“Industry, Innovation, and Policy in Uncertain Times”
2026 ISA Annual Conference | June 3-5, 2026
George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Conference Overview
The Industry Studies Association invites researchers to submit abstracts for papers and organized panels to their 2026 Annual Conference. The event takes place June 3-5, 2026 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Conference Theme
“Industry, Innovation, and Policy in Uncertain Times” describes the contemporary landscape where businesses navigate technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, supply chain vulnerabilities, climate demands, and labor market changes. The theme emphasizes how innovation increasingly occurs within active and consequential policy environments. However, submissions addressing this theme are optional—any rigorous scholarship focusing on organizations and industry dynamics is welcome.
Venue
George Washington University sits in the nation’s capital, positioned near the White House, Congress, federal agencies, and policy institutions. The location also provides access to Washington’s innovation ecosystem, featuring clusters in cybersecurity, defense and aerospace, data and AI ventures, global development, and healthcare policy.
Call for Papers
The conference welcomes submissions for single papers and organized panels. The submission deadline is January 16, 2026. See the guidelines page for details:
Important Dates
- Submission Portal Opens: December 5, 2025
- Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026
- Decisions Announced: February 28, 2026
Awards
Several awards will be presented at the conference. For complete details and submission information, visit our Awards page.
- Dissertation Award - For Ph.D. defended between August 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025
- Giarratani Rising Star Award - For junior faculty and postdocs
- Best Paper in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Babbage Industrial Innovation Policy Award
Conference Committee
- John Paul Helveston, 2026 Conference Chair (George Washington University)
- John Gray, 2025 ISA President (Ohio State University)
- Ed Anderson, 2025 ISA Vice President (University of Texas, Austin)
- David M. Hart, 2025 ISACC (George Mason University)
- Andrew Reamer, ISA Industrial Policy (George Washington University)
- Benn Lawson, ISA Non-U.S. Strategy and Programming (Oxford University)
- Allison Forbes, 2025 ISACC (Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness)
- Monica Gorman, ISA Industrial Policy (Crowell Global Advisors)
- Jeff Furman, 2025 Early Career Development Committee Chair (Boston University)
- Zach Wright, 2027 Conference Chair (Brigham Young University)
Contact Information
- Conference Chair: John Paul Helveston, George Washington University, jph@gwu.edu
- General inquiries: Industry Studies Association headquarters, Philadelphia, PA