IMS Unison University Logo

International
Conference 2026

Redefining Value Creation - Digital Transformation for a Sustainable and Human-centric Economy (ICON-26)

Organised by School of Management
& Liberal Arts

MODE Hybrid Mode

SCHEDULED ON April 10-11, 2026

Conference Overview

IMS Unison University

IMS Unison University, Dehradun, is a premier multidisciplinary private university in Uttarakhand, known for its strong academic ethos, industry oriented pedagogy, and emphasis on holistic education. Established with the vision of nurturing competent professionals and responsible global citizens, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across Management, Liberal Arts, Law, Hospitality, Media & Communication and Computer Applications.

IMS Unison University places strong emphasis on experiential learning, research-driven teaching, and continuous industry engagement through internships, live projects, simulations, and expert interactions. Its scenic campus at Makkawala Greens, Dehradun, provides an intellectually stimulating and environmentally conscious setting for academic and research pursuits.

School of Management & Liberal Arts

The School of Management & Liberal Arts (SoML) at IMS Unison University is recognized as one of India’s leading B-Schools, distinguished by its strong focus on experiential learning, industry engagement, and skill based education.

The School offers a dynamic and continuously evolving curriculum that integrates contemporary managerial practices, AI enabled tools, and leadership development initiatives to prepare students for future-ready careers. Teaching–learning at SoML is driven by case-based pedagogy, live industry exposure, and interactions with experienced professionals, ensuring strong practical orientation alongside academic rigor.

Supported by smart classrooms, Wi-Fi enabled laboratories, modern auditoriums, and student-centric infrastructure, the School provides a conducive environment for holistic development. Emphasis on leadership, ethics, and character building, complemented by value-added certification and technology-driven development programs, enables SoML to nurture competent, socially responsible, and globally relevant management professionals.

Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS)

Gedu College of Business Studies (GCBS) is the only A+ nationally accredited government constituent college under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and an AACSB member. Established in 2008 in western Bhutan, the college spans a 184.5-acre campus and offers a vibrant learning environment supported by modern infrastructure, including IT labs, library facilities, accommodation, conference halls, and sports complexes.

With a strong team of national and international faculty, GCBS is committed to developing ethical, competent, and globally relevant management professionals. Guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the college emphasizes values-driven education, impactful research, industry engagement, sustainability, and responsible leadership to contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic development.

ICON-2026

The International Conference on “Redefining Value Creation: Digital Transformation for a Sustainable and Human-Centric Economy” (ICON-2026) aims to provide a global platform for academicians, researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on the evolving paradigms of value creation in the digital age. As organizations and societies increasingly adopt digital technologies, the conference seeks to critically examine how innovation, data-driven systems, and emerging technologies can be aligned with sustainability, inclusivity, and human well-being.

ICON-2026 will focus on interdisciplinary perspectives across management, economics, technology, social sciences, and liberal arts, emphasizing responsible digital transformation that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and ethical considerations. The conference will encourage evidence-based discussions, empirical research, and industry-oriented insights addressing contemporary challenges such as digital governance, sustainable business models, AI enabled decision-making, future skills, and inclusive development.

University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public, regional comprehensive university founded in 1835, committed to academic excellence, student success, and global engagement. UWA blends a strong liberal arts foundation with professionally focused programs that prepare graduates for leadership in a rapidly changing world. In the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, UWA is ranked #85 among Regional Universities in the South and #42 among Top Public Schools

Skyline University (SUN)

Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) is a federally licensed private university located in Kano State, Nigeria, and has been operating since May 2018. The University evolved from Skyline University College (SUC), established in 1990 in Sharjah, UAE, and carries forward its legacy of academic excellence and holistic education. SUN received its full operational license from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in November 2022, reaffirming its commitment to quality higher education aligned with national and global standards.

Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research

Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (CSIBER), Kolhapur, is an empowered autonomous institute under UGC and Shivaji University, recognized for excellence in management education, research, and industry engagement. With a strong legacy of academic rigor and innovation, CSIBER offers high-quality programmes in management and allied disciplines, fostering leadership, entrepreneurship, and ethical values.

DoBM, HNB Garhwal University

Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) was established in 1973 as a State University through a popular mass movement aimed at promoting higher education in the Garhwal region. In 2009, HNBGU was upgraded to a Central University under the Central Universities Act, 2009. Nestled in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, it is a residential-cum-affiliating university with three campuses and jurisdiction over seven districts, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, including region-specific courses.

Established in 1996 with AICTE approval, the Department of Business Management offers MBA and Ph.D. programmes and admits students through CUET. Teaching–learning focuses on experiential pedagogy, industry exposure, research orientation, and holistic personality development through projects, internships, simulations, and academic events.

