As IFERA 2024 is approaching, we decided to share some reflections with our colleagues working behind the scenes of the annual conference. We have therefore interviewed the three chairs, Remedios Hernández Linares, Miguel Pina e Cunha and Alexandre Dias da Cunha to better understand their expectations and goals for the upcoming event.

1. IFERA 2024 theme is: “Family Firms Leading for Impact”. What is your personal interpretation of the conference theme and what are the main takeaways that our community will bring home from the conference?

In our view, firms exist to reach a number of different goals. Some of these goals are now described as “impact”, an idea that stresses the need for organizations to participate in the betterment of the world. Family firms are especially well positioned to play this role as their transgenerational view and their patient approach to business, powerful antidotes for short-termism, and their interest to build and to maintain a good reputation led them to prioritize the well-being of stakeholders and to foster a sense of responsibility towards future generations. But of course, impact raises its tensions – a topic we expect to be explored in our discussions.               

2. As our community of family business scholars is traditionally very linked to practitioners and family business owners, how do you believe these takeaways will then be translated into practical advices?

Impact happens through collaboration. New forms of collaboration are happening between universities and the corporate world. Knowledge built in the academic work spills over to practitioners via executive education, publications, and collaborations such as those that Nova SBE encourage though its knowledge centers. For instance, Leadership for Impact bridges the school with the world of organizations (family business, corporations, social organizations).

The partnership between Nova SBE and Católica-Lisbon in organizing IFERA also exemplifies another crucial layer of such collaboration, serving as a catalyst for bridging expertise from two leading institutions. Moreover, it also amplifies the outreach and impact of the research conducted within these schools. By coming together to host this event, Nova SBE and Católica-Lisbon foster a unique platform where scholars, practitioners, and family business owners converge to share experiences, challenges, and best practices.

Another way of making sure that takeaways have a practical impact is by having a special award for the paper that makes the “Best Contribution to Practice”, which will be selected by a prestigious panel of scholars and practitioners.       

3. Will the conference incorporate also interactive sessions or workshop to encourage active participation and learning among attendees?

Yes, the conference will indeed incorporate interactive sessions and workshops designed to encourage active participation and learning among attendees. For instance, we have planned a roundtable entitled “Leading for Impact,” which aims to explore the intersection between family influence and organizational impact across a variety of organizational types where family involvement is significant.

Additionally, our workshop “Meet the Editors” offers an interactive format that diverges from the traditional session style, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with editors from various journals. This setup facilitates an exchange of ideas about the future of family business research, methodologies, and data sources, allowing participants to receive personalized feedback on their research endeavors.

The inclusion of a Teaching Day further complements the conference’s interactive components. This day is filled with sessions aimed at sharing pedagogical expertise and innovative teaching methods, such as:

• A panel on “Teaching Family Business,” which discusses the integration of family business courses into curriculums and the value they add from both academic and practical viewpoints.
• A session on “Innovative Teaching Methods,” showcasing creative educational approaches, encouraging educators to adopt these methods in their teaching.

Moreover, we have workshops focused on syllabus development and the implementation of the flipped classroom model.

Through these diverse formats, the conference aims to foster a dynamic environment where academic insights are not only shared but also actively applied, enhancing the educational and practical landscape of family business research.

4. Last but not least, what should conference attendees not miss in Lisbon?

Well, the school is just in front of the ocean. Come ready! It’s June. In Lisbon, you might enjoy the southern European lifestyle (good food, good wines, long days). In our school you shouln’t miss the sunset. It is possible that we have the best sunset view of any business school in the world. And if you love surf, don’t forget your table! In Lisbon, you should not miss the Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle that overlooks the historical center of Lisbon, the “Mosteiro dos Jerónimos”, a former monastery in Belem, the Coaches Museum, or the MAAT to enjoy of exhibitions related to modern art, architecture and technology presented in an iconic building of curved lines that descends into the river. We also recommend visiting the “Casa de Fado” in Alfama to listen to live music performances of fado classics by Amália Rodrigues and others. And of course, Sintra and Cascais also deserve a visit!

We want to thank Remedios Hernández Linares, Miguel Pina e Cunha and Alexandre Dias da Cunha for their time to have this chat with them.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon!!!