Topics

Topics for Submission

The conference theme of the 7th PISB Conference is "Innovative processes in SMEs between deglobalization, digitalization and sustainable development".

The conference objective is the dissemination of knowledge and exchange of good practices among academics, entrepreneurs and practitioners in these fields.

Jointly, we will examine the opportunities, challenges, and potential of SMEs in navigating this evolving landscape and fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable value creation e distribution.

The conference offers a valuable opportunity to explore these and many other topics, including:
  • The readiness of SMEs to seize new business opportunities offered by de-globalization and the push for localism.
  • Processes of reshoring and nearshoring and the building or rebuilding of regional and local networks by SMEs, capitalizing on the "Made in Local" concept.
  • The centrality of SMEs as flexible and reliable suppliers in shorter, restructured value chains.
  • The emergence of new segments of "de-globalized tourists" and the implications for the tourism sector.
  • The ability of SMEs to innovate traditional business models and generate non-disruptive and responsible innovations.
  • Adoption of circular economy practices, eco-innovation, eco-design, and reduction of the carbon footprint in SMEs.
  • Investment in environmental and sustainable supply chain certifications, or participation in renewable energy communities.
  • The critical role of intellectual capital and participation in networks for sustainable innovation for the success of SMEs.
  • Digitalization strategies that are fully integrated into SME business processes and strategies.
  • The effectiveness of public policies in supporting the digital transition of SMEs, which are often constrained by limited resources.
  • Virtuous examples of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, robotics, cloud computing, big data) and managerial implications.
  • How SMEs are adapting their accounting, management control, and reporting systems to navigate increasing complexity, uncertainty, and sustainability demands.
  • The extent to which sustainability-oriented accounting practices (e.g., integrated reporting, ESG disclosures, environmental cost accounting) support responsible innovation and long-term value creation in SMEs.
  • The role of digital accounting technologies and financial governance in enabling SMEs to align strategic decision-making with ecological transition, circular economy principles, and the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.
  • How entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership models are evolving within SMEs to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainable, digital, and locally rooted business ecosystems.
  • The role of purpose-driven and humanistic entrepreneurship approaches in fostering socially and environmentally responsible innovation.
  • The strategic role of corporate welfare and employee well-being initiatives to investigate links between productivity, workplace wellness, parental support, and work-life balance as a comprehensive response to the progressive aging of the population and declining birth rates.