The Pre-Conference Workshop

A full-day Pre-Conference Workshop on AI-enabled tools and techniques for research, academic writing, and data analytics, will be held on 9 April 2026 at IMS Unison University as part of ICON-2026. The workshop is designed for faculty members, research scholars, and professionals seeking to enhance research quality and publication outcomes.

It will focus on research design, academic writing, data analysis, and publication strategies, with hands-on exposure to AI-enabled tools for literature review, data handling, and manuscript preparation. Participants will gain practical insights into structuring high-impact papers, selecting journals, understanding reviewer expectations, and improving acceptance potential.

The workshop will also highlight emerging trends in interdisciplinary research and the growing role of digital platforms in scholarly communication. Through interactive discussions and guided exercises, participants will learn how to align their work with international standards and maximize visibility in global academic networks.

University Collaboration

  • Royal University of Bhutan

    Royal University of Bhutan

  • Gedu College of Business Studies

    Gedu College of Business Studies

  • University of West Alabama, US

    University of West Alabama, US

  • Kolhapur India

    CSIBER(Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research)

  • Department of Business Management, HNB Garhwal University, India

    HNB Garhwal University Department of Business Management

  • Skyline

    Skyline University, Nigeria

Knowledge Partners

  • AMDISA

    AMDISA

  • Association of Indian Management Schools

    AIMS (Association of Indian Management Schools)

  • Institution Innovation Council

    Institution Innovation Council

Conference Tracks

  • Human-centric AI and responsible AI systems
  • AI ethics, governance, and regulatory frameworks
  • Industry 5.0 and smart manufacturing
  • AI in supply chain and operations management
  • Digital twins, robotics, and automation
  • Generative AI in business and education
  • Cybersecurity, privacy, and AI risk management
  • Algorithmic trading ethics and financial risk modelling
  • "Human-in-the-loop" decision-making in automated industries
  • Lean 5.0: Balancing operational efficiency with employee empowerment

  • ESG measurement, reporting, and disclosures
  • Green finance and sustainable investment
  • Circular economy and sustainable business models
  • Climate change, carbon neutrality, and net-zero strategies
  • Sustainable tourism and responsible consumption
  • Green technologies and renewable energy systems
  • Policy frameworks for sustainable development
  • Integrated Reporting: Bridging financial and social value
  • Blue Finance and Green Bonds: Funding the ecological transition
  • Marketing Authenticity: Strategies to eliminate greenwashing

  • Predictive, prescriptive, and cognitive analytics
  • Big data, cloud analytics, and data governance
  • AI-driven decision support systems
  • Text, web, and social media analytics
  • Customer, marketing, and financial analytics
  • Analytics for sustainability and social impact
  • Policy frameworks for sustainable development
  • People Analytics: Data-driven talent retention and wellbeing
  • FinTech Analytics: Alternative data for financial inclusion
  • Predictive modeling for organizational resilience and crisis management

  • Digital business models and platform ecosystems
  • Start-up innovation and entrepreneurial finance
  • Technology adoption and diffusion of innovation
  • Design thinking and agile transformation
  • Digital transformation strategy and leadership
  • Open innovation and industry–academia collaboration
  • Innovation for inclusive and sustainable growth
  • Venture Capital 2.0: Valuing intangible digital assets
  • Corporate Intrapreneurship: Managing innovation within legacy firms
  • The Twin Transition: Aligning digital and green strategie

  • Digital and social media marketing strategies
  • AI-driven marketing and personalization
  • Circular economy and sustainable business models
  • Consumer behavior in digital and virtual environments
  • E-commerce, m-commerce, and platform markets
  • Influencer marketing and content economy
  • Branding in the age of AI and metaverse
  • Ethics, privacy, and trust in digital marketing
  • The "Subscription Economy": Moving from ownership to access
  • Phygital Retail: The psychology of blended shopping experiences
  • Social Commerce: Humanizing the digital customer journey

  • Future skills, reskilling, and upskilling
  • AI and HR analytics for talent management
  • Hybrid work, remote leadership, and wellbeing
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and digital justice
  • Leadership in digitally transformed organizations
  • Employee engagement, culture, and performance management
  • Learning, development, and lifelong employability
  • Managing the "Gig" Economy: Freelance talent in digital ecosystems
  • Digital Wellbeing: Corporate policies to mitigate 24/7 connectivity stress
  • The Digital Psychological Contract: Redefining employee-employer loyalty
Please Note

The tracks outlined serve as overarching thematic domains. The sub-themes are indicative rather than exhaustive, and contributions addressing additional, contextually relevant aspects within these domains are equally encouraged.

Certificate of Excellence

To recognize and encourage outstanding scholarly contributions, Best Paper Awards will be given for each track.

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers will be published in scopus indexed conference proceedings, as per the journal policy.

Review Process

1. Plagiarism Check Every paper will be screened using advanced plagiarism detection tools (e.g., Turnitin) to maintain ethical publication practices.

