SPECIAL TRACKS

Special Track Chair:

Dr. Habil Gabor Kiss, Óbuda University

Description:

As well as slowly infiltrating our everyday lives, workplaces and public education, Artificial Intelligence has also made its way into higher education. Like many technological innovations, it can be used for good and for bad.

If our students are using it to solve their problems, we have to ask ourselves what is left in their minds from the material we deliver. If we use it to effectively gather material for a research project, which we then organise, further select and process, it saves us time.

The purpose of this special track is to bring together experts who can demonstrate good practices in the use of Artificial Intelligence in higher education in economics, so that other educators can use their findings to further their own students and benefit from them.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, economics, business, higher education, applicability

Special Track Chairs:

• Dr. Zhen Zhu, Suffolk University

• Dr. Quan Jin, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics

• Dr. Zoran Krupka: University of Zagreb

Description:

This track explores global opportunities and innovations in tourism marketing and branding to revitalize the tourism and hospitality industries in the post-COVID era. Scholars from North America, Europe, and Asia will present diverse perspectives, focusing on how local governments and private sectors innovate to enhance consumer engagement and industry resilience. Topics include city branding, cultural heritage, eco-tourism, technological advancements, and domestic travel experiences. By facilitating interdisciplinary and cross-regional discourse, this track aims to contribute valuable insights to the conference themes and foster global collaboration.

The track addresses challenges and innovations in post-COVID tourism marketing, focusing on:

• Strengthening consumer engagement through innovative branding and PR strategies.

• Exploring region-specific recovery strategies and global applicability.

• Enhancing resilience in the tourism and hospitality sectors via technological and service innovations.

Keywords: Tourism and Hospitality Marketing, Cross-regional Comparison, Consumer Engagement, Technological Innovations, Hospitality Management, Post-COVID Recovery, International Collaboration

Special Track Chairs:

• Sara Melkić, University of Zagreb

• Dr. Aleša Saša Sitar, University of Ljubljana

• Dr. Tomislav Hernaus, University of Zagreb

Description:

Paradox (i.e., persisting interdependent oppositions; Schad et al., 2016) serves as a lens that can be applied to organizational life (Gaim et al., 2022). Paradox management is an ongoing business challenge (Brughmans, 2023) that has recently become a highly relevant research topic (Schad & Miron-Spektor, 2020). Although leaders worldwide experience competing demands and manage paradoxical tensions more or less successfully, the existing evidence primarily covers Western countries. Indeed, we need insight into organizational paradoxes in practice from other regions, including the Western Balkans. Therefore, we initiated a synchronous cross-country field study to determine the nature of the paradox–performance relationships across mid-to-large-sized organizations from different industries. Multi-source (CEOs, line managers, and employees), nested and time-lagged data was collected in five countries (Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina). Moreover, the multimethod approach (e.g., necessary condition analysis, relative weight analysis, multilevel analysis, moderation analysis, and one-way ANOVA) applied ensured the methodological rigor and credibility of multi-study findings.

Keywords: organizational paradoxes, cross-national study, ambidexterity, performance, multilevel analysis, Western Balkans

Special Track Chair:

Dr. Maja Tadić Vujčić, Institute of social sciences Ivo Pilar

Description:

The proposed special track addresses the issues related to the work conditions and well-being and mental health of researchers. Building upon on empirical insights from several international projects (ECR-WELL, ReMO Staircase Survey, The Third Half), this special track highlights key psychosocial and work-related factors that are relevant for researchers' well-being. It explores themes such as gender aspects of working in academic environment, the role of positive psychoeducational programs for well-being of early career researchers, the paradox approach to academic careers, the role of university work environment profiles, and the general state of early career researchers’ well-being in Croatia. By combining evidence from qualitative and quantitative studies, this track offers novel insights for understanding how researchers are feeling and functioning at work, and in turn, provides insights for improving researchers’ support systems.

Keywords: Researcher Well-being and mental health, Mixed methods, Early career researchers, Intervention studies, Work conditions, Academic career

Special Track Chairs:

• Dr. Szandra Gombos, Széchenyi István University

• Dr. Veronika Keller, Széchenyi István University

Description:

Sustainable consumption has evolved from a niche concern to a critical factor for success in today’s competitive and conscientious global economy. This track explores the intersection of personal and corporate sustainability practices, emphasizing their transformative potential to drive growth, strengthen reputations, and create long-term value. The focus is on actionable strategies, innovative approaches, and the broader societal and environmental impact of sustainable consumption. Engage with experts and thought leaders to explore how sustainability can drive growth, enhance reputation, and create lasting value.

This track would explore the following themes:

• Consumer Behavior and Sustainability

• Corporate Sustainability Strategies

• The Role of CSR in Sustainable Consumption

• Circular Economy Innovations

• Regulatory and Policy Impacts

Keywords: sustainable consumption, sustainable consumer behaviour, sustainability strategy, CSR, circular economy innovation

Special Track Chairs:

• Dr. Grzegorz Leszczyński, Poznan University of Economics and Business

• Dr. Anna Rogala, Poznan University of Economics and Business

• Dr. Maciej Ławrynowicz, Poznan University of Economics and Business

Description:

The proposed track examines how AI reshapes the skills required in business. It focuses on key areas such as cognitive and analytical capabilities, technological proficiency, ethical awareness, strategic thinking, and leadership in AI-driven environments. This multidisciplinary track bridges theory and practice, addressing socioeconomic impacts and fostering ethical and inclusive AI adoption. It serves academics, practitioners, and policymakers by offering actionable insights, enriching academic discussions, and promoting collaboration on labor market readiness. By addressing the critical challenge of preparing professionals for AI-driven transformation, the track positions the conference as a thought leader in navigating the future of work and business. We welcome submissions in the form of work in progress, extended abstracts, and full papers, allowing researchers and practitioners to share their ideas at various stages of development. This inclusive approach fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging contributions from emerging to fully developed research.

Keywords: competencies, skills, artificial intelligence, business, management, marketing