Call for papers
As global industries respond to evolving challenges, the demand for sustainable practices has emerged as a powerful force, shaping the future of sectors like Fashion, Lifestyle, Health, and Automobile. These industries profoundly influence lives and cultures worldwide, standing at the intersection of innovation, creativity, and economic growth. Yet, with this impact comes a responsibility to foster positive social and environmental contributions. Across industries, the push for fast, accessible products has often led to unintended consequences, including pollution, excessive water use, carbon emissions, and human rights concerns (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017; Fletcher, 2013; Geneva Environment Network, 2024; Quantis, 2018; UNEP, 2019; World Bank, 2020). The dominant culture of disposable, replaceable items calls for a collective rethink of how these industries can prioritize sustainability (Gabriel, 2024).

This conference is a call to action, inviting academic scholars to engage in redefining these industries through innovative business models, collaborative partnerships, and cultural preservation strategies. While existing research has increased our understanding of sustainable practices, critical gaps remain, particularly in global collaboration, technological integration, and cultural preservation. We invite you to explore and address these areas, sharing insights that can drive a more sustainable, responsible future.

Global Collaboration and New Partnerships - Sustainability thrives on collaboration, necessitating a closer look at the relationships and interactions among business actors (Gabriell, 2024). As environmental regulations tighten, fashion brands and other industries must cultivate strong ties with suppliers and diverse partners. For instance, partnerships with high-end bespoke sectors—such as custom airline seating or luxury automobile manufacturing—can create opportunities to embrace sustainability (Holmqvist & Kowalkowsk, 2023). Digital Product Passports and other emerging technologies can bridge compliance gaps, facilitating transparent and regulated supply chains (European Parliament, 2024).

Innovative Business Models and Resilience - The recent global crises have accelerated the adoption of alternative business models and practices that prioritize resilience and sustainability. This transformation reshapes supply chains, product design, and corporate responsibility, with a renewed focus on care, empathy, and psychological well-being for both producers and consumers (Brydges et al., 2020; Qin & Men, 2023). These changes offer an invaluable opportunity for firms, partners, and stakeholders to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforce resilience, and promote responsible industry standards.

Technological Advancements Driving Circularity – Technology has become a catalyst for sustainable circularity in supply chains (Huynh, 2021). Innovations like IoT for connectivity, blockchain for traceability, and 3D printing for streamlined design processes facilitate the shift from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular “make-use-return” model (De Sousa Jabbour et al., 2018; Rajput and Singh, 2019; Beltagui et al., 2020). These digital tools are essential to creating a circular economy that maximizes resource use while reducing waste (Ranta et al., 2021).

Culture, Tradition, and Sustainable Identity - Fashion, among other industries, reflects cultural expression and heritage, with textiles and designs symbolizing folklore and identity. Bridging traditional and innovative design approaches strengthens sustainability by valuing artisanship and cultural heritage (The Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization, ARIPO; Jung et al., 2020; Ko et al., 2015). For instance, Circular Fashion promotes responsible design and production while preserving cultural history (Melo and Broega, 2018). Yet, understanding the role of colonial influence on indigenous knowledge and its conflict with Western intellectual property frameworks is crucial for a more inclusive, sustainable future (Oyange Ngando, 2018).

This conference invites scholars to submit research exploring these critical themes, driving a conversation on sustainable transformation. Participants will benefit from insightful feedback, and PhD students will have the unique opportunity to engage with experts. Special sessions with journal editors will provide guidance on publication standards, and networking sessions will foster connections with scholars worldwide. Hosted by the University of the Arts London with Bournemouth University. The conference will take place in a hybrid mode, featuring interactive breakout sessions to encourage dynamic discussions among a diverse international audience.