At a time of accelerated global change, geopolitical tensions, unprecedented disruptions, and heightened environmental and social awareness, research in operations management offers valuable opportunities to shape sustainable responses to these complex challenges. The collective work of researchers in this field, informs how organizations adapt, innovate, and succeed—not only in stable environments, but also in times of crisis and complexity.

The EurOMA26 brings together leading minds and emerging voices to explore a range of critical themes shaping the future of operations. Central among them are circular operations, which redefine resource use for sustainability; digital transformation, which is revolutionizing how services and supply chains function; and the interplay between humans and technology, which remains at the heart of innovation.

The EurOMA26 also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, acknowledging that today’s operational challenges demand insights from economics, engineering, social sciences, management studies, and beyond. Operations management in emerging economies and disaster relief contexts is also a crucial area of focus, where innovation, resourcefulness, and adaptability intersect in critical settings. Additional topics include operations management in times of crisis, where agility and resilience become existential.

Special attention is given to the development of resilient supply chains, capable of withstanding disruptions and adapting to global shifts. The evolution of service operations and the growing trend of servitisation—the shift from selling products to delivering solutions—will also feature prominently.

The EurOMA26 conference offers an opportunity for engaging discussions, shared insights, and inspirations for future research.