Responsible Futures
Special Interest Group
Role of Future Generations in the 21st Century
27 November, 2025
(Online Conference)
Call for papers
As our world navigates this turning point, it is essential to understand how younger generations think, act, and influence the social, environmental, and economic landscapes around them. With climate actions, sustainability policies, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on the rise, there has never been a more critical time to explore the evolving role of youth in building a resilient, sustainable future. Against this dynamic backdrop, the "Responsible Youth" Special Interest Group invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide to examine the critical question: how do young people today interpret and enact responsibility in an era of profound digital, environmental, and social change? And to what extent are they accountable for taking—or not taking—action? As we confront unprecedented environmental, social and economic challenges, the dialogue increasingly centres on how the forthcoming generation of professionals will act as agents of change to navigate, respond to, and reshape the landscape of socio-economic challenges by addressing Global Challenges. In an era marked by multiple types of crises such as climate, technological disruptions and mental health, youth emerge as a powerful force that can drive transformative change by pioneering sustainable innovation and advocating the voices for a responsible and sustainable world. Therefore, the questions to be answered is how youth can shape the definition of responsibility and accountability. The rise in need of sustainability policies and climate actions underscores the urgency for scholars, businesses and policymakers to understand the evolving role of youth as key actors, advocates, and leaders in building a more sustainable future. Against this backdrop, the "Responsible Youth" Special Interest Group (SIG) emerges with an intent to explore the critical question: how do younger generations think, act, and perpetuate responsible change in an era marked by profound shifts in environmental, digital, and social paradigms? And to what extent do they feel accountable for doing (or not doing) so?
The first conference of this SIG about “Responsible Youth” invites international scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss, analyse and evaluate the definition of responsibility at the intersection of youth engagement and action. By addressing essential questions such as "who is responsible, and for what?" and "what role does youth play in driving sustainability within society and business?", this conference aims to foster an intellectual debate and research agenda that challenges preconceived notions of responsibility, policy impact, and the agency of younger generations. This conference encourages submissions that interrogate different themes from diverse perspectives, including but not limited to marketing, management, policy, technology, information sciences, higher education, social innovation, startups and entrepreneurship. We welcome empirical and conceptual papers, case studies, and thought pieces that offer new insights into the role of youth in shaping responsible business practices, policies, and societal change. This conference seeks to scrutinize pivotal dimensions of youth responsibility that illustrate the dynamic tension between expectations and actual action.
Together, let’s explore how youth can redefine the future of responsible business and policy in a rapidly changing world by bringing together voices from academia, industry, and policy circles, this conference aims to create a platform for critical reflection, dialogue, and collaboration on the transformative potential of youth in fostering a more responsible and sustainable future. We invite papers that provide local, national, or international perspectives and engage with the theme from interdisciplinary angles. Early-stage ideas are very welcome and encouraged! Scholars are invited to submit their research exploring not limited to critical themes identified below for driving a conversation on Role of Future Generations. By bringing together voices from academia, industry, and policy circles, this conference aims to create a platform for critical reflection, dialogue, and collaboration on the transformative potential of youth in fostering a more responsible and sustainable future. We invite papers that provide local, national, or international perspectives and engage with the theme from interdisciplinary angles. Early-stage ideas are very welcome and encouraged! Together, let’s explore how youth can redefine the future of responsible business and policy in a rapidly changing world. We encourage scholars to explore questions related to sub-themes given in following tracks.
Track 1. Consumer Behaviour and Innovation
Track Chair: Dr. Insaf KHELLADI - Excelia Business School
Track 2. Retail and Omnichannel Strategies
Track Chair: Dr Tatiana HENRIQUEZ - ESSCA
Track 3. Technology, Digital and Social Media Marketing with Artificial Intelligence
Track Chair: Dr Jean-François LEMOINE - Paris 1 Panthéon- Sorbonne University and ESSCA
Track 4. Innovation, Co-creation and Co-Innovation
Track Chair: Dr Alice FALCHI - ESSCA
Abstract Submission
Submit pdf version of your abstract of 500 words or extended abstract of 2000 words or manuscript of 5000 words in double spacing using Arial Font 11 point. Please ensure that your submission includes purpose, objectives and novelty of your research with a brief of methodology, contribution and inclusion.
MSP Research Grant
Marketing Strategy and Policy Research is pleased to invite research proposals that discuss Future of Sustainable Fashion under the lens of local, regional or global issues. Those proposals that demonstrate impact building and collaborative research will be considered for funding. Maximum funding available per proposal is £1000. The application process is now open for applications to share their research proposal to be presented for funding. The deadline for applications to be submitted for funding is 14th May 2025.
Publishing opportunities
Book Chapters and Case Studies
- Fashion Metaverse, a book by Emerald
- The Business of Responsible Fashion: Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals
- The Business of Responsible Fashion: The Role of Technology and Innovation
- The Business of Responsible Fashion: Strategic International Management
Special Issues
Awards
- Best Conceptual Paper Award
- Best Impact Paper Award
- Best Methodology Paper Award
- Best PhD Thesis Award
- Best Paper Award
Doctoral Colloquium
MSP Research invites PhD scholars to present their work at Doctoral Colloquium to a panel of experts in their field. Presentations at the conference will help them prepare for their PhD defence and a career after PhD. Keynotes and interactions with Subject Experts and other Distinguished Faculty invited for the Doctoral Colloquium and the Conference will enable them to understand the requirements of a successful career in Higher Education or Industry. The conference will also provide opportunities of engagement with other academics and people from the industry.
Hall of Fame
2022 TARA lifetime achievement award
TC Melewar
Prof of Marketing
Middlesex University
2023 TARA lifetime achievement award
V Kumar
Prof of Marketing
Brock University
2024 TARA lifetime achievement award
Philip Kotler
Prof of Marketing
Northwestern University
2025 TARA lifetime achievement award
Jennifer Aaker
Prof of Marketing
Stanford University
Meet The Editors
Prof Subodha Kumar
Dy Editor
Production and Operations Management
Ass. Prof Verena Gruber
Associate Editor
Journal of Business Ethics
Prof. Hiram Ting
Editor-in-Chief
Young Consumers
Conference Directors
Prof (Dr) Elodie Jouny-Rivier
Professor of Marketing
Director of the "Trends in Family Consumption" Research Center
Key Dates:
Abstract submission deadline: 6th November, 2025
Conference registration deadline : 16 November, 2025
Research funding proposal submission deadline: 6th November, 2025
Venue
ESSCA School of Management in Angers
Study at ESSCA School of Management in Angers. Angers is a cradle of ESSCA and a city where a third of the population are students. Enjoy a unique experience at a city renowned for its quality of life!
Campus location and access
The Angers campus of ESSCA is well connected to the city centre by several bus and tram lines. It is also easily accessible by train, with direct connections to Paris, Nantes and Lyon.
As the greenest city in France, Angers encourages eco-friendly travel. The campus supports this with bike and scooter shelters, helping students choose sustainable ways to get around.
Address1 rue Joseph Lakanal
49000 ANGERS
FRANCE
Phone: (+33) 2 41 73 47 47
Conference Programme
(To be confirmed)
(To be confirmed)
(To be confirmed)
Team
Dr Jean-François Lemoine
Professor, Paris 1 Panthéon- Sorbonne University and ESSCA
Dr Tatiana Henriquez
Professor, ESSCA
Dr Alice Falchi
Associate Professor, ESSCA
Dr. Insaf KHELLADI
Associate Professor of Marketing
Excelia Business School
Supporting Universities
