“Phygital Business Transformation: Navigating Physical and Digital Ecosystems for Human-Centric Innovation”

Call for Papers – Special Issue: “Phygital Business Transformation: Navigating Physical and Digital Ecosystems for Human-Centric Innovation”

Journal: Business Horizons
Publisher: Elsevier
Submission deadline: 30 July 2027

Overview

The "phygital" concept—the fusion of physical and digital spaces—has evolved from a narrow technological focus into a transformative business paradigm. This special issue seeks to move beyond traditional omnichannel or tech-first strategies, advocating for a holistic, human-centric ecosystem that integrates physical, digital, and media connectors. The guest editors aim to advance the "Phygital Research Paradigm," emphasizing ethical design, stakeholder engagement, and the organizational leadership required to drive performance and positive societal impact in hybrid environments.

Key Research Themes

• Human-Centric Innovation: Transitioning from technology-first to human-first strategic visions, focusing on efficiency, social change, and well-being.

• Leadership & Strategy: The role of the "Chief Phygital Officer" (CPO) in managing hybrid ecosystems, leadership competencies for digital-physical work cultures, and redefining organizational structures.

• Ethical AI & Governance: Balancing automation, privacy, and human-centric leadership; fostering ethical AI use; and trust-building strategies for employees and consumers.

• Sectoral Applications: Phygital transformation in retail, healthcare, education, and entertainment.

• Entrepreneurship & Sustainability: Phygital-first business innovation, sustainable transformation strategies, responsible innovation, and the future of decentralized, AI-powered economies.

Submission Details

• Step 1 (Abstract Proposal): Submit a 500-word proposal by 15 May 2026 via the APA Paris Summit website.

• Step 2 (Notification): Authors of promising papers will be invited by 15 June 2026 to submit a full manuscript.

• Step 3 (Final Submission): Full manuscripts must be submitted by 30 July 2027.

Guest Editors

• Pierre Berthon, Bentley University, USA (pberthon@bentley.edu)

• Wided Batat, University of Lyon 2, France (wided.batat@univ-lyon2.fr)

• Bruce Weinberg, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA (bostongarden@yahoo.com)

• Philip DesAutels, FruitScout, USA (philip@wuhwuhwuh.com)

• Tamara Rabinovich, Quincy College, USA (tamara.rabinovich@quincycollege.edu)

Why This Issue Matters

Companies that equate phygital with simple omnichannel strategies risk obsolescence. This special issue provides a vital framework for organizations to transition into fully integrated ecosystems, prioritizing ethical AI adoption and human-centric governance to ensure sustainable, high-performing business practices.

ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration

Visit official website of the publisher