Sustainable and Socially Responsible Development in the Network of Socioeconomic Relations
Theme: Triple Helix for Sustainable Development
Date: June 16-17, 2025
Place: WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
About the conference - science for sustainability
Invitation
Undoubtedly, sustainability and socially responsible development—addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges simultaneously and interdependently—remain critical issues in global research. As the complexity of societal challenges grows, the need for effective partnerships between academia, business, and the public sector becomes more pressing. The Triple Helix model, emphasizing collaboration among these sectors, has proven to be a valuable framework for fostering innovation, resilience, and sustainability in socio-economic networks.
Although much has been written about these subjects, significant gaps remain that require innovative and interdisciplinary exploration. Therefore, we would like to encourage a robust discussion on the opportunities, challenges, and frameworks for sustainable and socially responsible development within the evolving dynamics of socio-economic relations. Since sustainability issues are deeply rooted in specific contexts, we invite papers that explore the role of socio-economic networks in advancing sustainable development, focusing on topics such as:
- models of cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and universities,
- attitudes toward sustainability,
- social innovation to promote sustainable development,
- education and public awareness in creating sustainable development practices,
- financing sustainable development,
- technology for a sustainable future,
- implementation of public policies for sustainable development,
- sustainable urban development,
- international cooperation for sustainable development,
- AI, public, private, and university partnerships, and labor.
The conference’s emphasis on the network of socio-economic relations stems from the recognition that sustainable and socially responsible development is inherently collaborative. It requires strong partnerships between academia, business, and the public sector and effective governance systems that align stakeholders' goals.
We look forward to receiving papers that bridge theory and practice, generate actionable insights, and expand the frontiers of knowledge on sustainable development in a rapidly changing world. Conceptual, methodological, and empirical contributions using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed research methods are welcomed.
Join us for this interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable and socially responsible development.
Malgorzata Rozkwitalska-Welenc, Conference Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, University Coordinator of the Scientific Disciplines „Management and Quality Sciences” and „Economics and Finance”
Artur Kozłowski, Scientific Committee Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation
Jagienka Rześny-Cieplińska, Organizing Committee Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Editor-in-Chief of the WSB Journal of Business and Finance
Conference format
We invite you to the Merito Universities Group Conference in Gdansk, with the Sustainable and Socially Responsible Development in Socioeconomic Networks theme. We are pleased to announce that the conference will be held in a hybrid format, both in person and online. However, we hope to see you in Gdansk. We invite you to participate actively in this eventful and inspiring academic event. We want to enhance interaction and networking in the professional community during our conference, which will benefit our participants long after the event. During a company visit, we also intend to show how businesses respond to challenges related to sustainability and social responsibility.
Goals
We want to encourage cross-cutting and interdisciplinary discussions on the challenges of sustainable and socially responsible development (individual, group, organization, region, economy, world, etc.) in the network of socio-economic relations. Conceptual, methodological, and research papers, as well as works in progress, are welcome.
We welcome papers from various scientific disciplines. The conference includes the following tracks:
- models of cooperation between the public sector, private sector, and universities,
- attitudes toward sustainability,
- social innovation to promote sustainable development,
- education and public awareness in creating sustainable development practices,
- financing sustainable development,
- technology for a sustainable future,
- implementation of public policies for sustainable development,
- sustainable urban development,
- international cooperation for sustainable development,
- AI, public, private, and university partnerships, and labor.
