The SMS Special Conference in Palermo, Italy, took place from May 21–23, 2025, at LUMSA University. Centered on the theme “The Strategic Role of Business in Addressing Unsolved Grand Challenges: Firms, Platforms and Ecosystems,” the conference brought together scholars and practitioners to examine how strategic management can help tackle some of society’s most pressing and persistent global challenges.
Developed by Program Co-Chairs Sharon Alvarez (University of Pittsburgh), Jay Barney (University of Utah), Giovanni Battista Dagnino (University of Rome LUMSA), Jeffrey Harrison (University of Richmond), and Anna Minà (University of Rome LUMSA) the call for submissions attracted 257 proposals. The resulting Competitive Program featured research presentations organized into 27 Paper Sessions and 8 Common Ground Sessions.
Participants engaged with four theme tracks: Business Solutions to Address Poverty Alleviation, Climate Change and the Environment, Refugee and Migrant Issues, and the New Challenges Posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Other Advanced Technologies. These tracks addressed the strategic complexities of modern global issues, including socioeconomic inequality, environmental degradation, migration, and technological disruption—through the lens of firm strategy, platform dynamics, and ecosystem thinking.
The two Plenary Sessions brought together influential voices to deepen conversations around business’s role in shaping the future. “Creating an Environment for our Children: Resetting Sustainability,” featured Edward Freeman and was moderated by Jeffrey Harrison, while “Humanity at the Crossroads” featured George Zarkadakis and was moderated by Sharon Alvarez. Additionally, there were two parallel panels: “Energy Transitions, Decarbonization Strategies, and the Role of Regional Ecosystems,” organized by Maria Cristina Cinici and Yipeng Liu, and the “Meet the Editors” session, moderated by Anna Minà, where leading journal editors shared insights into the publishing process and offered advice for emerging scholars.
The conference also included a Doctoral and Early-Career Scholars’ Colloquium, which provided a unique opportunity for doctoral students and early-career scholars to connect with leading academics in a supportive setting. The program featured a panel discussion on mastering the peer-review process, with speakers sharing insights as editors, reviewers, and authors. Participants also took part in roundtable discussions, receiving direct feedback and mentorship from senior scholars on their research and publication strategies.
Beyond the academic program, attendees enjoyed two memorable receptions that showcased Palermo’s cultural heritage. On the first night of the conference, participants gathered at the Orleans Royal Gardens, a historic site with roots from the 15th century. Now serving as an ornithological reserve, the gardens offered a serene and scenic setting for connection and conversation. The following evening, the Gala Dinner Reception took place at the elegant Villa Malfitano-Whitaker. Built in the late 19th century, the villa is a striking example of neoclassical architecture, with interiors that preserve period furnishings, rare collections, and global artifacts. The reception served as a fitting conclusion to the day, blending scholarly dialogue with Palermo’s distinctive cultural ambiance.
