In April 27–28, 2026, the Social Trends Institute and IESE Business School co-organized the international conference Building Bridges in a Fragmented World Economy: The Role of Companies and Business Leaders at IESE’s Barcelona campus.
The conference brought together approximately 40 leading scholars, business executives, and policymakers to reflect on one of the defining challenges of our time: how to respond to growing global fragmentation while fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and cooperative form of globalization.
In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and cultural polarization, the meeting offered an interdisciplinary forum for dialogue across fields including international business, economics, political science, international relations, and organizational behavior.
Over two days, participants examined the forces driving today’s fractured global landscape and discussed how companies and their leaders can help rebuild trust and strengthen collaboration across borders. Key questions addressed during the conference included:
- What geopolitical, economic, technological, and social dynamics are contributing to global fragmentation?
- What lessons from history and from diverse cultural perspectives can help navigate today’s tensions?
- Which business practices and public policies can mitigate the negative effects of fragmentation?
- How can business leaders promote common purpose and collective action in the face of global challenges?
The program featured presentations by distinguished scholars from institutions such as McGill University, Stanford University, Columbia University, Stockholm University, and Trinity College Dublin.
Among the featured speakers were Nancy Adler, Klaus Meyer, Tatiana Kostova, Pamela Hinds, Michael Morris, Álvaro Cuervo-Cazurra, Sarianna Lundan, David Collings, and Tony Fang. Their presentations explored topics ranging from leadership in times of populism and uncertainty to industrial policy, global labor markets, and cross-cultural approaches to international business.
A highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on “Rethinking International Business Leadership,” featuring Francisco Reynés, José Viñals, and Janne Haaland Matlary.
The conference was organized by IESE professors Jordi Canals, Sebastian Reiche, and Yih-Teen Lee in collaboration with the Social Trends Institute. It sought not only to deepen understanding of the causes and consequences of fragmentation, but also to inspire new research agendas and practical ideas for business and society.
By fostering thoughtful exchange among academics and practitioners, the event underscored the importance of building bridges across disciplines, sectors, and nations in order to address the complex challenges facing the global economy today.
For more information about the conference, visit the official event page at IESE Business School.