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Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Date TBD (between July 31st and August 2nd, 2026)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Date TBD (between July 31st and August 2nd, 2026)
"Making Worlds with Words: Language as the Infrastructure of Future-Making"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2026 • Philadelphia (location TBC)
"Making Worlds with Words: Language as the Infrastructure of Future-Making"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2026 • Philadelphia (location TBC)
Panelists: Matthias Wenzel (Leuphana University of Lüneburg), Violina Rindova (University of California, Irvine), Nelson Phillips (University of California, Santa Barbara), Derek Harmond (Michigan State University), Joep Cornelissen (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
Panelists: Matthias Wenzel (Leuphana University of Lüneburg), Violina Rindova (University of California, Irvine), Nelson Phillips (University of California, Santa Barbara), Derek Harmond (Michigan State University), Joep Cornelissen (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
Organizers: Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo), Nico F. Klenner (The Australian National University), Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Luigi Mosca (Imperial College London)
Organizers: Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo), Nico F. Klenner (The Australian National University), Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Luigi Mosca (Imperial College London)
Recent studies highlight a growing interest in future-making research. Through future-making, organizations produce and enact futures and effectively integrate explicit future imaginaries into strategic decisions, new venture creation, and product or service development. Future-making is inherently discursive, as futures are not only described through language, but also brought into being through it, shaping what actors imagine, legitimize, and ultimately enact. This PDW thus focuses on the discursive dimension of future-making, bringing together renowned scholars to share their perspectives and provide guidance to future-making researchers across several theoretical perspectives—including practice theory, legitimacy, performativity, entrepreneurial framing, discourse theory, and institutional theory—to understand language as the infrastructure through which futures are made, and seizing opportunities to leverage the representation-performance paradox in future-making research and practice.
Sponsors:
Primary: Strategizing Activities and Practices (SAP)
Secondary: Organization and Management Theory (OMT), Entrepreneurship (ENT), Technology and Innovation Management (TIM), Strategic Management (STR)
Participation is open and no preregistration is required.
Feel free to email us for any inquiries regarding the PDW.
Presenter Symposium • Date TBD (between August 2nd and August 4th, 2026)
Presenter Symposium • Date TBD (between August 2nd and August 4th, 2026)
"The Process of Scaling: Foundations, Evolution, and Implications"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2026 • Philadelphia (location TBC)
"The Process of Scaling: Foundations, Evolution, and Implications"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2026 • Philadelphia (location TBC)
Presenters: Nataliya Langburd Wright (Columbia Business School), Robert Nason (McGill University), Pamela Nowell & Peter Kalum Schou (BI Norwegian Business School), Yuliya Snihur (IESE Business School), Clarence Bluntz & Nancy Bocken (Maastricht University), Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo) & Alexander McKelvie (Syracuse University)
Presenters: Nataliya Langburd Wright (Columbia Business School), Robert Nason (McGill University), Pamela Nowell & Peter Kalum Schou (BI Norwegian Business School), Yuliya Snihur (IESE Business School), Clarence Bluntz & Nancy Bocken (Maastricht University), Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo) & Alexander McKelvie (Syracuse University)
Discussant: Deepak Somaya (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Organizers: Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo), Ann-Sophie Kowalewski (IESE Business School), Aman Asija (Nova Business School)
Organizers: Silvia Sanasi (University of Bergamo), Ann-Sophie Kowalewski (IESE Business School), Aman Asija (Nova Business School)
The diversity of theoretical lenses and empirical contexts through which scaling has been examined to date reflects both the momentum and the richness of the phenomenon for management research. This symposium examines scaling as a complex, contextually embedded process that is characterized by the rapid yet value-adding growth of a firm or venture. Motivated by the continued need to bridge multiple emerging perspectives on scaling, this session showcases current work emphasizing scaling-related issues of entrepreneurial strategy, organizational processes, and ecosystem dynamics as well as their implications. First, interdisciplinary scholars will start by presenting five working papers. The selected set of studies spans critical dimensions of scaling, including how entrepreneurs form strategy, how they form and negotiate their roles and responsibilities, how routines emerge to sustain the demands of organizational scaling, and how scaling dynamics evolve beyond the firm level by way of framing, collective action, and alternative diffusion pathways. Second, the presentations will be followed by an expert discussion and audience Q&A session. Overall, this symposium contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse on scaling and aims to enhance cross-fertilization across research streams and theoretical perspectives.
