The Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, has officially opened the 20th International Symposium on Organizational Sciences – SymOrg 2026, one of the most prominent scientific gatherings in Southeast Europe. For nearly four decades, SymOrg has served as a meeting point for leading researchers, university professors, experts, and industry representatives from around the world.
The twentieth edition of SymOrg is being held 39 years after the first symposium, reaffirming the continuity, international reputation, and significance of the conference in shaping contemporary developments in organizational sciences, management, information systems, and digital transformation. This year’s theme, “Resilient and Intelligent Organizations in Times of Permanent Disruption,” focuses on the key challenges organizations face in an era of rapid technological, economic, and societal change.
The opening ceremony was marked by a performance of Polyphon, the Faculty’s professors’ choir, followed by an address by Prof. Marko Mihić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences.
Welcoming participants from Serbia and abroad, Dean Mihić emphasized that since its establishment, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences has built its identity on interdisciplinarity, innovation, and strong collaboration with industry.
“For more than half a century, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences has educated generations of professionals who have shaped the development of organizations, institutions, and economies. The values upon which FOS was founded – the integration of knowledge, technology, and management – are more relevant today than ever before and constitute the foundation of the discussions taking place at SymOrg,” said Prof. Mihić.
Speaking about the role of the conference, he highlighted that SymOrg represents a unique platform for connecting academia and industry, fostering international cooperation, and exchanging ideas that shape the future of organizations.
Prof. Boris Delibašić, PhD, Chair of the SymOrg 2026 Program Committee, presented the key achievements and scope of this year’s conference, emphasizing its strong international character.
“Resilience and intelligence have become essential capabilities for organizations operating in an environment characterized by uncertainty and constant change. This is precisely why SymOrg brings together researchers seeking new models of management, decision-making, and organizational development,” said Prof. Delibašić.
This year’s symposium has gathered authors from 22 countries, with 138 accepted papers and a total of 352 authors, further confirming SymOrg’s position as a relevant international platform for presenting cutting-edge research and exchanging experiences in the field of organizational sciences.
Particular attention was attracted by the keynote lectures delivered by distinguished international scholars.
Prof. Justin Paul, PhD, from the University of Puerto Rico and one of the most highly cited contemporary researchers in management and international business, delivered a keynote lecture entitled “The Art of Writing: 10 Types of Review Articles.” Addressing the growing importance of review articles in academic research, he presented contemporary methodological approaches and practical guidelines for developing papers capable of generating significant scholarly impact. He particularly emphasized the role of systematic literature reviews in identifying emerging research directions, enhancing research quality, and advancing scientific disciplines.
The importance of leadership in times of crisis was addressed by Prof. Alexander Stajković, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the world’s leading scholars in organizational behavior and leadership. In his lecture, “When It Matters Most: Gender Differences in Leadership Resilience and Effectiveness in Crisis,” he presented findings from contemporary research on leadership resilience and effectiveness during periods of heightened uncertainty. Particular attention was devoted to different leadership styles, trust-building processes, and organizations’ ability to respond successfully to the challenges of a dynamic and unpredictable business environment.
Perspectives on Serbia’s economic development were presented by Prof. Andrea Ivanišević, PhD, from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad. In her lecture, “Economy, Tourism and the Future: Insights into Serbia’s Development Perspectives,” she analyzed the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth, emphasizing the importance of data-driven management and the application of rigorous economic models in designing sustainable development strategies.
Over the coming days, participants will engage in scientific sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and professional forums dedicated to the most pressing topics in organizational sciences, management, information systems, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
With the opening of SymOrg 2026, the Faculty of Organizational Sciences has once again reaffirmed its role as a regional leader in organizational sciences and its commitment to advancing research, international cooperation, and stronger connections between academia and industry.
The jubilee 20th International Symposium SymOrg 2026 has been supported by numerous partners and sponsors from the academic, public, and business sectors, whose support highlights the importance of bridging science and practice in addressing contemporary organizational challenges.