2. Evaluation Panel Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experienced national and international academicians, subject matter experts, and journal reviewers.

3. High Acceptance Standards Only papers demonstrating strong academic rigor and innovation will be forwarded to the desk level of the journal or recommended journal.

4. Mode of Presentation Hybrid Mode (Online & Offline)

Submission Guidelines

  • Papers must follow the IEEE format.
  • Abstract (200–250 words) with 3–5 keywords in MS Word format.
  • Times New Roman, 10 pt (regular text), Single line spacing.
  • APA 7th edition referencing.
  • Maximum 5000 words (6–8 pages including tables, figures, and references).
  • Plagiarism checks via Turnitin (less than 15%).
  • Each submission will undergo a double-blind peer review process.
  • Abstract and full papers can be submitted through Microsoft CMT

Organizing Committee

PATRONS

Mr. Amit Agarwal

Mr. Amit Agarwal President
IMS Unison University
Dehradun, India

Dr. Anil SubbaRao Paila

Dr. Anil SubbaRao Paila Vice Chancellor
IMS Unison University
Dehradun, India

Dr. Anitha Ramachander

Dr. Anitha Ramachander Pro Vice Chancellor
IMS Unison University
Dehradun, India

Conference Chairs

Dr. Sunil Jakhoria

Dr. Sunil Jakhoria Professor & Dean
School of Management & Liberal Arts, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. R. K.Tailor

Dr. R. K.Tailor Professor & Director
Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business, Education and Research, India

Conference Co-Chairs

Dr. Tshewang Phuntsho

Dr. Tshewang Phuntsho Head, Business Research Centre GCBS
School of Management & Liberal Arts, Royal University of Bhutan

Mrs. Sarada Maganti

Mrs. Sarada Maganti Director
Government Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, Skyline University, Nigeria

Dr. Madhura K. Mane

Dr. Madhura K. Mane Dean
School of Business (CSIBER), India

Dr. Mahendra Babu Kuruva

Dr. Mahendra Babu Kuruva Professor & Head
Department of Business, Management, HNBGU, India

Conference Conveners

Dr. Srijib Shankar Jha

Dr. Srijib Shankar Jha Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Parshuram Dangwal

Dr. Parshuram Dangwal Associate Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Pankaj Misra

Dr. Pankaj Misra Associate Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Vijay Kumar

Dr. Pankaj Misra Associate Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Sneha Badola

Dr. Sneha Badola Assistant Professor (Senior Scale)
SoML, MS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Organizing Secretaries

Dr. Himanshu Mahobia

Dr. Himanshu Mahobia Associate Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Priyanka Chopra

Dr. Priyanka Chopra Assistant Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Madhu Bisht

Dr. Madhu Bisht Assistant Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Shiv Kumar

Dr. Shiv Kumar Assistant Professor
SoML, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India

Dr. Shailendrasingh Dikit

Dr. Shailendrasingh Dikit Assistant Professor
School of Business (CSIBER), India

Advisory Board

SN Name Status
1 Dr. K.S. Chandrasekar Vice Chancellor
Cluster University of Jammu, India
2 Dr. Mark Davis Dean of International Programs
University of West Alabama, US
3 Ms. Akali Fulmer International Enrollment Management Professional
University of West Alabama, US
4 Dr. Wong Siew Fong Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor
MILA University, Malaysia
5 Mrs. Sarada Maganti Director, Government Public
Relations and Corporate Affairs, Skyline University, Nigeria
6 Dr. Parag Kalkar President
AIMS and Pro Vice Chancellor, SPPU, Pune, India
7 Dr. Amitabh Anand Professor
Excelia Business School, France
8 Mr. Sreekanth K Arimanithaya Chief Executive Officer
Xarpie Labs, Bangalore, India
9 Dr. S. S Prasad Rao Dean-Centre for Teaching & Learning
L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai, India
10 Dr. Ramakrishna Yanamandra Program Chair - BBA – SOB
Horizon University College, Ajman, UAE
11 Dr. Kingshuk Mukherjee Business Department Chair
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Minnesota, US
12 Dr. Sy Saulynas Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Information Systems University of Maryland, Baltimore, US
13 Dr. Jonathan Pierce Professor & Assistant Director of International Recruitment
University of Illinois, Springfield, US
14 Dr. Raghu Yadaganti Coordinator, Centre for Continuing Learning
Skyline University, Nigeria

