DESRIST 2026 Impact Forum

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Why is this “call for problems” relevant for you?

At the DESRIST 2026 Impact Forum on the 8th of June, we invite practitioners and policy makers from industry, public administration, NGOs, social enterprises and startups to submit concrete problems or impact-related concerns that require research attention.

Many organizations and institutions face challenges where collaboration with academia does not translate into tangible outcomes. This forum provides a focused setting to surface these issues and address them directly.

Selected submissions will be discussed in an interactive co-creation session with researchers and practitioners to identify actionable pathways forward.

What Kind of Problems Can Be Submitted?

We invite the submission of concrete problems and priority topics where existing approaches fall short and where exchange between research and practice can unlock meaningful impact.

You may recognize such problems in situations where:

You face ongoing organizational challenges (e.g., digital transformation, AI adoption, governance, sustainability, process innovation, platform strategies, algorithmic management, etc.)
Research is not aligned with your main challenges, or collaboration with academia is inefficient
Research outputs do not translate into practice, being too abstract, difficult to apply, or failing to generate measurable impact

Submission Form: Three Guiding Questions

Please provide us with the following:

1 - What is the core problem? *

Describe the challenges or impediments you are facing or the impact gap you observe in your own words:

What is not working as desired?
What makes this problem important to you and others?

2 - Why is this problem persistent? *

Think about the following:

What makes it difficult to address?
Where do existing approaches (e.g. managerial, technological, regulatory, or academic) fall short?
What barriers or constraints prevent progress?

3 - Are there any additional considerations?

If applicable, you may reflect on aspects such as:

What has been your experience with academic research in general or on this topic?
Any additional points you would like to share?

Participation in the Impact Forum

We cordially invite contributors of accepted submissions to the DESRIST 2026 Impact Forum, where we will jointly explore and develop actionable pathways in an interactive co-creation session with researchers and practitioners.
The invitation also includes the welcome reception following the forum, providing an opportunity to network and connect. Please note that access is limited to the Impact Forum and reception; the remaining conference requires separate registration.

Please indicate your interest: *

I am interested in participating in the Impact Forum discussion (on-site) to jointly reflect on this problem and co-create future pathways.I am submitting a problem but cannot participate on-site.

Contact Information

Name *

E-Mail *

Company *