Sustainable Solutions for Business, Management, and Economics
MSM Academic Conference 21 May 2026
MSM Academic Conference 21 May 2026
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the MSM Academic Conference “Green Economy: Sustainable Solutions for Business, Management, and Economics”, jointly organised by Maastricht School of Management (MSM) and Nanjing University.
At a time when the world is facing unprecedented environmental, economic, and social challenges, the transition towards a green economy has become more urgent than ever. Sustainable development is no longer only an environmental imperative; it is also a strategic priority for businesses, governments, and societies worldwide. The move towards greener and more inclusive economic systems calls for new ideas, innovative approaches, and strong international collaboration.
This conference brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students from around the world to exchange knowledge and insights on some of the most pressing topics of our time. Through keynote addresses, paper presentations, and interdisciplinary dialogue, participants will explore themes such as corporate sustainability, green finance, sustainable supply chains, public policy, digital transformation, and behavioural change.
We are honoured to welcome distinguished keynote speakers whose expertise and leadership have shaped international discussions on sustainability, public policy, and business transformation. Their contributions, together with the many research papers presented throughout the conference, will provide valuable perspectives on how we can collectively advance the green economy.
This conference also reflects the longstanding and successful partnership between MSM and Nanjing University. For more than 25 years, our institutions have worked together to strengthen academic exchange, foster international understanding, and educate future leaders who can make a positive impact in an increasingly interconnected world. We are proud that this conference continues that tradition of collaboration.
We would like to thank all presenters, facilitators, keynote speakers, organisers, and participants for their valuable contributions. Your engagement and commitment are what make this conference possible.
We wish you an inspiring and productive conference.
09.00 | Opening and welcome remarks
Dr. Diederik de Boer
Director a.i. MSM
Director Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
Associate Professor Sustainable Business Development
Prof. Liu Chunlin
Dean Nanjing University School of Business (NUBS)
09.15 | Keynote address >
It’s much more than just ‘green’
Mr. Frans Timmermans
Former party leader for The Netherlands' Labour and Green Left parties
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
First Vice-President of the European Commission
10.15 | BREAK
10.30 | Parallel session 1 | Paper presentations >
Parallel session themes:
• Break-out room 1: Corporate Sustainability and Green Innovation
• Break-out room 2: Green Finance and Investment
• Break-out room 3: Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Break-out room 4: Public Policy and Regulation for Green Growth
• Break-out room 5: Green Technology and Digital Transformation
12.35 | BREAK
13.30 | Keynote address >
Green Economy, Corporate Management and Human Capital: Strategies and Practice
Dr. Shuming Zhao
Senior Professor Nanjing University
Honorary Dean School of Business
Dean Xingzhi College Nanjing University
14.30 | BREAK
14.45 | Parallel session 2 | Paper presentations >
Parallel sessions themes:
• Break-out room 1: Corporate Sustainability and Green Innovation
• Break-out room 2: Green Finance and Investment
• Break-out room 3: Public Policy & Regulation for Green Growth
• Break-out room 4: Behavioural Economics and Consumer Preferences
16.30 | Final conclusions and closing remarks
Prof. Harald Sander
Professor in Economics and International Economics
Dr. Diederik de Boer
Director a.i. MSM
Director Expert Centre on Emerging Economies
Associate Professor Sustainable Business Development
17.00 | End of Conference
To join the online Academic Conference,
please use the link button below.
Please note that this is the Zoom link for the whole conference. In case you do not use Zoom yet, make sure you create a (free) Zoom account before the event takes place. Please create the account/login with the same email address that you have registered for the parallel sessions where the papers are being presented.
We are expecting a large number of attendees. That is why we would like to ask you the following:
• Keep your microphone muted. Your microphone will be put on mute by default when you enter the session.
• Use the Q&A box to ask questions during the keynote speeches:
if questions pop up during the keynote speeches, don’t hesitate to ask them right away but make use of the Q&A functionality. The speaker will answer your question during the live Q&A.
• Use the Chat box to ask questions during the paper presentations:
If questions pop-up during the paper presentations in the breakout room, please ask them by using the Chat functionality. The paper presenter will answer your question after the presentation during the live question and answer session.
• Raise your hand button. If you prefer to ask a question verbally during the Q&A or paper presentation directly to the keynote speaker or paper presenter, click Raise Hand in the webinar controls in Zoom. The host will be notified that you have raised your hand. If the host allows you to talk and if time allows, you may be unmuted by the meeting host.
• Switch on your camera. Non-verbal cues are an essential part of communication that gets left out without the ability to see someone. Turning on your camera during a conference allows you to maximise the communication channel adding more sentiment and expressions that spice up the discussion.
Please note
The plenary sessions of the Academic Conference will be recorded, the parallel break-out sessions will not be recorded.