Talent Management as a Key Driver of Competitiveness in the Industrial Transition
The 36th International Conference of the Spanish Academy of Management (ACEDE) is organized under the theme “Talent Management as a Driver of Competitiveness in Industrial Transition.” Within this framework, the conference is conceived as a forum for dialogue, reflection, and scholarly debate aimed at examining the pivotal role that people play in fostering a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable business environment in a context of profound economic, technological, and social transformation.
The ongoing industrial transition poses significant challenges for organizations. Digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, the energy transition, and increasing sustainability requirements are reshaping business models, production processes, and the competencies needed to create value. In this context, talent emerges as a critical strategic resource for enhancing organizational adaptability and strengthening long-term competitiveness.
However, talent management extends far beyond the recruitment and retention of professionals. It involves creating organizational environments that promote continuous learning, capability development, responsible leadership, diversity, and employee well-being. Organizations that successfully integrate these dimensions will be better equipped to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on the opportunities arising from the current industrial transformation.
From the perspective of research in business economics and management, it is essential to understand how organizations can attract, develop, and mobilize the talent required to address the challenges of an increasingly dynamic environment. Equally important is the generation of knowledge that contributes to the design of policies, practices, and management models capable of supporting an inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven industrial transition.
In this edition, ACEDE also seeks to reinforce its commitment to Open Science, promoting research that is closely connected to the real challenges faced by society. Knowledge generated within universities should extend beyond academic boundaries and contribute actively to economic and social progress. Accordingly, the 2027 conference aims to strengthen the links between Universities, Businesses, and Society, fostering the exchange of experiences, knowledge transfer, and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, institutions, and social stakeholders.
The challenge is as significant as it is compelling: understanding how people, their capabilities, and their development can become the primary drivers of competitiveness within an unprecedented process of industrial transformation. Advancing in this direction will require scientific rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and open dialogue among diverse academic and professional perspectives.
Within this context, the Organizing Committee of the 36th ACEDE International Conference warmly invites the national and international academic community to participate through the presentation of their research and experiences. The conference will be held at the University of the Basque Country (EHU), Bilbao, from 20 to 22 June 2027, and will provide a unique opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and contribute to positioning talent management as one of the fundamental pillars of competitiveness in the industrial transition.