About the Conference
The Faculty of Economics and Administration at King Abdulaziz University is pleased to announce the call for research paper submissions to its Seventh Scientific Conference, entitled:
“Future Horizons for Business: Drivers of Growth in a Transforming Economy”
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the conference aims to explore emerging economic and organizational prospects that foster sustainable growth, competitiveness, and innovation at the regional and global levels. The conference also seeks to advance knowledge and make scholarly contributions concerning the forces driving organizations, economies, and institutions in an era of accelerating global transformation.
As a distinguished platform for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, the conference reflects King Abdulaziz University's commitment to advancing impactful research and strengthening its regional and international academic presence.
The conference welcomes theoretical and applied research that combines academic rigor with practical relevance and contributes to economic and organizational development in emerging and transforming economies.
Conference Objectives
- Produce research and policy-relevant insights aligned with national and regional transformation agendas, including Saudi Vision 2030.
- Promote high-quality research in business, economics, management, and public policy within transforming and sustainable economies.
- Explore the integration of sustainability, governance, and digital innovation as key drivers of long-term competitiveness and economic transformation.
- Examine emerging trends shaping the future of institutions, industries, labor markets, and capital systems.
- Bridge academic research and practical application by fostering collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Conference Tracks
Track One: Economic Diversification and Global Competitiveness
This track addresses research examining macroeconomic and strategic transformations and governance frameworks that shape the future of industries and national economies.
Topics include, but are not limited to:- Economic diversification and structural transformation
- Global competitiveness, productivity, and sustainable value creation
- Trade, investment, and global value chains
- Sectoral transformation and emerging industries
- Governance and accountability mechanisms
- Institutional transformation
- Public–private partnerships
Track Two: Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
This track addresses research exploring how digital technologies and new service models are reshaping institutions, industries, and economies.
Topics include, but are not limited to:- Digital transformation strategies
- Artificial intelligence in business and decision-making
- Data analytics and intelligent systems
- Smart organizations and integrated digital systems
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- Healthcare systems and the transformation of hospital management
- Digital health and technology-enabled healthcare services
- Smart cities and integrated service systems
Track Three: Sustainable Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
This track addresses research focusing on innovation-driven growth, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices that shape future economies.
Topics include, but are not limited to:- Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems
- Small and medium-sized enterprises and family businesses
- Innovation-driven growth and knowledge economies
- Organizational innovation and intrapreneurship
- Business model innovation and future business models
- Service innovation and emerging industries
- Sustainability and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles
- Corporate social responsibility
- Green innovation and the circular economy
Track Four: Financial Transformation and Capital Market Development
This track addresses research examining financial systems and investment dynamics that support economic growth and stability.
Topics include, but are not limited to:- Capital market development and regulatory reforms
- Financial technology (FinTech)
- Sustainable finance
- Financial inclusion and financial literacy
- Islamic finance and banking
- Investment strategies and risk management
- Venture capital, private equity, and startup financing
- Foreign direct investment and cross-border capital flows
Track Five: Organizations, Leadership, and Human Capital
This track addresses research focusing on leadership, human capital, and organizational adaptability in rapidly changing labor-market and technological environments.
Topics include, but are not limited to:- Leadership and organizational effectiveness in environments of transformation and uncertainty
- Digital leadership, change management, and organizational resilience
- Human capital development, talent strategies, and workforce reskilling and transformation in digital and developing economies
- The future of work, labor-market transformations, and technological disruption
- Organizational behavior, behavioral insights, culture, and performance in changing workplaces.
- Integration of artificial intelligence into human resources and talent management
- Diversity, inclusion, and workforce participation in emerging economies
Submission Guidelines
Types of Submissions
The conference welcomes both full research papers (in Arabic and English) and research posters (in Arabic and English) across all conference tracks.
Research Paper Submission Guidelines
- Submitted papers must be original and previously unpublished.
- Full research papers must be between 6,000 and 8,000 words in length (including an abstract of 150–250 words).
- All submitted papers are subject to a scholarly review process.
- The latest edition of APA citation style must be followed for all citations and references.
- Selected papers will be published in the Faculty's journal or in a journal indexed in Web of Science, subject to review and editorial policies.
Research Poster Submission Guidelines
- Submissions must align with one of the five conference tracks and their subtopics.
- Both early-stage research and completed studies are welcome.
- Students may submit posters individually or as part of a team.
- Abstract length: 150–250 words.
- The abstract must clearly state the study objectives, methodology, findings, and relevance to the selected track.
Poster Specifications and Design
- Paper size: Standard A0, portrait orientation, with a maximum of 500 words for the entire poster.
- The poster must include the title, researchers' names, introduction, methodology, results, and conclusions, together with references.
- Posters must be visually clear and concise, incorporating charts and tables while avoiding dense text.
Shepherds
Attendance Registration
Important Dates
Conference Schedule
Email
fea-scsreas@kau.edu.sa