International Research Group

Call for Papers: Chambers of Commerce – 4th International Conference

HomeCall for Papers: Chambers of Commerce – 4th International Conference

Call for Papers
4th Annual Scientific Conference – Chambers of Commerce
Theme: Understanding institutional diversity:
Challenges for the chamber of commerce ecosystem.

Hosted by: Institute of Law Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences
in cooperation with: Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz

Date:

November 20th, 2025 – Full on-line session of presentations
(registration for on-line access will start in September 2025)

Conference language and submissions:

English only (no translations).

Submission: email with abstract.

In an era of profound economic and political transformation, the design and implementation of effective economic policies – both at the national and international levels – necessitate robust frameworks for dialogue between the state and the business community. Chambers of commerce, as intermediary institutions, are natural aggregators of this processes. However, their structures, capacities, and roles vary widely across countries and political frameworks.

From a scientific perspective, three core areas merit focused analysis:

  1. Comparative Institutional Analysis
    A complex, multi-national comparison of chambers of commerce is essential to understand their institutional diversity. Such analysis can generate a comprehensive knowledge base of best practices, effective organizational models, and the systemic challenges these institutions face.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Consultation
    There is a growing need to raise awareness among both private-sector actors and public institutions about the potential of chambers of commerce as policy interlocutors. Strengthening the consultative functions of these organizations can improve their contribution to socio-economic governance.
  3. Innovative Models and Institutional Design
    To enhance the effectiveness of chambers and improve business-to-administration (B2A) dialogue, new conceptual frameworks and operational models must be developed. This includes identifying and addressing structural and functional barriers that limit their performance.

Every year our conference invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue aimed at rethinking the institutional roles and strategic potential of chambers of commerce in the contemporary global economy.

Our keynote speakers are leading chamber researchers in Europe. Many of them joined our Chambers of Commerce International Research Group. However, each year we give the floor for speakers representing a wide range of countries (11 last year). Together with the participants, they create a unique space for dialogue, exchange of information and establishing cooperation.

Our standard is to define the research area broadly because that is the nature of the challenges we face. Processes and relations in the economy are not a one-dimensional issue. Moreover, each country is slightly different and requires an individual prescription. In some regions, actions to improve the economic situation can be observed. To change the status quo. They may not work in other locations but may provide knowledge and inspiration. Business organisations everywhere, especially chambers of commerce, are essential in recovery processes. Unfortunately, we must set a thesis that worldwide discussion on their possible reconstruction (upgrade?) is limited. Instead, descriptions of problems and historical studies predominate.

We would be grateful if you decided to join us on November 20th as a speaker!

PhD students section!

As every year, we plan a space for presentations by PhD students on chambers of commerce. The topic of the speech may be either a short description of the selected national system or any aspect related to the functioning of chambers from the perspective of any of the social sciences.

Business environment organizations constitute a crucial element of economic ecosystems. However, only some researchers focus on their operation and evolution. We would like to change this. We invite PhD students interested in economic, institutional, political, social participation and NGOs to cooperate with us. Each of these levels brings an interesting research perspective. Our open invitation to participate in an international conference is a unique opportunity to present your observations, gain experience and establish contacts. Perhaps it will also become a trigger for developing your exciting research directions in the future.

If you have an idea for a speech that you would like to discuss with us, please write to us.

Conference Themes. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Chambers of commerce – diagnose and possible evolution;
  2. Business environment organisations – ecosystem and roles;
  3. Consultation processes on socio-economic issues;
  4. Institutional factors and their role in economic growth;
  5. Governance quality and investment attractiveness;
  6. International networks – how we may and should cooperate?

CfP important dates:

  • 24.10.2025: Deadline for Submitting Outlines (CfP)
  • 31.10.2025: Acceptance Notification
  • 10.11.2025: Final Revision Submission
  • 12.11.2025: Final Conference Program Announcement
  • 20.11.2025: Chambers of Commerce – 4th International Conference (on-line edition)

Fees:

All presenting authors (of both competitive papers and posters), invited speakers and participants attend the conference free of charge.

Submissions:

Authors are invited to submit original research papers, empirical studies, and theoretical contributions (in English only). Submitted outlines should adhere to academic rigour and follow the instructions attached to the call. Outlines will undergo a peer-review process to ensure scholarly quality. Competitive submissions will be accepted and presented during the plenary or networking day. Work-in-progress may be directed to the parallel sessions.

Submission of outlines:

Authors are required to submit an outline by sending a PDF file to the conference’s email address: conference@chambers.pl

Outline structure (extended abstract):

The outline should concisely convey the contribution and topic information of about 300 words (including references). Please use the following headings:

  1. Title of the presentation
  2. Research problem: Clearly define the research context and explain the specific research problem addressed (highlighting its importance and relevance for the conference audience).
  3. Current understanding: Summarise prior research in the field, emphasising gaps in the existing literature.
  4. Research question: Specify the submissions’ goal.
  5. Research Design: Describe the research methodology/approach employed in the study.
  6. Findings: Present the primary outcomes and research results.
  7. Implications: Discuss the research implications for academia, business and policymakers.
  8. References: List 5 to 10 primary references.

Awards and Publications:

Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to provide full articles. They will be submitted for review and publication by our partner journals.

Special awards will be given for the papers/presentations submitted by PhD students.

Scientific Committee

  • Prof. Dr. Habil. Gratiela Georgiana Noja, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, Romania
  • Prof. Dr. Detlef Sack, Department of “Democratic Theory and Government System Research” Head of the Institute for Democracy and Participation Research (IDPF), Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, Bergische University Wuppertal, Germany
  • Dr. habil. Péter Krisztián Zachar, Associate Professor, Vice-Dean for International Affairs and Head of Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies, Ludovika – University of Public Service, Hungary
  • Prof. Iván Medina, Political Science, University of Valencia, Spain
  • Dr hab. Tomasz Dorożyński, Professor of University of Lodz, Department of International Economics, Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Łódź, Poland
  • Dr Piotr Marciniak, Assistant Professor, Department of Competition Law, Institute of Legal Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Organization Committee

For inquiries and submission details, please send an email to conference@chambers.pl

>> More information about the 4th Conference <<

With best regards,

Tomasz Dorożyński & Piotr Marciniak

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