HRM Conference 2026

We’re excited to welcome you to the next edition of the Dutch HRM Network Research Conference, taking place from 9 to 11 November 2026 in Ghent! The event will be co-hosted by Vlerick Business School and Ghent University, bringing together scholars and practitioners for three days of engaging research and dialogue. Following the success of the 2024 conference, we’re looking forward to building on that energy in 2026.

On the geopolitical front, armed conflicts, migration flows, climate-related displacement, and the resurgence of protectionist policies create unpredictable operating environments for organisations (Kerwin, 2020; Pedersen & Jensen, 2024). Rising trade barriers and shifting international alliances impact labour mobility, supply chains, and social cohesion (Justino & Samarin, 2024; Sarolta, 2023). These dynamics challenge labour market stability and demand HR strategies that are agile, inclusive, and responsive to cross-border realities (Junita, 2021). HR professionals must navigate issues such as displaced talent, ethical global sourcing, and the reconfiguration of workforces across regions. Meanwhile, political polarisation and fragile democracies threaten workforce mobility, diversity initiatives, and global collaboration, increasing pressure on companies to act responsibly across international contexts (Javidan et al., 2023; Sarolta, 2023).

At the same time, digital technologies are transforming the very nature of work, management, and human interaction. Generative AI, algorithmic management, data-driven HR tools, and virtual collaboration platforms are not only redefining how work is done but also raising critical concerns about surveillance, bias, and transparency (Griep et al., 2021). While digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and scalability, they also demand new ethical frameworks and competencies to navigate emerging challenges. Questions about algorithmic fairness, the implications of remote work, and the humanisation of digital processes are central to contemporary HR debates (Guest et al., 2022; Mariani et al., 2023).