International Research Group

Call for Papers: Chambers of Commerce – 5th International Conference

HomeCall for Papers: Chambers of Commerce – 5th International Conference

Call for Papers
5th Annual Scientific Conference – Chambers of Commerce
Theme: Architects of Resilience: Rethinking the Role of Chambers of Commerce in Times of Uncertainty.

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

Date:

19-20 November 2026 – on-line
(registration for on-line access will start in September 2026)

Conference Venue:

ESCOLA SUPERIOR DE COMERÇ INTERNACIONAL (ESCI-UPF)
Passeig de Pujades, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Conference language and submissions:

English only (no translations).

Submission: email with abstract.

The global situation is volatile and uncertain. At the same time, the influence of global enterprises and new technologies on business and legislative processes (EU and national) is growing. The need to ensure technological and economic sovereignty in Europe is increasingly being raised. However, the discourse seems to be exclusively political. B2A dialogue has been in a deep crisis for years, and the voice of SMEs is largely ignored. This impression also emerges from reading studies on the crisis of the continental model and from conversations with chamber representatives. After 150 years, the chamber ecosystem requires new ideas to keep pace with the challenges of today’s world – political, economic, social, and technological.

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. 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 19-20th as a Speaker!

Junior Researchers Section!

As every year, we plan a space for presentations by MA and 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:

  • 19.10.2026: Deadline for Submitting Outlines (CfP)
  • 26.10.2026: Acceptance Notification
  • 2.11.2026: Final Revision Submission
  • 10.11.2026: Final Conference Program Announcement
  • 19-20.11.2026: Chambers of Commerce – 5th International Conference (on-site, ESCI-UPF Barcelona)

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. Robert Bennett, MA, PhD, FBA, Emeritus Professor of Geography, University of Cambridge; Senior Associate, Cambridge Judge Business School; Visiting Professor in Economic History, London School of Economics, United Kingdom
  • Prof. Albert Carreras de Odrizola, Department of Economics and Business, Pompeu Fabra University, and Director of ESCI-UPF, Spain
  • Prof. Tomasz Dorożyński (Dr. Hab.), Department of International Economics, Institute of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, Poland
  • Prof. Iván Medina, Department of Constitutional Law and Political Science, University of Valencia, Spain
  • Prof. Joaquim Molins, Emerirus Professor Department of Political Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
  • Prof. Marcial Sánchez-Mosquera, Departamento de Economía e Historia Económica, Facultad de Ciencias del Trabajo – Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
  • Prof. Dr. Habil. Péter Krisztián Zachar, 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
  • 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 5th Conference <<

With best regards,

Organization Committee

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