FINAL CALL FOR REGISTRATION
Academy of International Business Sustainability Shared Interest Group
Knowledge Exchange Hubs
&
Research and Networking Roundtable Sessions
The Sustainability Shared Interest Group (S-SIG) is organizing its first set of ‘Research and Networking Roundtable Sessions’ for all AIB members who have research interests in sustainability and/or would like
to meet other like-minded colleagues based in different parts of the world. The sessions take place online.
Members-Only Registration Link:
https://member.aib.world/forms/2022sustainability_roundtables.asp
Roundtable Session Details
There are 4 roundtable sessions planned, each is focused on a specific academic theme. The four themes (see below) are based on the four knowledge exchange hubs of the S-SIG (see https://sustainabilitysig.aib.world/knowledge-exchange-hub/).
The four roundtable themes are:
· Sustainability Through the Value Chain (5th Dec, 3pm-5pm GMT)
· MNEs, SDGs & CSR (6th Dec, 1.30-3.30pm GMT)
· Teaching/Learning/Research in Sustainability (8th Dec, 1-3pm GMT)
· The Circular Economy in an IB Context (13th Dec, 12-2pm GMT)
These four themed-based roundtable sessions are intended to create a friendly and open space for like-minded colleagues to interact and network with each other
by sharing their research topics, questions, challenges, and/or findings. Therefore, the sessions do not consist of invited speakers and are not structured in the form of a webinar or workshop; instead, the session moderators (who are SIG committee members)
and attendees can propose topics for discussions (attendees can also register topics in the registration form – see further down). At the end of the sessions, attendees will have the option of having their details exchanged for post-event networking and possible
research collaborations.
The sessions are open to all AIB members, (including PhD students). Registration for one or more sessions can be done by completing the following registration form (https://member.aib.world/forms/2022sustainability_roundtables.asp). Zoom
links for individual sessions will be emailed to you 24 hours prior to start of the sessions.
More about the Knowledge Exchange Hubs
While sustainability can be considered the main theme of the Sustainability SIG and hence its name, there are four subthemes (called ‘knowledge exchange hubs’, or KEHs) underpinning the main theme of sustainability
and its current scope, namely: Sustainability Through the Value Chain; MNEs/SDGs/CSR; Teaching/Learning/Research; and the Circular Economy in an IB Context. These hubs represent common areas of interest and expertise that were initially identified in a questionnaire
sent to AIB members. The hubs are not formal organizations within the Sustainability SIG, nor are they driven or represented by certain members of the SIG. Instead, they exist to serve as exchange platforms that allow any member of the Sustainability-SIG to
seek, learn, and share knowledge and experiences in the form of organizing relevant and useful activities for all members of the SIG. New hubs may emerge as research interest and agendas shift. The scope and focus of each hub are detailed below:
The Circular Economy in an IB Context (CEIBC)
The Circular Economy in an IB Context (CEIBC) hub is informed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition of a circular economy as one that is based on three principles: designing out waste and pollution in
economic activity; keeping products and materials in use; and regenerating natural systems. As a result, such a circular economy will redefine growth and focus on positive society-wide benefits. While the idea of a circular economy has been gaining more interest
(e.g., the European Union’s Circular Economy Package), much work still needs to be done to engage with the private sector, policy makers and civil society in determining just how to implement a circular economy, particularly in an IB context. And because
MNEs can act as change agents for their industries, understanding how they can leverage their power, networks and globally dispersed competencies to use processes and materials in a more sustainable, circular manner is valuable.
Sustainability Through the Value Chain (SGVC)
The Sustainability Through the Value Chain (SGVC) hub centres on the role of value chains in achieving sustainability across borders. The concept of value chains describes the full range of activities carried
out by firms and workers across industries to produce goods and services. The global value chain perspective provides a useful framework to analyze multiple dimensions and interconnected complexities pertaining to sustainability. Moreover, partnerships between
different entities, such as governments, the private sector and civil society, again as they relate to IB, are also essential to promote sustainability locally and internationally, as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, the purpose
of the SGVC KEH is useful for promoting interdisciplinary approaches to the challenges posed to sustainability through the lens of GVCs.
MNEs, SDGs & CSR (MSC)
The focus of the MNEs, SDGs & CSR (MSC) hub is on theory advancement in sustainable and responsible IB-focused organizations and the relationship
between MNEs, global organizations and sustainability. Given the significant development role MNEs have played in economic development and are expected to play in sustainable development, IB scholars have underscored the need for firms to behave ethically,
responsibly and sustainably. It therefore is important for the AIB community to advance theory and practice in this area. By advancing research, teaching and engagement in the area, it contributes to the development of global sustainability leaders who understand
the interaction of business and sustainability issues. These issues are embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as organizations such as Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development (WBCSD) and the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and therefore contribute to how the Sustainability-SIG is positioned in the IB community.
Teaching/Learning/Research (TLR) in Sustainability
The Teaching/Learning/Research (TLR) hub emphasizes that teaching and learning about, and research on, sustainable development in the IB community is evolving and often affected by developments outside traditional
IB pedagogy or research. It is increasingly observed that sustainability as a subject area is integrated into IB programs across universities worldwide. Similarly, the rapid growing research interest in IB and sustainability, as evidenced by the interests
in this SIG, is observed. The call for research-informed teaching across universities emphasizes further the importance of IB and sustainability research across, but not restricted to, the other three KEHs. Established and new and innovative teaching and research
practices in this area can not only benefit SIG members but the wider AIB community.
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