Committees
Malgorzata Rozkwitalska-Welenc, Conference Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Scientific Committee
Artur Kozłowski, Scientific Committee Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Arnold Bernaciak, WSB Merito University in Poznan, Poland
Tomasz Czapran, European Research University, Czechia
Monika Chodorek, WSB Merito University in Torun, Poland
Krzysztof Dembek, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
Paolo Esposito, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
Dominik Franczak, College of Economics and Computer Science, Krakow, Poland
Osman M. Karatepe, Eastern Mediterranean University, Turkey
Peter Kristofik, Matej Bel University, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
Anna Motylska-Kuźma, DSW University of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw
Petr Mrkývka, Masaryk University, Czechia
Ove Oklevik, Norway Western University of Applied Sciences, Norway
Fevzi Okumus, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, USA
Leise Kelli de Oliveira, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Johannes Platje, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw, Poland
Biagio Simonetti, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
Katarzyna Smulska, WSB Merito University in Torun, Poland
Przemysław Stach, College of Economics and Computer Science, Krakow, Poland
Michał Szostak, Collegium Civitas, Warsaw, Poland
Alicja Szostkiewicz, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Babak Taheri, Texas A&M University, USA
Antoni Wilinski, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Anna Zgrzywa-Ziemak, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw, Poland
Piotr Olaf Żylicz, WSB Merito University in Warsaw, Poland
Organizing Committee
Jagienka Rześny-Cieplińska, Organizing Committee Chair, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Romana Antczak-Jarząbska, WSB Merito University in Gdansk
Maja Głuchowska-Wójcicka, WSB Merito University in Gdansk
Alicja Gruszczyńska, Merito Centrum
Agnieszka Jarosik-Michalak, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Marcin Kisielewski, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Katarzyna Moszczyńska, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Joanna Olkowicz, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Marcin Panek, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland
Patrycja Rudkowska, Research Federation of WSB&DSW Universities
Publication opportunities
We are pleased to announce that the following journals are cooperating with the conference:
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Quality and Quantity - published by Springer Science+Business Media, constitutes a point of reference for European and non-European scholars to discuss instruments of methodology for more rigorous scientific results in the social sciences (a Scopus-indexed journal): https://link.springer.com/journal/11135
- WSB Journal of Business and Finance (indexed in ERIH PLUS and EBSCO, among others) promotes theoretical and applied research in business, finance, and management.https://sciendo.com/pl/journal/WSBJBF
- Engineering Management in Production and Services (a Scopus-indexed journal): publishes original research in the fields of Engineering Management, Technology Management, Foresight, Technology Assessment, Quality Engineering, Logistics Management, Service Marketing, Service Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Marketing, https://ojspb.edu.pl/empas/index (article processing charge 2500 PLN + 23%VAT or 600 EUR - the fee paid after the paper is accepted for publication - https://ojspb.edu.pl/index.php/empas/publications-fees)
- Colloquium (indexed in ERIH PLUS, CEJSH, among others): a peer-reviewed scientific journal devoted to broadly understood educational, philosophical, social, cultural, safety, and political issues https://colloquium.amw.gdynia.pl/index.php/colloquium
Please be informed that we do not guarantee the publication of papers submitted to the conference in the collaborating journals. Participants should submit the manuscript on their own, following the guidelines of the respective journal, with the editors of the collaborating journals making every effort to ensure a smooth and timely review process.
Jagienka Rześny-Cieplińska
Editor-in-Chief of the WSB Journal of Business and Finance
Han Woo Park
Editor-In-Chief Quality & Quantity
Joanna Ejdys
Editor-In-Chief Engineering Management in Production and Services
Abstract/paper submission
Both submissions with abstracts and full papers will be accepted. Please submit your abstract/paper to ssrdconference@gdansk.merito.pl
When submitting an abstract/paper, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- The abstract should be no longer than 400 words in length.
- The abstract must cover purpose, methodology, findings, implications, originality, and value.
- The author's name(s) and affiliation address, e-mail (s), and a session track must be indicated at the top of the abstract.
- All abstracts and full papers are peer-reviewed, and abstracts will be published in the Conference Proceedings online in pdf format.
- The full paper is limited to 10,000 words. The paper should not be published elsewhere before the conference date.
Visit Gdańsk
Conference regulations
ORGANIZATION OF THE EVENT
- The conference is a closed event. Only Participants accepted by the organizer who has completed registration and paid the conference fee may attend the conference.
- The registration fee must be paid by June 1, 2025. Payment after this date does not guarantee participation in the conference.
- A participant submits an abstract and a paper in a given thematic path (track). Still, the Organizer reserves the right to qualify them for a different track than the one declared by the participant and to include papers submitted in two or more tracks in the same parallel session.
- The Organizer reserves the right to reject the submitted abstract/paper, particularly when its subject matter deviates from the conference theme or when the submitted abstract/paper does not meet the standards of academic writing. In such a case, the entire fee paid shall be refunded to the Participant.
- Two independent reviewers will review each paper using the double-blind method. Each Participant submitting a paper must prepare a free double-blind review for one other text submitted to the conference by July 10, 2025.
- All conference materials, i.e., Books of Proceedings (containing abstracts) and Conference Booklet, are in PDF format and available through the conference website.
- The organizer does not guarantee the publication of papers submitted to the conference in the collaborating journals indicated on the conference website. Based on the recommendations of the track chairs, Participants should independently submit the manuscript under the guidelines of the respective journal, with the editors of the collaborating journals making every effort to ensure a smooth and timely review process.
- Both submissions with abstracts and full papers will be accepted.
- If the Participant decides to cancel the paid registration and participation in the conference, he/she must notify the organizer via conference email: ssrdconference@gdansk.merito.pl. In case of cancellation less than a week before the conference, the organizer reserves the right to refuse to refund the conference fee. Unpaid registrations after June 1, 2025, are automatically canceled. In case of cancellation of the conference, fees will be refunded.
