2025 AIB Special Theme Conference

Academy of International Business Special Theme Conference

CALL FOR PAPERS

Internationalization and Sustainable Development of
Private/Family Enterprises

Co-Hosts

Academy of International Business Asia Pacific Chapter

Wenzhou-Kean University
East China University of Science and Technology

University of San Francisco

Conference Organizing Institutions

College of Business and Public Management, Wenzhou-Kean University,
School of Business, East China University of Science and Technology,

Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific, University of San Francisco

Zhejiang Kean Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute, Wenzhou-Kean University
Education Development Foundation, Wenzhou-Kean University,

Bay Area Council

Date: June 7-9, 2025, China Time (UTC + 8)

Location: Wenzhou-Kean University

88 Daxue Road, Wenzhou, China

As engines of innovation and entrepreneurship, private enterprises, have made remarkable contributions to economic and social development. In the global arena, private enterprises face both opportunities and challenges. In recent years, trade protectionism, geopolitical conflicts, cross-border regulations, and technological barriers have emerged as most critical factors influencing private enterprises' survival and growth in international markets. To ensure sustainable long-term development, private enterprises must manage effectively the complex interplay between globalization and localization.

Meanwhile, the advance of digital technology and associated innovations have ushered in new paradigms for internationalization and sustainable development of private enterprises. In particular, emerging technologies, such as big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, have enhanced the dynamics of global and local competitive strategies of private enterprises. Furthermore, these technologies have enabled private enterprises to prioritize green development and social responsibility, which is essential for achieving long-term sustainability. Consequently, scholars and practitioners have become increasingly interested in exploring how private enterprises can effectively undertake international transformation and digital innovation to achieve strategic goals that balance global vision with localized innovation.

Notably, family businesses, a form of private enterprises, face unique challenges and opportunities in the global marketplace. On the one hand, internationalization has expanded access to emerging markets, improving resource allocation and operational efficiency. On the other hand, the rise of anti-globalization trends poses resistance to their internationalization processes. Key areas of research include strategies for balancing internationalization and localization, preserving family legacy, and fostering innovation amid globalization's dynamic landscape.

This special theme conference is hosted by the Academy of International Business Asia Pacific Chapter, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU), East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), and University of San Francisco (USF), organized by the College of Business and Public Management (WKU), School of Business (ECUST), and Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific (USF). Furthermore, the conference is supported by Zhejiang Kean Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (WKU), Education Development Foundation (WKU), and the Bay Area Council (San Francisco).

The conference aims to provide a platform for idea exchange among scholars, business professionals, and policymakers. During the three-day conference, a series of activities such as keynote speeches, dialogues with thought leaders, paper presentations, and company visits will be carried out.  Both scholars and practitioners who are interested in the topics mentioned above are welcome to join the discussion.

The International Business Special Theme Conference, initiated by East China University of Science and Technology and University of San Francisco, has successfully been held annually since 2016. Building on this legacy, the 8^th special theme conference aims to expand its impact by addressing pivotal research topics and engaging a diverse audience. The conference is fully supported by the AIB global leadership and the AIB Asia Pacific Chapter Executive Board. Among others, the following AIB fellows (in alphabetical order) have confirmed their attendance and will give keynote speeches or deliver plenary panels during the conference.

The conference provides a platform for participants to communicate with one another on important international business issues, particularly those related to the internationalization and sustainable development of private/family enterprises.

Research topics may include but are not limited to the following:

5. Internationalization and localization of private/family enterprises
5. Sustainable development of private/family enterprises facing globalization
5. Applications of emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, financial technology, digital marketing) in sustainability of private/family enterprises
5. Internationalization strategies for private/family businesses, especially in the Asia Pacific region
5. Impacts of deglobalization and decoupling on private/family businesses
5. Strategies for private/family businesses to overcome trade protectionism and geopolitical risks
5. Developing global supply chains of private/family businesses
5. Embedding sustainable development of private/family businesses into internationalization strategies
5. Social responsibility of private/family businesses in international markets
5. Private/family businesses going overseas and coping with cultural differences and policy barriers
5. Family businesses preserving legacy through generations, especially with cross-border comparisons.
5. Family businesses fostering innovation in the global arena

JT Li, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Jane Lu, City University of Hong Kong