The SMS Special Conference in Hong Kong took place June 28–30, 2026, at Hotel ICON, bringing together 301 registrants—the highest attendance at an SMS Special Conference in 12 years. Centered on the theme, “Stakeholder Governance: New Implications for Organizations and Society,” the conference convened scholars and practitioners from around the world to examine the evolving landscape of stakeholder governance.
Under the leadership of Program Co-Chairs Jonathan Bundy (Arizona State University), Nicolai Foss (Copenhagen Business School), Shuping Li (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), and Heli Wang (Singapore Management University), the call for submissions attracted 313 proposals. The resulting Competitive Program featured 30 Paper Sessions and 15 Common Ground Sessions, showcasing research across four theme tracks: The Human Factor in Stakeholder Governance; Value Creation and Appropriation in Stakeholder Governance; New Types of Stakeholder Governance Structures in Asia and the World; and Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Responsibilities for Grand Challenges.
The conference also featured seven plenary sessions that brought together influential scholars and practitioners to deepen conversations around stakeholder governance. The first session, “Stakeholder Governance: New Challenges and Best Practices,” featured Augusto King (MUFG Securities Asia Limited), Olivia Wong (MTR Corporation Limited), Jennifer Tan (Ant Group), and Webster NG (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), and was moderated by Robert Park (Professor of Practice, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University).
The second plenary, “Navigating the Landscape of Stakeholder Governance: Macro Issues and Implications,” featured Jay Barney (University of Utah), Peter Klein (Baylor University), Ruth Aguilera (Northeastern University), and Cuili Qian (The University of Texas at Dallas), with moderation by Heli Wang (Singapore Management University).
The third plenary, “Navigating the Microfoundations of Stakeholder Governance: Micro Issues and Implications,” featured Don Lange (Arizona State University), Russ Coff (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Flore Bridoux (Erasmus University), and Donal Crilly (London Business School), and was moderated by Nicolai Foss (Copenhagen Business School).
The fourth plenary, “From Aspiration to Accountability: Bridging the Stakeholderism Gap” featured Dr. Kelvin Wong (Chairman of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. Additional plenary presentations included Witold Henisz (University of Pennsylvania) on “Capitalism’s Probity Test: Beyond Markets, Hierarchies, and Constitutions Lie the Mechanisms of Stakeholder Governance,” Edward Freeman (University of Virginia) on “Taking Stakeholder Theory Seriously,” and Anita McGahan (University of Toronto) on “What Is Stakeholder Governance, Really?”
Beyond the academic program, attendees also experienced Hong Kong’s rich culture and hospitality. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted a memorable reception featuring a traditional 12-course banquet, complemented by an energetic lion dance performance that welcomed guests and celebrated the vibrant local heritage. The reception provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues while enjoying one of Hong Kong’s most memorable cultural traditions.
The Strategic Management Society extends its sincere thanks to the Program Co-Chairs, keynote and plenary speakers, session organizers, reviewers, volunteers, sponsors, and all who contributed to the success of the conference. We also thank every attendee whose participation made the 2026 SMS Special Conference in Hong Kong a memorable and engaging event.
