SPGC x FERC Global Family Business Summit 2026: A Landmark International Event in Nice

Maria-Giuseppina BRUNA - Dean of Research & Full Professor of Management

Dean for Research, Dissemination, and Impact, IPAG Business School ǀ Full Professor of Management, Accredited to Supervise Research ǀ Founder and Director of the IPAG Chair “Towards an Inclusive Company”

IPAG Business School is pleased to announce the 2026 Global Family Business Summit, an international event jointly organized by the STEP Project Global Consortium (SPGC) and the Family Enterprise Research Conference (FERC).
For the first time, these two major global research communities in family business will join forces in a single, large-scale summit, held from 26 to 29 May 2026 on the French Riviera.

🌍 A Unique Summit on the Theme: (In)Stability at the Frontiers

In a world marked by climate emergencies, geopolitical conflicts, technological disruptions and growing social fragmentation, family businesses face a central paradox: they are expected to serve as anchors of stability while evolving in an environment defined by permanent transformation.

The theme “(In)Stability at the Frontiers” invites scholars, family business leaders, next-generation members, and practitioners to reflect on these tensions and explore new models of action, governance, and innovation.

A Rich and International Programme

The Summit will feature:

A Doctoral & Early Career Consortium (26 May)
Company visits across the French Riviera
Competitive paper sessions, developmental papers, and FERC poster presentations
Exclusive roundtables bringing together scholars and business leaders
Practical workshops, panels with family leaders, and discussions on special issues
A Gala Dinner on the Riviera

Twelve research tracks will structure the event, including: risk and resilience, innovation and entrepreneurship, governance, new business models, succession and identity, AI & digital transformation, ESG & social impact, pedagogy and engaged scholarship, internationalisation, responsible finance, and a dedicated French Track on innovation and sustainability in family businesses.

🏆 Awards, Publications, and Opportunities for Researchers

Several Best Paper Awards (€1,000 each) will be granted, including the Best Paper on Forecasting & Responsibility, supported by the IPAG Chair “Towards an Inclusive Company”.
Papers presented at the Summit may also be considered for special issues in leading international journals in management and entrepreneurship.