Cultivating the Next Generation of Social Impact Scholars: PhD and Early Career Pathways in Business Research

Call for Papers
Cultivating the Next Generation of Social Impact Scholars: PhD and Early Career Pathways in Business Research

Journal: Journal of Social Impact in Business Research
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Submission Opens: 12 February 2026
Submission Deadline: 10 August 2026

Introduction

Doctoral education is pivotal for shaping future business scholars, yet PhD candidates and supervisors increasingly face tensions between traditional academic expectations and the demand for social impact in business research. This special issue focuses on PhD and early career researchers (ECRs) as central actors in creating social value through business scholarship. It seeks empirical, conceptual, and methodological work on how they navigate institutional pressures, publishing expectations, and societal impact demands while building their academic careers.

Guest Editors

Dr. Amir Raki, Dr. Laura Di Pietro, Dr. Martina Caic

Guest Editors Contact Details

List of Topic Areas

Submissions invited on (but not limited to):

• PhD and ECR‑led research for social impact (empirical, conceptual, or methodological).

• Supervisory practices for impact‑focused projects and how they shape student well‑being and outcomes.

• How PhD students and ECRs reconcile publication pressure with societal value (e.g., top‑tier journals vs. applied impact).

• Methodological innovations (e.g., participatory action research, design science, longitudinal fieldwork) linking rigorous research to social outcomes.

• Doctoral identity and career trajectories shaped by socially impactful research (academia, industry, policy).

• Collaborations and partnerships with businesses, NGOs, governments, and communities in doctoral/ECR projects.

• Institutional systems (curricula, reward structures, doctoral programmes) enabling or constraining social impact.

• Policy and accreditation frameworks (e.g., AACSB standards, SDG‑aligned research) shaping doctoral and ECR pathways globally.

Submission Process & Deadlines

• Submit via ScholarOne Manuscripts from 12 February 2026:
  https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jsibr

• Select special issue title: “Cultivating the Next Generation of Social Impact Scholars: PhD and Early Career Pathways in Business Research”.

Submission Guidelines

• Follow the author guidelines of the Journal of Social Impact in Business Research:
  https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jsibr#jlp_author_guidelines

• Articles must be original and not under consideration elsewhere.

• This is a fully open access journal (Gold OA, CC BY 4.0), with Article Processing Charges (APC) typically covered by the author’s institution or funder.

About the Journal

The Journal of Social Impact in Business Research publishes work on creating value for people through business scholarship, at micro, meso, and macro levels, with strong emphasis on social impact measurement, engagement, and policy relevance.

ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration

Visit official website of the publisher