From 24th to 28th June 2024, the University of Bath in the United Kingdom hosted the largest management science conference in Europe, EURAM 2024. Now in its 25th year, the conference was centered around the theme: Fostering Innovation to Address Grand Challenges.

Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) was represented at the conference by Dr. Deimantė Žilinskienė, Head of the School of Business Innovation and Communication. Dr. Žilinskienė moderated a panel discussion titled Business Schools in Motion – New Frontiers for Management Education in a Changing World.

In light of today’s challenges, society is undergoing radical transformations. Business schools have the potential to play a crucial role in this process, but to do so, they must also undergo significant changes. Dr. Žilinskienė, along with other distinguished leaders in business education, including Professor Kathrin Moeslein (FAU, Germany, former EURAM President), Professor Hamid Kazeroony (USA, Minnesota State University, EURAM Board Member), and Professor Drikus Kriek (Dean of the Business School and Director of Doctoral Studies at Bled School of Management, Slovenia), engaged in a dynamic discussion with the audience. They explored the challenges facing business schools, the future evolution of these institutions, and the changes already taking place within their respective organisations. The panelists also shared best practices and insights from their experiences.

The conference delved into the role of technological innovation in value creation, enhancing competitiveness, and driving economic growth. A key focus was on how innovation in the era of artificial intelligence can help address emerging challenges without creating new ones. Researchers attending the conference sought to answer how businesses, governments, and academia can collaborate to develop new solutions that ensure innovation remains responsible and ethical. Discussions also emphasised the need to move beyond “traditional” forms of innovation to embrace organisational, business model, and social innovations. The scholars highlighted the significant opportunities for impactful research in management, organisational, and policy challenges that are essential for fostering necessary innovations.