International Conference on Applied Business and Economics 2026 22nd Edition:
A HYBRID CONFERENCE

Welcome to HYBRID ICABE 2026

The International Conference on Applied Business and Economics (ICABE 2026) takes place at University of Malta from September 28th to 30th 2026. 

It is organized by:

• University Of Malta
• The International Strategic Management Association, Greece

Co-Organizers:

• The Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Poland
• The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, West University of Timisoara, Romania
• The Cotsakos College of Business, William Paterson University of New Jersey, USA
• The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Academy of Silesia, Poland
• The Faculty of Economics and Business, International University of Kuwait, Kuwait

Main Theme:
“Smart Economies, Adaptive Enterprises: Innovation, Digital Assets, Decentralization, and Risks at the Crossroads of Global Change”

In cooperation with 10 more Universities: 

• The University of Szczecin, POLAND (ICABE 2024)
• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GREECE (ICABE 2023)
• University of Malta, MALTA (ICABE 2022)
• William Paterson University of New Jersey, USA (ICABE 2021)
• The University of Koblenz, GERMANY
• Democritus University of Thrace, GREECE
• The Sapienza University of Rome, ITALY
• The University of Latvia, LATVIA
• Transylvania University of Brasov, ROMANIA
• The University of A Coruna, SPAIN

About the Conference, 22nd Edition ICABE 2026 Theme: “Smart Economies, Adaptive Enterprises: Innovation, Digital Assets, Decentralization, and Risks at the Crossroads of Global Change”
The global economy is undergoing a profound transformation. Rapid technological advances, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and mounting societal and environmental pressures are reshaping how value is created, exchanged, and governed. At the center of this transformation lie smart economies and adaptive enterprises—systems and organizations that leverage data, digital technologies, and decentralized models to remain resilient, competitive, and inclusive in an increasingly complex world.
This conference explores how innovation is redefining economic structures and business strategies. Smart economies harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things to enhance productivity, optimize resource allocation, and support evidence-based policymaking. These technologies are not only improving efficiency but also enabling new forms of collaboration across public and private sectors, fostering ecosystems where innovation can be responsibly scaled.

Adaptive enterprises are a critical pillar of this evolution. Faced with constant disruption, organizations must continuously reconfigure their strategies, operations, and governance models. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is a prerequisite for survival. Enterprises are adopting agile frameworks, platform-based models, and data-driven decision-making to respond to volatile markets, changing consumer expectations, and technological uncertainty. This adaptability extends beyond technology to organizational culture, leadership, and ethical responsibility.

A central theme of the conference is the rise of digital assets and decentralized systems. Cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and distributed ledger technologies are challenging traditional notions of ownership, trust, and intermediation. These innovations promise greater financial inclusion, transparency, and efficiency, while also raising critical questions about regulation, stability, and long-term value creation. Understanding how digital assets fit within broader economic and financial systems is essential for policymakers, businesses, and investors alike.
Decentralization more broadly is reshaping power structures within economies and organizations. From decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to peer-to-peer platforms and open innovation networks, decision-making and value creation are increasingly distributed. While decentralization can enhance resilience and democratize participation, it also introduces new coordination challenges and governance risks. Striking the right balance between central oversight and distributed autonomy is one of the defining challenges of this era.

Equally important is a clear-eyed examination of risk. Technological innovation and global interconnectedness amplify not only opportunities but also vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity threats, systemic financial risks, regulatory uncertainty, ethical concerns around data and AI, and the potential for digital divides all demand careful attention. As economies become “smarter,” risk management must also become more sophisticated, integrating technological, economic, social, and geopolitical dimensions.
Situated at the crossroads of global change, this conference brings together scholars, industry leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in critical dialogue on these interconnected issues. It aims to bridge theory and practice, global perspectives and local realities, innovation and regulation. By fostering interdisciplinary exchange, the conference seeks to advance understanding of how smart economies and adaptive enterprises can drive sustainable growth while managing the risks inherent in rapid transformation.

Ultimately, the conference is about navigating the future. It invites participants to reflect on how innovation, digital assets, and decentralization can be harnessed not as ends in themselves, but as tools to build resilient economies, responsible enterprises, and inclusive societies in a world defined by continuous change.

The Conference’ Objectives are to:
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and idea exchange.
• Showcase cutting-edge research and technological advancements.
• Explore sustainable business practices and educational innovations.
• Develop actionable strategies for real-world impact.

Key Topics:
We invite contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Sustainable business models and strategies.
• Emerging technologies are driving innovation.
• Educational tools and methods for the future.
• Integrating technology for sustainable development.
• Public-private partnerships and policy implications.

In addition to these we accept manuscripts in all discipline described in the AEA list (see the link) ” https://icabe.gr/conference-sessions/

Call for Submissions:
We welcome original research, case studies, workshops, and panel discussions.

Submissions may include:
• Academic papers.
• Poster presentations.
• Interactive workshops.
• Industry case studies.
• Start-up pitches.