Sponsors: Strategizing Activities and Practices (SAP), Strategic Management (STR)
Participation is open and no preregistration is required.
Feel free to email us for any inquiries regarding the Symposium.
Past events
Past events
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday July 26th 2025 • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday July 26th 2025 • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
"The Future of Future-Making Research: Conceptualizations, Boundaries, and Future Research Avenues"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2025 • Copenhagen Business School (Building Kilen, Room KS48)
"The Future of Future-Making Research: Conceptualizations, Boundaries, and Future Research Avenues"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2025 • Copenhagen Business School (Building Kilen, Room KS48)
Panelists: Tina Dacin (Smith School of Business, Queen’s University), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Juliane Reinecke (Saïd Business School, University of Oxford), Matthias Wenzel (Leuphana University of Lüneburg)
Panelists: Tina Dacin (Smith School of Business, Queen’s University), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Juliane Reinecke (Saïd Business School, University of Oxford), Matthias Wenzel (Leuphana University of Lüneburg)
Organizers: Nico F. Klenner (The Australian National University), Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)
Organizers: Nico F. Klenner (The Australian National University), Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)
Recent studies highlight a growing interest in future-making research. Future-making research enables organizations to imagine better futures and more effectively integrate future visions into new ventures, products, or services, and it empowers scholars to develop prospective theories that can contribute to more desirable futures. However, while future-making research is highly relevant in theory and practice, its conceptualization and boundaries remain blurry. For example, future-making may be seen as an evolutionary practice of making sense of possible and probable futures, or as a more revolutionary practice of envisioning desirable futures. To better understand the varying perspectives, scholars may reflectively reappraise past research and evaluate, negotiate, and shape established theories towards future-fit, while prospectively formulating new theories and rigorously design research programs that remain relevant in an unknowable future. To this end, future-making research poses at least four types of challenges: (1) translational challenges of reconciling philosophical assumptions, (2) transformational challenges of reconciling theory and practice, (3) transitory challenges of reconciling stability and change, and (4) transtemporal challenges of reconciling temporal orientations. The PDW brings together renowned scholars to share their unique perspectives and provide guidance to future-making researchers from diverse fields—including strategic management, entrepreneurship, design, innovation, ethics, and futures studies—to discuss and find ways for tackling the unique challenges of future-making scholarship.
Recent studies highlight a growing interest in future-making research. Future-making research enables organizations to imagine better futures and more effectively integrate future visions into new ventures, products, or services, and it empowers scholars to develop prospective theories that can contribute to more desirable futures. However, while future-making research is highly relevant in theory and practice, its conceptualization and boundaries remain blurry. For example, future-making may be seen as an evolutionary practice of making sense of possible and probable futures, or as a more revolutionary practice of envisioning desirable futures. To better understand the varying perspectives, scholars may reflectively reappraise past research and evaluate, negotiate, and shape established theories towards future-fit, while prospectively formulating new theories and rigorously design research programs that remain relevant in an unknowable future. To this end, future-making research poses at least four types of challenges: (1) translational challenges of reconciling philosophical assumptions, (2) transformational challenges of reconciling theory and practice, (3) transitory challenges of reconciling stability and change, and (4) transtemporal challenges of reconciling temporal orientations. The PDW brings together renowned scholars to share their unique perspectives and provide guidance to future-making researchers from diverse fields—including strategic management, entrepreneurship, design, innovation, ethics, and futures studies—to discuss and find ways for tackling the unique challenges of future-making scholarship.
Sponsors:
Primary: Strategizing Activities and Practices (SAP)
Secondary: Organization and Management Theory (OMT), Entrepreneurship (ENT), Technology and Innovation Management (TIM)
Participation is open and no preregistration is required.
Feel free to email us for any inquiries regarding the PDW.
Special issue Call for papers
Special issue Call for papers
Guest Editors: Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Jörg Henseler (University of Twente)
Guest Editors: Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Jörg Henseler (University of Twente)
Accepting papers until 28 February 2025 (late submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Complete call for papers available here.
