Responsible Futures
Special Interest Group
Role of Future Generations in the 21st Century
June 30 – July 1, 2025
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. Strategic Management and Shared Leadership
Track Chair: Dr Guillaume Detchenique - ESSCA
Track 2. Consumer Behaviour and Innovation
Track Chair: Dr Alice FALCHI - ESSCA
Track 3. Retail and Omnichannel Strategies
Track Chair: Dr Tatiana HENRIQUEZ - ESSCA
Track 4. Human Resources, Work Environment and Well-being
Track Chair: Dr Mahrane HOFAIDHLLAOUI - ESSCA
Track 5. Technology, Digital and Social Media Marketing with Artificial Intelligence
Track Chair: Dr Jean-François LEMOINE - ESSCA
Track 6. Innovation, Co-creation and Co-Innovation
Track Chair: Dr Elodie JOUNY-RIVIER - ESSCA
Track 7: Ethics, Responsibility, Global Challenges, Sustainability and Future Generations
Track Chair : Dr Geraldine Paring
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
- Journal of Asia Business Studies: Future of Sustainable Fashion in Asian Countries and Beyond
- Industrial Management & Data Systems: Digital Technologies and Mental Health Management
- Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal
Papers with best fit and quality will be invited to submit to the Journal
Awards
- Best Conceptual Paper Award
- Best Impact Paper Award
- Best Methodology Paper Award
- Best PhD Thesis Award
- Best Paper Award
Hall of Fame
2022 TARA lifetime achievement award
Prof TC Melewar
Prof of Marketing
Middlesex University
2023 TARA lifetime achievement award
Prof V Kumar
Prof of Marketing
Brock University
2024 TARA lifetime achievement award
Prof Philip Kotler
Prof of Marketing
Northwestern University
Conference Directors
Prof (Dr) Elodie Jouny-Rivier
Professor of Marketing Director of the "Trends in Family Consumption" Research Center
Research group manager of the Marketing & Retailing department
Key Dates:
Abstract submission deadline: May 1, 2025
Early bird registration: May 15, 2025
Research funding proposal submission deadline: May 14, 2025
Conference Programme
(To be confirmed)
(To be confirmed)
(To be confirmed)
Team
Dr Guillaume Detchenique
Associate Professor, ESSCA
Dr Jean-Francois Lemoine
Professor, ESSCA
Dr Mahrane Hofaidhllaoui
Professor, ESSCA
Dr Tatiana Henriquez
Professor, ESSCA
Dr Alice Falchi
Associate Professor, ESSCA
Dr Geraldine Paring
Associate Professor, ESSCA
Location
Bienvenue and welcome to Lyon, France!
Join us in the culinary capital of France, just a 3-hour train ride from London and easily accessible via low-cost airlines, where gastronomy meets culture. From its traditional ‘bouchons’ to Michelin-starred restaurants, Lyon offers food excellence like no other. You’ll find heritage on and beyond the dining table as Lyon boasts a rich cultural setting. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and along the picturesque Rhône and Saône rivers, towards the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière with its panoramic views of the city. Lyon’s thriving arts scene, with its opera house, museums, and renowned festivals ensures that your conference experience will be enriching and inspiring.
Come for the conference, stay for the experience—immerse yourself in Lyon’s irresistible blend of tradition, innovation, and joie de vivre!
Conference Venue
ESSCA School of Management
4 Pont Pasteur
69007 Lyon
France
Public Transport: T1 (Tram Debourg) Stop: Halle Tony Garnier
Uber, Taxis
Airports
Lyon (Easyjet, Ryanair, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways and many more)
Geneva (Easyjet, Ryanair, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways and many more)
Trains from UK and Switzerland
Eurostar London-Paris https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en
SNCF Paris-Lyon https://www.sncf-connect.com/
SNCF Geneva-Lyon https://www.sncf-connect.com/
Recommended Accommodation
4* Novotel / Ibis Lyon Gerland Musée des Confluences
Address: 70 Avenue Leclerc – 69007 Lyon – France
- Opposite of the conference venue
- Swimmingpool
- 14% Discount with code “ESSCA”
3* Mob Hotel Lyon Confluence
Address: 55 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon, France
- 9 minutes walk to the conference venue or one stop with tram T1
- Hip mingling on the green terrace
Supporting Universities