- By participating in the event, the Participant acknowledges that the organizer may record images and/or sound during the conference using sound and video equipment of any kind and distribute them in the medium of choice. The participant gives full consent to the recording and further distribution of his/her image and/or voice by the organizer through the conference website, other websites, and the organizer's social media used to inform about the conference and subsequent follow-up conferences.
Keynote speakers - science for sustainability
Alan AtKisson
Alan AtKisson has worked at the forefront of sustainability and sustainable development issues for over 35 years. He is the author of several books, many articles, and a series of professional handbooks and manuals, all focused on advancing sustainability practice from a scientific and systems perspective. He held various leadership positions before he retired from public service in 2025, most recently as Executive Secretary and CEO of the intergovernmental Global Water Partnership and previously as Assistant Director-General and Head of Department at Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. At Sida, he represented the Swedish Government in numerous international fora. He led Swedish development funding programs focusing on mobilizing finance and investment, activating private-sector collaboration, empowering civil society, supporting cutting-edge research and capacity development programs, and promoting innovation processes for sustainable development. Mr. AtKisson has received several awards for his work over the years. He was recognized for his contributions to the field with induction into the International Sustainability Hall of Fame in 2013. He lives in Stockholm, where he is currently writing a new book on sustainable futures.
Meet editors
We are pleased to announce that the following editors will run the meet-editors session:
- Han Woo Park, YeungNam University, Republic of Korea: Fellow, International Communication Association (ICA); Editor-In-Chief Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia, Quality & Quantity, ROSA Journal (the first peer-reviewed journal on Web3); Founder Cyber Emotions Research Center, WATEF (World Association for Triple Helix & Future Strategy Studies), DISC(Data, Innovation, Social networks, Convergence) International Conference; Formerly Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Oxford Internet Institute, Social Media Research Foundation
- Jagienka Rześny-Cieplińska, WSB Merito University in Gdansk, Poland: Editor-in-Chief of the WSB Journal of Business and Finance
- to be announced soon
Theme paths (tracks) - science for sustainability
Models of Cooperation Between the Public Sector, Private Sector, and Universities
Track Chair: Dominik Franczak, College of Economics and Computer Science, Krakow
This track explores the dynamic interplay between public, private, and academic sectors in fostering innovation and addressing sustainability challenges. Discussions will focus on frameworks, best practices, and case studies of successful partnerships within the Triple Helix model. Contributions should examine how such collaborations can enhance knowledge transfer, technological advancement, and societal impact.
Attitudes Toward Sustainability
Track Chairs: Piotr Olaf Żylicz, WSB Merito University in Warsaw; Przemysław Stach, College of Economics and Computer Science, Krakow; Tomasz Czapran, European Research University, Czechia
Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of individuals, organizations, and communities toward sustainability is critical for driving behavioral change. This track invites research on psychological, cultural, and organizational factors influencing sustainability practices, including barriers, motivators, and strategies to encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable behaviors.
Social Innovation to Promote Sustainable Development
Track Chairs: Monika Chodorek, WSB University in Torun; Joanna Nieżurawska, WSB University in Torun
This session focuses on the role of social innovation as a tool for achieving sustainable development goals. Contributions may include case studies, theoretical insights, or methodologies highlighting how novel approaches to problem-solving can positively impact local and global communities in economic, environmental, and social dimensions.
Education and Public Awareness in Creating Sustainable Development Practices
Track Chairs: Arnold Bernaciak, WSB Merito University in Poznan; Anna Zgrzywa-Ziemak, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw; Joost (Johannes) Platje, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw; Katarzyna Smulska, WSB University in Torun
Education and awareness are foundational to cultivating sustainable mindsets and actions. This track examines how educational initiatives, public campaigns, and community engagement strategies can promote sustainable development. Papers addressing curriculum design, knowledge dissemination, and innovative pedagogies are particularly encouraged.
Financing Sustainable Development
Track Chairs: Marcin Kalinowski, WSB Merito University in Gdansk; Jacek Jaworski, WSB Merito University in Gdansk
The transition to sustainability requires substantial financial investment and innovative funding mechanisms. This track explores challenges, opportunities, and strategies in financing sustainable development, including green financing, public-private partnerships, impact investing, and policy interventions to mobilize financial resources.
Technology for a Sustainable Future
Track Chairs: Antoni Wiliński, WSB Merito University in Gdansk; Romana Antczak-Jarząbska, WSB Merito University in Gdansk
Technological advancements are pivotal in addressing sustainability challenges. This track welcomes research on innovative technologies that support environmental conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable industrial practices. Papers highlighting ethical and inclusive applications of technology are particularly relevant.
Implementation of Public Policies for Sustainable Development
Track Chairs: Anna Zgrzywa-Ziemak, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw; Arnold Bernaciak, WSB Merito University in Poznan; Joost (Johannes) Platje, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw
Public policies play a critical role in shaping sustainable practices. This track examines the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Best practices, case studies, and analyses of policy effectiveness are particularly encouraged.
