Environmental and social challenges in supply chains under discussion in Porto – with contributions from INESC TEC

For the second year, INESC TEC is joining forces with Porto Business School (PBS) to organise the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) event focused on sustainability. Abstract and workshop submissions are now open.

The EurOMA Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains Forum will arrive in Porto in 2026, following an online edition in 2025 – which will also be co-organised by INESC TEC. In line with the event’s environmental commitment, the Forum alternates between digital and in-person formats, promoting more sustainable organisational practices. Under the theme “Challenges for Regenerative Operations and Supply Chains in a ‘Polycrisis’ World”, the event aims to establish itself as a key reference for researchers discussing innovative and emerging topics in the field of operations management.

But the event will not be limited to theoretical discussions. According to Ricardo Zimmermann, INESC TEC researcher and one of the organisers, the goal is to generate “practical contributions for industry and the economy”, under a topic he described as “highly relevant and innovative.” Challenges like climate change, geopolitical instability, health emergencies, economic fragmentation, and social inequalities highlight the limitations of traditional, efficiency-driven operational and supply chain models.

Bringing regenerative approaches – aimed at restoring, renewing, and revitalising social and ecological systems – to the centre of the debate is urgent, and one of the reasons why the European Operations Management Association (EurOMA) event stands out as an “excellent opportunity” for researchers, mentioned Ricardo Zimmermann.

“Developing operations and supply chains that generate a positive impact on the environment and the societies they operate in is extremely challenging, but also highly impactful across different sectors. Moreover, the complexity that characterises contemporary society and the ‘polycrises’ that arise from it will be a key focus for reflection,” the researcher anticipated.

After bringing together participants from more than 25 different countries in 2025, Porto Business School is preparing to host, on 16 and 17 March next year, “leading researchers in the field from Europe and beyond.” One of the novelties for the upcoming edition is the introduction of two awards: the first will recognise the most innovative and potentially disruptive research presented during the event, while the second will highlight the most pioneering practices in teaching sustainability within operations and supply chain management.

The deadline for abstract submissions is 17 October, while contributions for co-creation sessions and teaching practice presentations may be submitted until 14 November. For more information, make sure to check the event’s website.

The researcher mentioned in this news piece is associated with INESC TEC.