Dear Colleagues,
We are developing a presenter symposium on the topic of diversity and inclusion processes in emerging industry sectors. Defined as sectors in the earliest stage of development (Forbes & Kirsch, 2011), some examples include space economy, generative AI, wearables and e-textiles, green economy, and clean tech (Ellerbeck, 2022; The World Economic Forum, 2023).
The usual external pressures to conform to industry norms are less likely to be operate in emerging sectors, making them fertile ground for startup organisations that are motivated to break the rules and approach strategic issues from fresh perspectives. These startups can bring novel insights to ongoing challenges, including challenges associated with diversity and inclusion at work.
However, we know very little about key organisational processes in emerging sectors (Forbes & Kirsch, 2011; Marr, 2023). In this symposium, we want to focus directly on diversity and inclusion processes. We have a paper that investigates gender equality strategies of space startups. We want to reach out to colleagues who are conducting diversity and inclusion research in emerging sectors.
Our symposium topic aligns well with the 2024 AOM theme of 'Innovating for the Future' in particular the call to examine what organisations can do to ensure that their practices 'promote inclusion rather than exacerbate inequalities'. Our symposium will also be relevant to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Human Resources (HR), and Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) Divisions.
If you are interested in participating in our symposium, please email sanjee.perera@unisa.edu.au including a 500 word abstract by 8th December.
We will let you know the outcome by 12th December and invite you to provide a 2–5-page synopsis by 31st December.
We will then finalize the submission to meet the AOM submission deadline on Tuesday, 9 January 2024 at 17:00 ET.
Proposed timelines
- · 500 word abstract due – 8th December
- · Selection decisions communicated - 12th December
- · 2-5 page synopsis due - 31 December
- · AOM submission - 9 January 2024 at 17:00 ET
Symposium Organizers
Dr Sanjeewa Perera and Professor Carol T. Kulik, University of South Australia
Resources
Ellerbeck, S. (2022). The space economy is booming. What benefits can it bring to Earth? The World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/space-economy-industry-benefits/
Forbes, D. P., & Kirsch, D. A. (2011). The study of emerging industries: Recognizing and responding to some central problems. Journal of Business Venturing, 26(5), 589–602.
Marr, B. (2023). The 10 biggest business trends for 2024 everyone must be ready for now. Forbes, September 25. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/09/25/the-10-biggest-business-trends-for-2024-everyone-must-be-ready-for-now/?sh=4399ce3959ab
The World Economic Forum. (2023). Top 10 emerging technologies of 2023. World Economic Forum, Geneva.
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Sanjeewa Perera
University of South Australia
Adelaide SA
0061883027755
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