Business Administration Subject Conference 2027

Business administration as a social force: how do we shape the future?

Our time is characterized by change, uncertainty, and increased demands on the relevance of academia. Knowledge is questioned. Resources are strained. At the same time, the need for analysis, perspectives, and action is growing. Business administration plays a central role here. Business administration shapes the decisionmakers of the future, how organizations are led, how resources are allocated, how responsibility is demanded, and how value is created. Business administration thus contributes to both social debate and transition.

At FEKIS, the Business Administration subject conference 2027, we will gather to jointly discuss direction, responsibilities and opportunities in a changing time. The conference is based on our daily work as teachers and researchers. How do we develop research that is socially important and makes a difference? How do we create education that not only responds to the needs of the labor market but also equips and inspires responsible and reflective leaders? How do we collaborate to create knowledge that reaches out and has an impact? How do we ensure the relevance and role of business administration as a force in society?

Research that makes a difference

• What questions does business administration need to address today?
• How do we develop our theories and methods to meet the complex challenges of our time?
• How do we strengthen the impact, quality, and relevance of research?

Education that equips and inspires

• What should a business administration programme equip students for in an uncertain and changing world?
• How do we develop didactics, learning environments and pedagogical forms that create engagement, critical thinking and ability to take action?
• How do we balance cutting edge, breadth, and life-long learning?

Knowledge creation that has an impact

• How can we co-produce knowledge with companies, the public sector, and civil society?
• How do we build legitimacy and reach outside academia in times of knowledge-skepticism, resistance to facts, and contempt for research?
• What does impact mean in business administration research and practice?
• When does impact occur and how do we value it?

Business administration that develops and takes place in society

• How is the core and identity of business administration affected by societal changes such as climate crisis, technological development, geopolitics and economic transition, and what research areas are emerging?
• How do we ensure long-term relevance and quality?
• What role do accounting, finance, governance and responsibility play in the green and social transition?
• What new perspectives do we need to develop in order for business administration to be, and remain, a force in society?

Academic practice that supports and develops the business

• How do we organize and develop the subject at our higher education institutions?
• How do we pursue strategic development of education and research despite limited resources?
• How can resilience, adaptability, and long-term sustainability serve as analytical and practical perspectives? How do we ensure the professional autonomy of researchers and teachers? 

Important dates

• April 1st 2027: Last day for proposals for sessions
• Notification of accepted sessions
• June 1st 2027: Registration for the conference opens
• Last day for registration
• 14-15 October 2027: FEKIS takes place in Umeå