Conference Overview
Faculty of Economics and Administration at King Abdulaziz University is pleased to announce the call for papers for its Seventh Scientific Conference titled:
“Future Frontiers for Businesses: Catalysts for Growth in a Transformational Economy”
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the conference aims to explore emerging economic and organizational frontiers that foster sustainable growth, competitiveness, and innovation in regional and global contexts. The conference also aims to advance knowledge and generate scientific contributions on the drivers shaping organizations, economies, and institutions in an era of accelerated global transformation.
Serving 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, empirical, and applied research that bridges academic rigor with practical relevance and contributes to economic and organizational development in emerging and transformational economies.
Conference Objectives
- Generate policy-relevant research and insights aligned with national and regional transformation agendas, including Saudi Vision 2030.
- Advance 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 core drivers of long-term competitiveness and economic transformation.
- Examine emerging trends shaping the future of organizations, industries, labor markets, and capital systems.
- Bridge academic research with practical implementation by fostering collaboration among scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers.
- Call for papers
Conference Tracks
Track 1 - Economic Diversification and Global Competitiveness
This track welcomes research examining macro and strategic economic shifts and governance frameworks shaping 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 2 - Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
This track welcomes research exploring how digital technologies and new service models are reshaping organizations, 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 digital ecosystems
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- Healthcare systems and hospital management transformation
- Digital health and technology-enabled healthcare services
- Smart cities and integrated service ecosystems
Track 3 - Sustainable Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This track welcomes research focusing on innovation-driven growth, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices shaping future economies.
Topics include (but are not limited to):- Entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems
- SMEs and family businesses
- Innovation-driven growth and knowledge economies
- Corporate innovation and intrapreneurship
- Business model innovation and future business models
- Service innovation and emerging industries
- Sustainability and ESG integration
- Corporate social responsibility
- Green innovation and circular economy
Track 4 - Financial Transformation & Capital Market Development
This track welcomes research examining financial systems and investment dynamics supporting economic growth and stability.
Topics include (but are not limited to):- Capital market development and regulatory reform
- Financial technology (FinTech)
- Sustainable finance
- Financial inclusion and 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 5 - Organizations, Leadership & Human Capital
This track welcomes research focusing on leadership, human capital, and organizational adaptability in rapidly transforming technological and labor market environments.
Topics include (but are not limited to):- Leadership and organizational effectiveness in transformational and uncertain environments
- Digital leadership, change management, and organizational agility
- Human capital development, talent strategies, and workforce reskilling and transformation in digital and evolving economies
- Future of work, labor market shifts, and technological disruption
- Organizational behavior, behavioral insights, culture, and performance in transforming workplaces.
- AI integration in human resources and talent management
- Diversity, inclusion, and workforce participation in emerging economies
Submission Guidelines
Submission Types
The conference welcomes submissions of both full research papers (Arabic/English) and research posters (Arabic/English) across all conference tracks.
Papers Submission Guidelines
- The research must be directly relevant to one of the conference tracks and themes.
- The submission must demonstrate originality and innovation and must not have been previously published.
- Full paper length 6,000–8,000 words (including the abstract: 150-250 words).
- All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process.
- Authors are advised to follow the APA referencing style (latest edition) for all citations and references.
- Authors are required to revise their papers in accordance with the feedback and recommendations of the conference scientific committee.
- The scientific committee reserves the right to accept or reject submissions without providing justification.
- Selected papers may be considered for publication at the faculty journal or Wos journals, subject to review and editorial policies.
Posters Submission Guidelines
- Submissions must align with one of the five conference tracks and its sub topics:
- 1. Economic Diversification and Global Competitiveness
- 2. Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
- 3. Sustainable Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- 4. Financial Transformation & Capital Market Development
- 5. Organizations, Leadership & Human Capital
- Both early-stage research and completed studies are welcome.
- Posters may be submitted by students individually or in teams.
- Abstract length: 150–250 words.
- Abstract must clearly include:
- Objectives of the study
- Methodology employed
- Key or preliminary findings
- Relevance to the conference theme and selected track
- Abstracts can be submitted in Arabic or English.
Poster Specifications
- Paper Size: Standard A0 (841mm x 1189mm) in portrait orientation.
- Poster total Word counts: Maximum 500 words and no more than 50 words per text box.
Content
- Title of the study, author names, affiliations, and contact information
- Introduction and research objectives
- Methodology
- Key results or insights
- Conclusions and implications
- References
Design
- Posters should be visually clear, concise, and engaging, using charts, graphs, and tables where appropriate
- Limit dense text
Submission Process
- Submit the abstract to the conference
- Upon acceptance, authors will receive confirmation and instructions for preparing the full poster
- Authors are responsible for printing and bringing their posters to the conference venue
Presentation Guidelines
- Posters will be displayed during designated poster sessions (To be announced later)
- Authors should be present during their assigned session to discuss their work with attendees
- Interactive discussions and networking are encouraged
Evaluation Criteria
Submitted posters will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to conference tracks
- Originality and contribution to knowledge
- Clarity and visual presentation
- Methodological rigor (if applicable)
- Engagement and potential for discussion
Important Dates
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding submissions, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Conference Organizing Committee:
Email: fea-scsreas@kau.edu.sa