Feel free to email us for any inquiries regarding the call
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday Aug 10th 2024 • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
"Researching Future-Making Empirically"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2024, Chicago (Fairmont, Crystal Room)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday Aug 10th 2024 • 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
"Researching Future-Making Empirically"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2024, Chicago (Fairmont, Crystal Room)
Organizers: Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Nico Florian Klenner (The Australian National University)
Organizers: Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Nico Florian Klenner (The Australian National University)
Panelists: Alice Comi (Tongji University), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Nelson Phillips (University of California, Santa Barbara), Emanuela Rondi (University of Bergamo), Jelena Spanjol (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), Jennifer Whyte (University of Sydney)
Recent studies are devoting increasing attention to future-making practices as the methods that organizations can employ to make the future amenable, and the way they can translate it into new ventures, products, or services. However, little is known about how future-making can be empirically studied. Several conceptual, theoretical, and opinion pieces have been published over the last few years. The PDW aims to share renowned scholars’ views on why researching future-making empirically is important and impactful and how such future-oriented research can rigorously be conducted. The PDW will thereby focus on sharing practices for studying, and researching future-making empirically, adopting a participatory approach that alternates speaker presentations and moments of discussion and reflection. The topic’s cross-disciplinarity will also enable the involvement of scholars and practitioners working in different areas, from design, innovation, strategic management, ethics, and futures studies.
Panelists: Alice Comi (Tongji University), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Nelson Phillips (University of California, Santa Barbara), Emanuela Rondi (University of Bergamo), Jelena Spanjol (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), Jennifer Whyte (University of Sydney)
Recent studies are devoting increasing attention to future-making practices as the methods that organizations can employ to make the future amenable, and the way they can translate it into new ventures, products, or services. However, little is known about how future-making can be empirically studied. Several conceptual, theoretical, and opinion pieces have been published over the last few years. The PDW aims to share renowned scholars’ views on why researching future-making empirically is important and impactful and how such future-oriented research can rigorously be conducted. The PDW will thereby focus on sharing practices for studying, and researching future-making empirically, adopting a participatory approach that alternates speaker presentations and moments of discussion and reflection. The topic’s cross-disciplinarity will also enable the involvement of scholars and practitioners working in different areas, from design, innovation, strategic management, ethics, and futures studies.
Sponsors:
Primary: Strategizing Activities and Practices (SAP)
Secondary: Organization and Management Theory (OMT), Entrepreneurship (ENT), Technology and Innovation Management (TIM)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday Aug 10th 2024 • 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
"Managing Your Dissertation: STR Doctoral Workshop 2024"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2024, Chicago (Sheraton, Sheraton Ballroom III)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Saturday Aug 10th 2024 • 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
"Managing Your Dissertation: STR Doctoral Workshop 2024"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2024, Chicago (Sheraton, Sheraton Ballroom III)
Organizers: Leandro S. Pongeluppe (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania), Nianchen Han (Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore), Hyoju Jeong (Tulane University), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Jungkyu Suh (NYU Stern School of Business)
Organizers: Leandro S. Pongeluppe (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania), Nianchen Han (Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore), Hyoju Jeong (Tulane University), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano), Jungkyu Suh (NYU Stern School of Business)
Keynote Speakers: Anita McGahan (University of Toronto), Aseem Kaul (University of Minnesota)
Keynote Speakers: Anita McGahan (University of Toronto), Aseem Kaul (University of Minnesota)
Panelists: Sharon Belenzon (Duke University), Alfredo De Massis (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, IMD Business School), Jiao Luo (University of Minnesota), Jelena Spanjol (LMU Munich), Tony Tong (University of Colorado Boulder)
This workshop offers practical advice to doctoral students on completing their dissertations and transitioning to their first academic positions. It is anticipated that the workshop will be held in live on-site format. The workshop is open to all doctoral students. Pre-registration will be required. The workshop will be conducted in an informal setting where students will be able to interact with faculty and other students in small groups. The finalists for last year’s STR Outstanding Dissertation Award share the coordination of the workshop. The format of the PDW will include presentations and perspectives from last year’s finalists and a panel of senior faculty. Attendees will break out into groups to meet with faculty and Q&A will be held after all sessions.
Panelists: Sharon Belenzon (Duke University), Alfredo De Massis (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, IMD Business School), Jiao Luo (University of Minnesota), Jelena Spanjol (LMU Munich), Tony Tong (University of Colorado Boulder)
This workshop offers practical advice to doctoral students on completing their dissertations and transitioning to their first academic positions. It is anticipated that the workshop will be held in live on-site format. The workshop is open to all doctoral students. Pre-registration will be required. The workshop will be conducted in an informal setting where students will be able to interact with faculty and other students in small groups. The finalists for last year’s STR Outstanding Dissertation Award share the coordination of the workshop. The format of the PDW will include presentations and perspectives from last year’s finalists and a panel of senior faculty. Attendees will break out into groups to meet with faculty and Q&A will be held after all sessions.
