Conference Overview

Conference on Excellence in Research and Education (CERE 2026) is organised annually by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) since 2010. CERE has established itself as a significant platform for fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. CERE 2026 will feature a diverse program designed to address both academic and practical dimensions of research and education. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in academic research presentations, panel discussions, and keynote speeches delivered by leading experts.

A key focus of the conference will be on providing emerging scholars with a platform to present their research and receive constructive feedback, fostering the next generation of academic leaders. The conference emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to address global challenges through the lens of research and education excellence. By facilitating networking opportunities and promoting discussions on emerging trends, CERE 2026 seeks to stimulate innovative thinking and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Participants will benefit from thought-provoking dialogues that enhance academic rigour and improve teaching methodologies on an international scale.

Conference Theme

“Business Excellence Reimagined: Competing in the Age of AI”

The 16th International CERE 2026 convenes scholars, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how business excellence is being fundamentally redefined in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. As AI transitions from a disruptive technology to a pervasive strategic capability, organisations are challenged not merely to adopt intelligent systems, but to reimagine value creation, governance, leadership, and competitive advantage itself.

The conference theme foregrounds a critical shift: excellence in the age of AI is no longer measured solely by efficiency or scale, but by an organisation’s capacity for learning, ethical judgment, adaptability, and human–machine collaboration. AI augments decision-making, reshapes markets, and accelerates innovation cycles, demanding new managerial logics, redesigned processes, and resilient organisational cultures. Competing successfully now requires integrating technological intelligence with human creativity, purpose, and trust.

CERE 2026 offers a rigorous and forward-looking platform to examine these transformations. It invites research and dialogue on AI-enabled strategy, data-driven entrepreneurship, intelligent operations, responsible and explainable AI, digital governance, workforce transformation, and sustainable business models. By bridging theory and practice, the conference aims to illuminate how enterprises can harness AI not as a substitute for human judgment, but as a catalyst for inclusive growth, ethical leadership, and long-term value creation.

With an optimistic yet critical lens, CERE 2026 aspires to shape a shared understanding of business excellence for the coming decade – one where competitiveness is grounded in innovation with responsibility, performance with purpose, and intelligence with integrity. Through collaborative inquiry and global perspectives, the conference seeks to inspire organisations to lead confidently, compassionately, and conscientiously in the age of AI.

Conference Details

Hosted by IIM Indore, CERE 2026 reflects the institute’s commitment to remaining contextually relevant in a rapidly evolving world. The conference will adopt a workshop-driven approach, emphasising active participation and practical learning, alongside presentations of selected papers that highlight innovative ideas and diverse perspectives on global challenges. By bridging academic research with real-world applications, CERE 2026 seeks to create a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Areas of Research (But not limited to)

• Accounting and Finance
  From core financial management and accounting principles, the field has expanded into areas such as fintech, algorithmic trading, risk analytics, and forensic accounting. Research now focuses on sustainable finance, blockchain applications, and financial resilience in dynamic markets.

• Economics and Public Policy

  Traditionally centred on market structures and policy-making, economic research now delves into behavioural economics, sustainability, digital economies, and financial inclusion. It aims to understand how evolving global and technological landscapes influence decision-making and resource allocation.

• Business Policy and Strategic Management

  Strategic management research originated from military strategy and economic theories, initially focusing on competitive advantage and resource allocation. It has evolved to integrate innovation, sustainability, and dynamic capabilities, emphasizing long-term value creation and adaptability in the rapidly changing knowledge-driven economy.

• Communication

  Initially focused on traditional corporate and interpersonal communication, this area has evolved with the rise of digital platforms and AI-driven messaging. Research now explores media strategies, virtual collaboration, persuasive communication, and the impact of technology on human interaction.

• Marketing

  While originally centred on consumer behaviour and brand management, marketing research now explores neuromarketing, digital consumer engagement, AI-powered analytics, and the psychological impact of social media on purchasing decisions.

• Humanities and Social Sciences

  Initially grounded in classical theories of human behaviour and ethics, this area now integrates interdisciplinary research on workplace culture, social transformation, and the ethical implications of AI and automation in business and society.

• Operations Management and Quantitative Techniques

  Moving beyond traditional process optimization and supply chain efficiency, research now focuses on AI-driven logistics, predictive modelling, sustainability in operations, and decision sciences for complex, data-heavy environments.

• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

  Initially focused on workplace motivation and leadership, OBHR now examines agile work environments, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, gig economy dynamics, and the impact of remote work on organizational culture.

• Information Systems in Management

  Evolving from fundamental IT systems and database management, research now emphasizes digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI-driven decision-making, and the role of big data in business intelligence and innovation.