Editorial Board

SN Name Status
1 Dr. Sunil Kumar Jakhoria Professor & Dean
School of Management & Liberal Arts IMS Unison University, India
2 Dr. R. K.Tailor Professor & Director
Chhatrapati Shahu Institute of Business Education and Research (CSIBER), India
3 Mrs. Sarada Maganti Relations and Corporate Affairs
Skyline University, Nigeria
4 Dr. R. S. Pillai Professor & Director
WGSHA - MAHE, Manipal, India
5 Dr. S. S Prasad Rao Dean-Centre for Teaching & Learning
L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research Mumbai, India
6 Dr. Kingshuk Mukherjee Business Department Chair
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Minnesota, US
7 Dr. Tshewang Phuntsho Head, Business Research Centre, GCBS
Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan
8 Dr. Makarand Upadhyaya Associate Professor of Marketing
School of Business Management NMIMS Mumbai, India
9 Dr. Asha Prasad Professor
HR & OB BIT Mesra, Noida, India
10 Dr. Safal Batra Associate Professor
IIM Kashipur, India
11 Dr. Pankaj Mishra Associate Professor
School of Management & Liberal Arts IMS Unison University, India

Must-Visit Destinations

Dehradun, one of India's oldest cities shines like a radiant jewel nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas mountain ranges. The city is perched at an elevation of 435 meters and is currently enjoying its stature as the capital of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is the gateway to the famous hill station of Mussoorie and the pilgrimage spots of Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Doon Valley is situated between two of India's mightiest rivers—the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. Dehradun is famous for its picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate and the city provides a gateway to the surrounding regions of the Garhwal Himalayas. The city hosts the famous Forest Research Institute, RIMC, IMA, ONGC and Survey of India to name a few. It is almost a one-hour drive to Dehradun from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Saharanpur and Paonta Sahib.

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple

Buddha Temple

Buddha Temple

Mussoorie

Mussoorie

Sahastradhara

Sahastradhara

Event Schedule

Confernce Schedule of three day 9th April to 11th April 2026

Day 01 9th April 2026

Pre-Conference Workshop

9:30 AM -
10:00 AM

Participant registration and kit distribution for workshop

10:00 AM -
10:30 AM

Inauguration of Pre-Conference Workshop

10:30 AM -
1:00 PM

Workshop on “AI-enabled tools and techniques for research, academic writing, and data analytics”

1:00 PM -
2:00 PM

Lunch Break

2:00 PM -
4:30 PM

Demonstration of research tools

4:30 PM -
5:00 PM

Certificate & Closing Remarks

Day 02 10th April 2026

Conference I

9:00 AM -
10:00 AM

Delegate registration, networking

10:00 AM -
11:00 AM

Inaugural Ceremony

11:00 AM -
11:30 AM

Group Photo, Tea Break

11:30 AM -
1:00 PM

Panel discussion on “Sustainability in the Digital Age: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility”

1:00 PM -
2:00 PM

Lunch Break

2:00 PM -
4:30 PM

Parallel Technical Sessions

4:30 PM -
5:00 PM

Tea Break, Informal networking

5:00 PM -
6:00 PM

Cultural Performance

Day 03 11th April 2026

Conference II

10:00 AM -
10:45 AM

Keynote Addresses

10:45 AM -
11:00 AM

Tea Break

11:00 AM -
1:30 PM

Parallel Technical Sessions

1:30 PM -
3:00 PM

Lunch Break

3:15 PM -
4:00 PM

Valedictory Ceremony

4:00 PM -
4:30 PM

Certificate & Awards Distribution

4:30 PM -
4:45 PM

Closing remarks and future collaboration announcements

4:45 PM -
5:00 PM

Group Photo

Registration Process

Important Dates
Activity Date
Last date for Abstract/Full Paper Submission March 31, 2026
Notification of Decision On Rolling Basis
Last Date to Register for the Conference March 31, 2026
Pre-conference Workshop April 9, 2026
Conference Dates April 10–11, 2026
Mode of Payment
Beneficiary IMS Unison University
Bank Name HDFC Bank Ltd., Rajpur Road, Dehradun
Account Number 50100806743532
IFSC Code HDFC0000225
Swift Code HDFCINBB
Email ID icon2026@iuu.ac

Delegates willing to attend the conference online/offline are advised to register with the given link along with requisite fee at the earliest.

QR Code

Registration Fee
Category Indian Delegates (₹) International Delegates ($)
Faculty Members / Industry 4,130 200
Research Scholars 2,950 100
Pre-Conference Workshop 590 30
Students 590 30

*including 18% GST

Please Note

For the convenience of participants, accommodation at nearby facilities can be arranged upon prior request. Please note that the accommodation charges will be borne by the participants and are not included in the registration fee.

Registration fee is non-refundable. The registration fee includes a conference kit. Lunch & snacks will be provided on each conference day, along with a certificate of presentation/participation.

Help Desk Enquiries

Invitation Queries Invitation Committee

Dr. Rinki Verma

Paper Submission Review Committee

Dr. P. G. Dangwal

Registration Registration Committee

Dr. Madhu Bisht

Travel & Accommodation Hospitality Committee

Dr. Himanshu Mahobia