China’s Economic and Business Transformation in a Changing Global Context
New growth drivers, global reconfiguration, and emerging business realities
Hosted by
The Emerging Market Research Group, The University of Sydney Business School, and
The China Studies Centre, The University of Sydney
Call for papers
China’s economy is entering a new phase marked by structural adjustment, technological advancement, demographic change, green transition, and evolving patterns of business development. These changes are unfolding alongside broader shifts in the global economy, including the reorganisation of trade, investment, production networks, and regional cooperation. Together, these developments are reshaping China’s domestic business environment and its economic links with the Asia-Pacific and the wider world.
The 36rd Annual CESA Conference, hosted by the Emerging Market Research Group and The China Studies Centre at The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, invites submissions of original research on the Chinese economy and firms. This conference invites papers that explore the implications of these shifts for China’s economic development, business transformation, and international engagement. We welcome submissions from a range of disciplinary and methodological perspectives, including economics, business, management, political economy, and related fields. Topics may include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic restructuring, trade and investment, innovation and industrial upgrading, digitalisation, sustainability, regulation and governance, and China’s evolving international economic relations.
Conference Themes
The conference welcomes papers that examine, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- China’s changing growth model and macroeconomic adjustment
- Trade, investment, and the reconfiguration of global and regional supply chains
- Innovation, digital transformation, and the future of Chinese business
- Regulation, governance, and the evolving institutional environment
- Green development, sustainability, and energy transition
- China’s economic and business relations with Australia, Asia-Pacific, and the wider world
We look forward to receiving your high-quality submissions. Accepted papers will be presented at the conference, providing an excellent opportunity to share your research insights and engage in fruitful discussions with fellow scholars.
Local Organising Committee
Dr Wei Li (Co-chair), The University of Sydney
Professor Vikas Kumar (Co-chair), The University of Sydney
Professor Roc Shi (Co-chair), University of Technology Sydney
Key Dates
Abstract submissions open: 15 April 2026
Abstract submissions deadline: 1 August 2026
Early bird registration deadline: 31 August 2026
Registration Fees
Registration fee: AU$385, including GST.
Student registration fee: AU$275, including GST.
Early bird discount: AU$50.
Please note that registration does not include the conference dinner. The conference dinner is charged separately at AU$132, including GST.
Conference enquiries and paper abstract submissions: cesa2026@163.com
Conference website: https://www.aeti.au/cesa2026