Epoka University is pleased to invite young researchers, academics, and practitioners to submit their research contributions to the Young Researchers Conference 2026: interdisciplinary research, applied innovation, and collaboration among academia, industry, public institutions, and civil society. The conference is organized within the framework of the Sustainability for Future Initiative, which promotes capacity building, knowledge exchange, and innovation-driven solutions for sustainable development.

In the context of global economic, environmental, and social challenges, the conference aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for discussing innovative solutions that support sustainable, regenerative, and competitive economies in the Western Balkan countries and beyond. The event encourages young researchers to engage in academic dialogue, present empirical and conceptual research, and exchange ideas with scholars and professionals.

Priority will be given to proposals that take an original and creative approach to a specific question related to innovation, entrepreneurship, the circular economy, and sustainable and regenerative economic models that consider this question in terms of more than one country or culture. Interdisciplinary proposals are especially encouraged. We invite submissions on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable and circular business models
• Green innovation and eco-innovation
• Entrepreneurship for sustainable development
• Circular economy practices and policies
• Digital transformation and sustainability
• Sustainable finance and green investments
• ESG, corporate sustainability, and reporting
• Smart cities and sustainable urban development

Submissions are accepted in English and/or Albanian.

Abstracts may be submitted electronically to the Conference Committee via email to bus@epoka.edu.al, with the subject: YRC 2026.

Abstract submissions MUST include

• Name, title, institution, and email of all authors

• Title of proposed paper

• Abstract of a paper in Word format in 200-300 words

• A list of 5-10 keywords of the paper

• Brief biographical statement of all authors in Word format in a maximum of 200 words.

Important Dates

• Deadline for abstract submission: Friday, April 3, 2026

• Notification of acceptance of abstracts: Friday, April 17, 2026 

• Deadline for full paper submission: Friday, May 8, 2026

• Conference registration deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026

Conference registration is required for all presenters and attendees, through the link https://forms.gle/X1fYX7dKAYPfRYPF6

The registration fee for this conference is free.

Publication Opportunity

All accepted abstracts will be published in the Book of Abstracts with an ISBN.