Conference Chair Prof. Rajhans Mishra highlighted the profound impact of artificial intelligence on the evolving landscape of business and research. Noting the strong global response to CERE 2026, with over 430 submissions from 10 countries, he emphasized the conference’s growing international relevance. He said, “The conventional definitions of excellence must be revisited in the face of rapid technological change”. He drew attention to key research challenges, including issues of data valuation, ethics, privacy, and ownership, along with the shifting dynamics of human–AI collaboration. He stressed the importance of rethinking how individuals work alongside AI, and urged scholars to pursue interdisciplinary approaches and develop new frameworks for integrating AI across sectors.
The inaugural day featured a keynote address by Mr. Ben Waber (MIT Media Lab), who spoke on “The State of Management and the New Role of Data and AI,” highlighting how data-driven systems are transforming managerial practice and organizational design. He emphasized that while AI enables unprecedented analytical capabilities, its true impact depends on how effectively it is integrated with human judgment and workplace dynamics.
Prof. Mukesh Mohania (IIIT Delhi), shared his views on “Data Analytics – Then and Now: A Continuous Journey” traced the evolution of analytics from traditional data processing to AI-enabled decision systems, underscoring its growing strategic importance in organizations. The day also included multiple paper presentation sessions, showcasing high-quality research across domains.
The conference will further feature a series of expert workshops, keynote sessions, and panel discussions addressing contemporary research and practice. Workshops will include Prof. Sushanta Mishra (IIM Bangalore) on Introduction to Response Surface Analysis, Prof. Hemant Jain (University of Tennessee, Chattanooga) on Addressing Economic and Health Inequity One Neighborhood at a Time through AI and Data Analytics, and Prof. Vishal Gupta (IIM Ahmedabad) on HEAL: Conceptualization and Measurement of a New POB Construct.
In addition, panel discussions will bring together perspectives from both industry and academia to deliberate on “AI as a Tool or Business Model.” These sessions will examine how artificial intelligence is not only enabling more informed and efficient decision-making but also reshaping business models and value creation. The discussions will offer complementary insights, ranging from practical implementation challenges and opportunities in industry to theoretical, research-driven perspectives from academia, highlighting the broader implications of AI for organizations and the future of work.
The conference will also feature a keynote address by Prof. Pradeep Kumar (IIM Lucknow) on “Research in the Era of AI,” followed by a valedictory session on the third day, marking the culmination of three days of insightful discussions and scholarly exchange.
Designed especially for doctoral scholars and early-career researchers, CERE 2026 continues to serve as a vibrant platform for collaboration, enabling participants to bridge theory and practice. The conference reaffirms IIM Indore’s commitment to advancing thought leadership, encouraging interdisciplinary research, and shaping the future of management education in an AI-driven world.