PhD students will be able to apply for a spot through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdy7C9GwBle_oXCfi9Y6fnIUxLqNc iJh7fFxtSZ-dLcRGVmDA/viewform?usp=sf_link. The applications judged to be the best by the co-organizers will be granted a spot in the PDW. We plan to limit registrations respecting the capacity of 200 individuals in the same room. Pre-registration is required, details will be shared in the AOM STR Discussion Board.
Sponsors:
Primary: Strategic Management (STR)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Friday Aug 4th 2023 • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
"Experimentation for Future-Making"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2023, Boston (Boston Hynes Convention Center, Room 202)
Professional Development Workshop (PDW) • Friday Aug 4th 2023 • 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
"Experimentation for Future-Making"
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2023, Boston (Boston Hynes Convention Center, Room 202)
Organizers: Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Jeanne Liedtka (University of Virginia), Claudio Dell’Era (Politecnico di Milano)
Organizers: Stefano Magistretti (Politecnico di Milano), Jeanne Liedtka (University of Virginia), Claudio Dell’Era (Politecnico di Milano)
Panelists: Alfredo De Massis (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, IMD Business School), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Gerda Gemser (University of Melbourne), Jelena Spanjol (LMU Munich), Marcelo De La Cruz (LMU Munich), Nico Florian Klenner (The Australian National University), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)
Experimentation is often adopted to answer current market needs and opportunities (Augustine et al., 2019) to test different options and increase the probability of success (Kindermann et al., 2022). What if we adopt experimentation for future-making? What might be the role of experimentation in crafting a desirable future for our society and tackling grand challenges (Gümüsay and Reinecke, 2022)? Research on the role of practices and approaches to future-making, such as narratives (Rindova and Martins, 20221), languages (Liuberte and Dimov, 2021), and artifacts (Thompson, 2018), is growing. Nonetheless, we know little about the role of experimentation (Thomke, 2020) in future-making (Wenzel, 2022). This session explores how experimentation can be developed as an organization-wide capability for the creation of desirable futures and how managers and scholars from across disciplines can and should adopt such an approach in their endeavors. In light of this year’s theme on the inclusion of workers, as well as management, in our teaching and research, we want to highlight the challenge of translating strategic organizational capabilities into new behaviors at the front-line. We plan to accomplish this by bringing together a collection of scholars, each well-recognized in their own field, to share their perspectives, with a goal to identify collectively opportunities to work together across disciplines.
Panelists: Alfredo De Massis (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, IMD Business School), Dimo Dimov (University of Bath), Gerda Gemser (University of Melbourne), Jelena Spanjol (LMU Munich), Marcelo De La Cruz (LMU Munich), Nico Florian Klenner (The Australian National University), Silvia Sanasi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)
Experimentation is often adopted to answer current market needs and opportunities (Augustine et al., 2019) to test different options and increase the probability of success (Kindermann et al., 2022). What if we adopt experimentation for future-making? What might be the role of experimentation in crafting a desirable future for our society and tackling grand challenges (Gümüsay and Reinecke, 2022)? Research on the role of practices and approaches to future-making, such as narratives (Rindova and Martins, 20221), languages (Liuberte and Dimov, 2021), and artifacts (Thompson, 2018), is growing. Nonetheless, we know little about the role of experimentation (Thomke, 2020) in future-making (Wenzel, 2022). This session explores how experimentation can be developed as an organization-wide capability for the creation of desirable futures and how managers and scholars from across disciplines can and should adopt such an approach in their endeavors. In light of this year’s theme on the inclusion of workers, as well as management, in our teaching and research, we want to highlight the challenge of translating strategic organizational capabilities into new behaviors at the front-line. We plan to accomplish this by bringing together a collection of scholars, each well-recognized in their own field, to share their perspectives, with a goal to identify collectively opportunities to work together across disciplines.
Sponsors:
Primary: Technology and Innovation Management (TIM)
Secondary: Entrepreneurship (ENT), Strategic Management (STR)
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