Indiana University, Bloomington
This May, we had the immense pleasure of welcoming scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to Bloomington, Indiana, for the 2025 “Innovations to Tackle Global Sustainability Challenges” conference. I had the privilege of founding the conference and chairing the program for the past two years, and this year, it was meaningful to share the role with Joel Gehman of George Washington University. We are also incredibly thankful to the Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) at Indiana University, George Washington University, and Georgia Tech University for their generous support. Their commitment to advancing global business education and sustainability research was instrumental in making this conference possible.
A Community of Changemakers
From the moment our guests arrived for the campus tour on May 15, meaningful conversations had already begun. We were honored to begin the conference with Welcome and Opening Remarks facilitated by Sreeni Kamma, Associate Dean for Academics at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. His remarks set a thoughtful tone for the days ahead, emphasizing the importance of academic inquiry in addressing global sustainability challenges. Over the next two days, Hodge Hall was filled with thoughtful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in global sustainability.
Our panels featured visionary thought leaders whose work is transforming how we understand and act on sustainability. We were honored to host scholars such as Kylie Heales (Miami University), Wesley Longhofer (Emory University), and Garima Sharma (American University), who explored the implications of polarization and stakeholder governance. In our technology panel, Nardia Haigh (UMass Boston), Shon Hiatt (USC), and Jeff York (University of Colorado Boulder) examined the transformative potential of satellite data, AI, and blockchain. These thought leaders didn’t just present research—they challenged us to think differently, to collaborate boldly, and to innovate with purpose.
Furthermore, since the inaugural conference, we have aimed to establish a platform that serves as a meaningful bridge between academia and practice. This year’s practitioner panel exemplified that goal, featuring industry leaders Brijesh Krishnan (Cummins), Matthew Rubin (True Essence Foods), and Kyle Kerber (Cook Medical). Each shared practical insights from their experiences implementing sustainability strategies within their organizations. Their presentations offered attendees a grounded perspective on how sustainability challenges are being addressed in real-world contexts, effectively complementing the theoretical and empirical discussions presented throughout the academic sessions. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to Zolboo Dashmyagmar (Indiana University), who thoughtfully organized and skillfully chaired the session.
Finally, the conference featured a compelling interdisciplinary panel consisting of Donald Young, Mathias Kruttli, Kenneth Richards, and Nikos Zirogiannis—all from Indiana University. Drawing on expertise from accounting, finance, environmental policy, and economics, these scholars brought diverse academic lenses to the conversation. This interdisciplinary approach is essential, as sustainability represents a grand challenge that demands cross-disciplinary dialogue, integrated perspectives, and coordinated action. Kudos to Owen Wu (Indiana University) for his leadership in organizing and moderating such a meaningful session.
Highlights from the Program
Our paper presentations showcased cutting-edge research on refugee entrepreneurship, emissions efficiency, and sustainability in global supply chains. I was especially moved by the diversity of perspectives—from the Midwest to India, from carbon markets to blockchain sustainability.
We were also proud to recognize outstanding scholarship through our conference awards, which celebrate innovative research and meaningful contributions to the field of sustainability:
🏆 Young Scholar Best Paper Award:
- Supplier Networks, Knowledge Absorption and Environmental Practice Adoption: An Examination of Apple’s Global Supply Chain
Kijong Kim, Sali Li, Sjoerd Beugelsdijk, and Keith Skowronski (University of South Carolina)
🏆 Best Phenomena-Based Paper:
- Do Firms Reduce Emissions Efficiently?
Angelyn Fairchild (Indiana University) - Refugee Entrepreneurship and the American Dream: Evidence from the Midwest
Andrea Contigiani (Ohio State University), Fabrizio Dell’Acqua (Harvard University), Spencer Long (Nationwide Children’s Hospital), Arati Maleku and Sehun Oh (Ohio State University)
🏆 Best Conference Paper:
- Creating MNE Competitive Advantage in the Face of Geopolitics: The Role of Environmental Engagement
Yuxi Cheng (University of Liverpool), Anupama Phene and Reid Click (George Washington University)
These awards reflect the depth and diversity of research presented at the conference, and we congratulate all the recipients for their exceptional contributions. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Research Award Committee, chaired by Juan Bu, with members Aurora Genin, Hyewon Ma, and Jingyuan Li (all from Indiana University). A special thank you to Dan Li for presenting the awards, and to Evelyn Theinart from the Jacobs School of Music for a stunning musical performance that closed the evening on a high note.
During lunch on Friday, we were also privileged to hear from Erik Gonzalez-Mulé, Chair of the Management & Entrepreneurship Department, whose welcome remarks underscored the department’s commitment to supporting impactful research and dialogue. On Saturday, our lunch featured a compelling presentation by David Phaho, Director of the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School and former CEO of Tshumisano Trust. His talk, “Just Energy Transition and Climate Change: A Southern Africa Perspective,” offered a powerful reminder of the global dimensions of sustainability and the need for inclusive, regionally informed solutions.
A new feature of this year’s conference was the Paper Development Workshop, designed specifically to support doctoral students and early-career scholars. Led by Jose Uribe (Indiana University), the workshop provided a collaborative environment for participants to receive constructive feedback on their research from senior faculty and peers. With a diverse set of topics ranging from blockchain sustainability and circular innovation to strategic alliance dynamics and cross-border acquisitions, the workshop fostered scholarly development and encouraged meaningful dialogue across institutions and disciplines.
Bringing Bright Ideas Together at the Kelley School of Business
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the conference, I’m filled with gratitude—for our speakers, our attendees, and our generous sponsors. Most of all, I’m grateful for the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that defined every session. The energy in the room was not just academic—it was aspirational. We came together not only to share research, but to build a community committed to advancing sustainability through rigorous inquiry and meaningful action.
A final special thank you goes to our Organizing Committee—Teresa Crafton and Christine Everett (Indiana University), Alexis Gaul and Anna Helm (George Washington University), and Jim Hoadley and John McIntyre (Georgia Institute of Technology)—for their tireless efforts behind the scenes. Their attention to detail, coordination, and dedication were essential to the success of this event.
It is both humbling and rewarding to see how this conference has grown—from a simple idea into a vibrant platform that now connects over 50 scholars and practitioners annually from around the world, spanning disciplines, sectors, and geographies. Each year, the expanding reach and depth of participation reaffirm the importance of creating spaces where diverse perspectives can converge to address the complex challenges of global sustainability.
I believe our conference embodies the spirit of ‘a drive to seize new opportunities to better our world,’ as outlined in one of the fundamental principles of the Indiana University’s 2030 goals. May every moment we share during this conference spark momentum for meaningful change.
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