Conference theme: Closeness and Wholeness – Business Administration Competence Today and in the Future
In an era characterised by globalisation, digitalisation and growing societal challenges, the question of what it means to be a business administrator and manager – today and in the future – is becoming increasingly relevant. Whilst the demands for specialisation and niche disciplines are increasing, there is a growing need to understand business administration where complementary core knowledge and skills form a coherent whole.
FEKIS 2026 invites a collegial discussion and reflection on how we shape the subject of business administration and the skills needs of the future. At the heart of this are the concepts of Closeness (proximity) and Wholeness (holism).
Closeness is not just about geography, but also about trust, accessibility, local roots and mutual relationships – with students, colleagues and the surrounding community. Wholeness involves developing a comprehensive understanding in line with society’s needs and demands, which is often challenged by boundaries and gatekeepers, tensions and contradictions.
The conference welcomes contributions and discussions aimed at counteracting fragmentation, developing skills from a holistic perspective, and strengthening the subject’s positioning and societal relevance. Examples of themes include:
- Local relevance in teaching – how local businesses and the local economy can be integrated into education
- Closeness in the learning process – how engagement with and between students can be promoted – even in digital or hybrid environments
- Closeness between subject areas – how different sub-fields of business administration can together contribute to a holistic understanding, both in teaching and research
- Closeness and a holistic approach in research – how collegiality and trust can be developed in collaborative projects
- Closeness as a strategy for collaboration – how partnerships with local businesses and organisations can strengthen both teaching and research
Call for Session Proposals
Submissions are now open for session proposals for FEKIS 2026 in Borlänge. The FEKIS subject conference is created collaboratively, and your contributions form an important part of the collective discussion and dissemination of knowledge. You are therefore warmly invited to submit your session proposals to fekis2026@du.se. The deadline for submitting proposals is 1 May 2026.
Submissions must include the following information (maximum one A4 page):
- Title
- Type of session (presentation, panel or workshop/round-table discussion – see session descriptions below)
- Language (Swedish or English)
- Desired duration (60 minutes recommended, or 45 minutes)
- Who will lead the session (including their institution) and any confirmed participants/panellists (including their institutions). We would like to see session leaders representing different institutions.
- Brief description of the content, intended insights, and benefits for participants/the audience, which can be used as a session abstract in the conference programme
Session Formats and Descriptions
Typically, 2–4 people presenting relevant research, teaching methods or other topics relevant to the field of business administration, which may relate to the conference’s overarching theme. The audience should be engaged by being given the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion.
A panel discussion on a given topic. Ideally, a panel is led by a moderator and comprises a number of panellists (researchers or practitioners) who contribute their perspectives on the topic. The audience should be involved by being given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.
Workshops and round-table discussions are based on interaction with the participants/audience. The moderator, who may be one or more people, leads practical exercises or interactive discussions, which may also involve splitting into smaller discussion groups.
Key Dates
• 1 May 2026: Deadline for session submissions
• 1 June 2026: Notification of accepted sessions
• 1 June 2026: Conference registration opens
• 10 September 2026: Registration deadline
• 13 October 2026: PhD Student Day
• 14–15 October 2026: FEKIS 2026 takes place at Campus Borlänge
Travel and Accommodation
The easiest way to travel to Borlänge is by train. The journey takes around 3 hours from Stockholm Central Station and approximately 2.5 hours from Arlanda Central Station.
Many hotels are located close to both Borlänge railway station and the campus:
Read more about Elite Hotel Brage, Borlänge
Read more about Quality Hotel Galaxen
Read more about Scandic Borlänge
Read more about Best Western Gustaf Wasa Hotel
Read more about Hotell Kupolen
Click here for a directions to Campus Borlänge (Google Maps)
