HCAIS-Surrey Summer 2026 Conference: Digital Innovation, Operations Management and Sustainability
The rapid development of digital technologies—including artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain, digital platforms, and the Internet of Things—has profoundly reshaped the design and management of operational systems. These technological advances create new opportunities for organizations to improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chain visibility, and develop innovative business models.
At the same time, firms and societies are facing increasing challenges related to sustainability, including climate change, resource constraints, and social responsibility. As a result, operations management scholars and practitioners are increasingly interested in understanding how digital technologies can be leveraged to design more efficient, resilient, and sustainable operational systems.
This conference focuses on the intersection of digital innovation, operations management, and sustainability, with the aim of advancing research that addresses both theoretical and practical challenges in this evolving field. By bringing together leading scholars, journal editors, and researchers, the conference seeks to promote discussions on emerging research questions, methodological advances, and future research opportunities in digital and sustainable operations.
We welcome research that examines how digital technologies influence operational decision-making, organizational processes, and supply chain structures, as well as studies that explore how digital transformation can contribute to environmental and social sustainability.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Digital transformation in operations and supply chains
Artificial intelligence and data analytics in operations management
Blockchain applications in supply chain transparency and traceability
Platform-based operations and digital ecosystems
Digital technologies for sustainable operations and circular economy
Data-driven operational decision-making
Resilient and risk-aware supply chains in the digital era
Sustainable operations strategy and performance measurement
Human-centered digital innovation in operations systems
Responsible innovation and ethical implications of digital operations
The conference aims to stimulate high-quality academic dialogue and encourage research that contributes to the advancement of operations management theory and practice in the context of digital transformation and sustainable development.
June 22, 2026, at University of Surrey, UK
Keynote Speakers
The conference keynote speakers will include distinguished scholars Xiaolan Fu (Oxford), Meng Li (Houston), Rogelio Oliver (Texas A&M ), Sandun Perera (Nevada), and Iis Tussyadiah (Surrey).
Xiaolan Fu
Rogelio Oliver
Meng Li
Sandun Perera
Iis Tussyadiah
Conference Details
Dates: Monday, June 22, 2026.
Location: Stag Hill Campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH.
Host Institutions: University of Surrey, Chongqing University, and Human-Centered AI Society (HCAIS).
The University of Surrey, located in Guildford in the south-east of England, is a leading research university known for its strong focus on innovation, interdisciplinary research, and industry collaboration. Founded in 1966, Surrey has developed an international reputation in fields such as business, engineering, digital technologies, and sustainability. Surrey Business School is particularly recognized for its research in entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and responsible business. The university’s Stag Hill campus offers modern teaching and research facilities in a green and collaborative environment. Conveniently located about 35 minutes from central London, the University of Surrey provides an ideal setting for international academic exchange and scholarly collaboration.
Suggested Hotels:
Harbour Hotel (Website): 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3DA, UK (10 minutes taxi to the conference)
Holiday Inn (Website): Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XZ, UK (5 minutes taxi or 15 minutes walking to the conference)
Travelodge (Website): Woodbridge Meadows, Woodbridge Rd, Guildford, GU1 1BD UK (5 minutes taxi or 15 minutes walking to the conference - Budget Accommodation)
TBA (Website): TBA
Schedule: TBA
Registration Fees:
Participants will cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. The conference registration fee is $220 (academics and business professionals) and $170 (PhD students), which include conference materials, refreshments, lunch and Gala dinner.
This conference brings together leading scholars, journal editors, and researchers to discuss emerging topics at the intersection of digital innovation, operations management, and sustainability. The event aims to foster academic exchange and promote future research collaborations in this rapidly evolving field.
We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Surrey!
Program Committee
Conference Chairs:
Prof. Fengwen Chen, Chongqing University, China
Prof. Senmao Xia, University of Surrey, UK
Steering Committee:
Prof. Sandun Perera (Chair), University of Nevada, US
Prof. Fengwen Chen, Chongqing University, China
Prof. Senmao Xia, University of Surrey, UK
Prof. Meng Wu, Sichuan University, China
Organizing Committee:
Dr. Zhi Cao (HCAIS-Exco), Sichuan University, China
Ruoxi Yang, University of Surrey, UK
Jinlong Xie, University of Surrey, UK
Jiangwei Hua, University of Surrey, UK
Yifan Yang, University of Surrey, UK; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Sainan Ren, University of Surrey, UK, Harbin University of Science and Technology, China
Zhen Ma, University of Surrey, UK; Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China
Dr. Wei Wang, Chongqing University, China
Contact Us
Reach out for inquiries about HCAIS-Surrey Summer 2026
Contact
Meng Li, University of Houston
Sandun Perera, University of Nevada
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