From 11 to 12 June 2026, the symposium “Rethinking Economic Models: Sustainability, Finance, and Accounting in Times of Transformation” took place in Bucharest, Romania. The event was organised by Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) in cooperation with the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.
The symposium focused on the pressing challenges facing the global economy, including climate change, resource depletion, financial instability, and technological disruption. Participants discussed how economic models can be rethought to better integrate sustainability, responsible finance, and innovative accounting practices.
Representing the ITE, research staff members Lukas Speer and Inessa Prozorova took part in the event. The ITE contributed to the programme with both a presentation in a plenary session (Rethinking the Porter Hypothesis: From Bureaucratic Burden to Strategic Resilience in the German Mittelstand (2015-2023). An analysis of sustainability-focused firm strategy in stable and turbulent times) and a paper presentation (Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? Perceived Innovation Barriers and Firm Learning When Barriers Signal Engagement: Innovation Obstacles and Firm Learning).
The symposium offered valuable opportunities for networking with members of university administrations, teaching and research staff, students, members of the accounting profession, project officers and consultants, as well as others interested in the field.
In addition to the professional exchange, the event provided exciting insights into the research activities of other research groups from around the world and offered valuable inspiration for the ITE’s ongoing work on sustainable economic and transformation processes.