Sustainable Urban Development
Track Chairs: Joost (Johannes) Platje, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw; Jagienka Rześny-Cieplińska, WSB Merito University in Gdansk; Arnold Bernaciak, WSB Merito University in Poznan; Anna Zgrzywa-Ziemak, WSB Merito University in Wroclaw
As urbanization accelerates, sustainable urban development becomes increasingly vital. This track focuses on strategies for creating livable, resilient, and environmentally friendly cities, including urban planning, mobility solutions, waste management, and green infrastructure.
International Cooperation for Sustainable Development
Track Chairs: Joanna Nieżurawska, WSB University in Torun; Monika Chodorek, WSB University in Torun
Global challenges require global solutions. This track invites discussions on international collaborations, transnational partnerships, and the role of global institutions in addressing pressing sustainability issues. Contributions exploring cross-border knowledge exchange and cooperative frameworks are particularly welcome.
AI, Public, Private, and University Partnerships, and Labor
Track Chairs: Michał Szostak, Collegium Civitas in Warsaw; Antoni Wiliński, WSB Merito University in Gdansk
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of work, education, and collaboration. This track explores the intersection of AI, partnerships among public, private, and academic sectors, and its impact on labor markets. Discussions may include topics such as AI-driven innovation, skills development for the AI era, ethical considerations, and fostering inclusivity in AI adoption.
Registration form
Please submit your abstract/paper to ssrdconference@gdansk.merito.pl
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
- The Administrator of the Participants' personal data is: WSB Merito University in Gdansk, located at Al. Grunwadzka w238a, 80-266 Gdansk, Poland. In matters concerning the processing of the personal data by the organizer, you may contact the Data Protection Officer at: iod@wsb.gda.pl
- The personal data of the IRC Participants (name and surname, science title/degree, e-mail address, phone number, name of the institution, the title of presentation) will be processed for:
- the purposes necessary to run the conference, including the verification of requirements described in those Rules of Participation based on the Article 6(1)(b) and Article 6(1)(f) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) hereinafter: RODO and
- the purposes necessary for compliance with legal obligations to which the organizer is subject, based on RODO Article 6(1)(c)
- implementation of other legally justified interests of the Administrator, based on RODO Article 6(1)(f), i.e.: to establish claims, defending against them or/and pursuing them, which is the organizer’s legitimate interest, for statistical purposes or for purposes regarding the improvement of labor efficiency, quality of services and their adjustment to recipients’ needs.Personal data of the Participants, whose participation was confirmed by the organizer, will be processed for 5 years starting from 1 January of the year following the date of participation in the event.
- Personal data of people who declared their willingness to participate in the conference and whose participation was not confirmed by the organizer will be processed for one month starting from the first day of the month following the end of the registration process.
- Personal data of the Participants can be forwarded to the data recipients, in particular to the entities and/or third parties conducting tasks for the organizer (e.g., a provider of data storage services, a provider of postal, courier, payment, legal, insurance, IT as well as audit services, marketing agency, etc.) whose objective is to ensure a proper preparation, operation, and conduct of the conference.
- The Participants have the right to access their personal data, their rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing concerning the data subject or to object to processing as well as the right to lodge a complaintcomplain, as well as the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority within the personal data protection. Providing personal data is voluntary but necessary to participate in IRC.
- Data of the conference Participants will not be processed in an automated manner and shared beyond the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Further information concerning the processing of personal data is included in the Privacy Policy of WSB University in Gdansk at: https://www.wsb.pl/gdansk/ochrona-danych-osobowych
Organizational information
Important dates
Abstract submission deadline: March 30, 2025
Abstract acceptance notification: two weeks after abstract submission
Early bird registration (fee payment): April 15, 2025
Regular registration (fee payment): June 1, 2025
Paper submission: June 15, 2025
Conference date: June 16-17, 2025
Paper recommendation: July 15, 2025
Please submit your abstract/paper to ssrdconference@gdansk.merito.pl
Fees
| Early bird | Regular | |
|---|---|---|
| On-site: presenters | 300 euro | 350 euro |
| Online: presenters | 250 euro | 300 euro |
| Ph.D. students, students, and participating co-authors | 150 euro | 200 euro |
| Merito Universities Group (faculty members and students) | 100 euro | 150 euro |
| Listeners only | 80 euro | 100 euro |
Program: the science for sustainability conference
Conference Plenary Session (keynote speakers)
Track Sessions/Student Panel (paper and poster)
Company Visit
Track Sessions/Student Panel
Meet Editors/Paper Development Session
Gala Dinner
Contact