Submission Guidelines:
Please submit your abstracts or full papers by September 10th 2026 through our online portal at https://conference.icabe.gr/ . Submissions will be peer-reviewed, and selected papers will be considered for publication in the conference proceedings and in one of the 11 international journals supporting the conference, see the link: https://icabe.gr/publication-possibilities/

Please use the templates given in the link https://conference.icabe.gr/

Why Attend?
• Network with experts from diverse fields.
• Gain insights into groundbreaking innovations and best practices.
• Collaborate on solutions to global challenges.
For more information, visit our website at www.icabe.gr or contact us at the link https://icabe.gr/contact/

Join us in creating a transformative dialogue that bridges disciplines and catalyzes impactful change. We look forward to welcoming you to the 22nd EDITION of the International Conference on Applied Business and Economics (ICABE 2026) in Malta, September 28-30 2026!

International Journals supporting the conference:

Book Series:

• Book series ESFIRM by Emerald dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus
  https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/acronym/ESFIRM
  Special Volume titled: Synergizing Innovation: The Global Nexus of Business, Technology, Education, and Economic Sustainability, selected articles
  Guest Editors: Rebecca Dalli-Gonzi, Simon Grima, El Thalassinos, Salah Al-Sharhan
• Book series CSEFA by Emerald dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus
  https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1569-3759
  Special Volume titled: Synergizing Innovation: The Global Nexus of Business, Technology, Education, and Economic Sustainability, selected articles
  Guest Editors: Simon Grima, Kamal Naser, El Thalassinos, Antonis Simintiras
• New Book titled: “Synergizing Innovation: The Nexus of Business, Sustainability, Education, and Technology” by Springer dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus.
  https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/book-seriesGuest Editors: Salah Al-Sharhan, Kamal Naser, Antonis Simintiras, El Thalassinos, Gratiela Georgiana Noja

International Journals:

• Journal of Economic Asymmetries, indexed on Scopus (Q1),
  https://www.journals.elsevier.com/the-journal-of-economic-asymmetries
  Editor: A.G. Malliaris
• Journal Sustainability, special issue dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus (Q1),
  https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/special_issues/PUA30FR98J
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Simon Grima, Prof. Dr. Eleftherios I. Thalassinos, Prof. Dr. Inna Romanova
• Journal Ekonomika, indexed on Scopus, (Q2)
  https://www.journals.vu.lt/ekonomika
  Editor-in-Chief: Jelena Stankeviciene, Vilnius University, Lithuania
• Journal of Risk and Financial Management, special issue dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus (Q2)
  https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jrfm/special_issues/G9OPE02F7D
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Salah Al-Sharhan, Prof. Dr. Eleftherios I. Thalassinos, Prof. Dr. Kamal Naser, Prof. Dr. Antonis Simintiras
• Journal RISKS, special issue dedicated to ICABE 2025, indexed on Scopus (Q1)
  TBA
  Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Eleftherios Thalassinos, Prof. Dr. Salah Al-Sharhan, Prof. Dr. Simon Grima, Prof. Dr. Gratiela Georgiana Noja, Prof. Dr. Kamal Naser, Prof. Dr. Antonis Simintiras
• European Research Studies Journal, indexed on RePEc, JEL, AEA, Crossref, ZBW, Copernicus, under evaluation on Scopus and WoS,
  https://www.ersj.eu/
  Editor-in-Chief: El Thalassinos
• International Journal of Economics and Business Administration, indexed on RePEc, JEL, AEA, Crossref, ZBW, Copernicus, under evaluation on Scopus and WoS
  https://www.ijeba.com/
  Editor-in-Chief: El Thalassinos
• International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, RePEc, JEL, AEA, Crossref, Cabell’s, Copernicus, under evaluation on Scopus and WoS
  https://www.journalfirm.com/
  Editor-in-Chief: El Thalassinos
• Journal of Corporate Governance, Insurance and Risk Management, indexed on GS, Cabell’s, Academia, J-Gate
  https://www.acadlore.com/journals/JCGIRM/
  Editor-in-Chief: Simon Grima
• Volume of Proceedings (2025) to be submitted for indexation on Scopus
  Guest Editors:   Prof. Dr. Salah Al-Sharhan, Prof. Dr. Simon Grima, Prof. Dr. Malgorzata Tarczynska-Lunniewska, Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Maditinos, Prof. Dr. John Malindretos, Prof. Dr. Kamal Naser, Prof. Dr. Kesra Nermend, Prof. Dr. Gratiela Georgiana Noja, Prof. Dr. Antonis Simintiras, Prof. Dr. Eleftherios I. Thalassinos

Calendar of Important Dates

March 18, 2026	First day to register using the online platform and submit abstracts for evaluation https://conference.icabe.gr/
September 1, 2026	Last day for submitting the final abstract of your article (one page size B5 single space, TNR 11) to the Conference Organizers to be included in the Volume of Proceedings and/or the final paper for evaluation to be included in one of the Collective Volumes dedicated to the Conference. Early registration ends.
September 2, 2026	Late registration starts.
September 10, 2026	Last day for notifying paper submitters on the acceptance or rejection.
September 21, 2026	Last day for paper presenters to register online. Late registration ends.
September 11, 2026	Last day for hotel accommodation at conference’s proposed hotels with discounted rates.
September 19-21, 2026	Arrival day in Malta, meet the organizers.
September 22, 2026	ICABE 2026 starts at 09:00 local time. Official opening, University of Malta, Valletta Campus
September 23, 2026	ICABE 2026 continues with invited speakers and parallel sessions.
September 24, 2026	ICABE concludes with online presentations. Optional: City tour with lunch, free participation.
September 25-17, 2026	Travelling day, departure from Malta.

GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS