The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is set to host the third edition of the India Management Research Conference (IMRC 2026) from December 4 to 6, 2026. This flagship event builds on the success of previous editions and positions IIMA as a leading hub for rigorous management scholarship in India.
Theme and Vision for IMRC 2026
The conference theme, “Reimagining Organizations: Transformation and Value-Creation in the Age of AI,” addresses how artificial intelligence is reshaping strategy, structure, leadership, and competitive advantage across sectors. Organizers emphasize the need for research that bridges theory and practice while tackling ethical considerations around bias, privacy, and responsible AI adoption.
Role of IIMA’s Centres of Research Excellence
Twelve tracks are anchored by IIMA’s Centres of Research Excellence, covering areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, health services management, financial markets, behavioural science, transportation and logistics, digital transformation, sustainability and governance, leadership and organizational development, data science and AI, low-emission strategies, and marketing. These centres bring deep expertise and industry connections to ensure the conference delivers actionable insights for academics and practitioners alike.
Conference Tracks and Research Opportunities
Researchers can submit full papers, working papers, or extended abstracts to tracks hosted by centres including the Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (CIIE), the Brij Disa Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDSA), and the Centre for Sustainability and Corporate Governance Research (CSCG). The call for submissions remains open until July 20, 2026, with decisions expected by August 20.
Submission Guidelines and Timeline
Submissions undergo peer review coordinated by track chairs. Undergraduate students may attend but cannot submit papers. Key dates include registration opening on August 25, 2026, and a final registration deadline of November 15, 2026. Details and the submission portal are available on the official conference site.
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Networking and Development for Academics and PhD Scholars
IMRC 2026 features dedicated sessions for PhD students and early-career researchers, including paper development workshops, tutorials, and editorial sessions. These opportunities support career growth in India’s competitive higher-education landscape by fostering collaborations and feedback from senior scholars.
Impact on Indian Higher Education and Management Research
By convening scholars from across India and abroad, the conference strengthens the research ecosystem at premier institutions like IIMA. It aligns with national priorities around digital transformation and sustainable development, offering a platform to influence policy and curriculum in management education.
Previous Editions and Growing Momentum
The inaugural IMRC 2024 established high standards for academic exchange, while the 2025 edition expanded participation and interdisciplinary dialogue. IMRC 2026 continues this trajectory with greater emphasis on global engagement and AI-driven organizational change.
Keynote Sessions, Panels, and Highlights
Attendees can expect keynote addresses, panel discussions on emerging challenges, daily speaker sessions, and poster presentations. These formats encourage cross-disciplinary conversations that extend beyond traditional management boundaries.
How to Participate and Stay Updated
Academics, researchers, and industry professionals are encouraged to submit work and register early. Queries can be directed to imrc2026@iima.ac.in. The event promises to advance knowledge that informs both scholarly debate and real-world organizational practice in India.
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Future Outlook for Management Scholarship
As AI continues to evolve, conferences like IMRC 2026 play a vital role in shaping responsible innovation. IIMA’s leadership in hosting this event underscores India’s growing contribution to global management research and higher-education excellence.