OXFORD
Oxford is a compact and walkable city. All conference venues are within easy walking distance of one another.
Buses
Local buses operate throughout Oxford city centre and surrounding areas. Services depart from outside Oxford train station and from the main bus station at Gloucester Green which is a 5-minute walk from Saïd Business School.
Taxis
Royal Cars Oxford is a reliable local taxi company. Uber also operates within Oxford city centre.
By Car
Parking in central Oxford is limited and there is no parking available at the business school.
There are four Park & Ride services located around the city. Details and locations can be found here: click for locations.
Many hotels offer parking for an additional charge, although availability may be limited.
We have secured a range of hotel options at preferential rates for ISA 2026 delegates.
Rooms are available from Wednesday 2 September to Saturday 5 September. Some hotels are able to extend bookings through Sunday 6 September.
All rates are per room, per night, and include buffet breakfast and WiFi. Additional amenities vary by hotel.
Booking codes will be provided during conference registration. Rates are guaranteed until 12 June 2026 or until the allocated rooms are fully booked, whichever comes first.
Conference Hotels
73 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BE
City centre, 20 min walk to SBS
Standard room, including breakfast. £165/night or £220/night. Rooms at the lower rate are limited and allocated on a first come basis.
Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN
City centre, 10 min walk to SBS
King room, including breakfast: £289/night
Perks include: 10% off spa packages, complimentary welcome drink on arrival, Buzz Gym daily passes, discounted parking onsite at £35 per car, per night.
Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PS
25 min walk to SBS, or approx. 10 minutes by taxi (~£7 one-way)
Standard room, including breakfast: £190/night
Godstow Road, Oxford, OX2 8AL
Approximately 3 miles from the conference venue. Public bus route is close by (approx. 30 mins travel time), or taxi approx. 15 minutes (~£8, one-way)
Standard room, including breakfast): £172/night
Perks include: 10% shopping experiences at Bicester Village, 20% off entry to Blenheim Palace.
Peartree Roundabout, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 8JD
Approximately 3.5 miles from the conference venue. Located on public bus route (approx. 30 mins travel time), or taxi approx. 15 minutes (~£9, one-way).
Price for single room, including breakfast: £128 standard, £143 premium
Perks include: 10% discount at Bicester Village, IHG One Rewards programme.
Additional Hotels
The following hotels are located in Oxford city centre and are within 10 minutes on foot from Saïd Business School. These do not have secured ISA conference rates.
