Category Archives: CBISS Events

CBISS Research Forum-Facilitation and Ethics in Digital Products

CBISS Events
CBISS warmly invites you to join our CBISS Research Forum
🗓 Wednesday 26 November
⏰ 13:00 – 14:00
📌 CRL 1/07
 
 
“Facilitation and Ethics in Digital Products”
At the Centre for Business Innovation & Sustainable Solutions (CBISS), we champion responsible, human-centred innovation. As digital products increasingly shape behaviour and influence decisions, the question of how we design ethically has never been more critical.
We are delighted to host a research forum session exploring:
How do we remain ethical when designing digital products people want to use?
How do we balance behavioural insight with respect for users’ autonomy?
In a world coloured by fact-resistant social media and rising digital manipulation and scams, ethical and transparent digital design is essential. We must facilitate meaningful conversations to ensure we are building products that truly serve both users and organisations.
This talk will introduce the Digital Ethics Compass, developed by the Danish Design Center, offering a practical framework for navigating ethical dilemmas throughout product development.
Speaker
Anne Cathrine Wind Fallesen – Copenhagen School of Design and Technology (KĂžbenhavns Erhvervsakademi)
Anne  brings broad experience across organisations including IBM, Systematic, Bonnier Publications, and the Danish Agency for IT & Learning, where she has led agile transformation, product development, and team motivation. She is also the author of “Developers Are Also Humans”.
Why Attend
  • Learn practical strategies to embed ethics into digital design
  • Strengthen facilitation practices across product and research teams
  • Connect with colleagues in an open and collaborative research forum

CBISS Research Forum: The Future of Work: Strategies, Contradictions, and Innovation

CBISS Events
The Future of Work: Strategies, Contradictions, and Innovation
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday 19th November 14.00-16.00
📍 Location: CRL_2/05 Craiglockhart Campus
Event Overview
What will the future of work look like in the face of accelerating technological change, shifting institutions, and workers’ struggles to shape their organisations? This forum brings together leading international scholars to explore how labour, markets, and innovation collide—creating both contradictions and opportunities.
Across two thought-provoking talks, we will explore:
  • How workers’ collective strategies challenge and reshape organisations under pressure from capital and institutions.
  • How long cycles of economic change, from steam power to artificial intelligence, have redefined labour and the structures of capitalism.
Together, these perspectives offer a fresh lens on the contested strategies and transformative forces that will shape the next stage of work and innovation.
The CBISS Research Forum is part of our mission to engage world-leading researchers here in Edinburgh, creating a space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cross-border collaboration. By connecting diverse perspectives, CBISS aims to spark innovative ideas and long-term research partnerships that address pressing global challenges.
Speakers
Jon Las Heras
Senior Lecturer, University of the Basque Country
PhD, University of Manchester | Research in Critical Management Studies, Labour Sociology, Industrial Relations
Talk: A Future Without Conflict? Labour’s Strategies and the Contradictions of Work
Jon will examine how labour movements—from cooperatives to trade unions—struggle to democratise production and representation while navigating the relentless discipline of markets and institutions. Drawing on his latest research, he argues that contradictions are not dysfunctions but the very terrain where workers forge strategies, test power, and reshape organisations.
Nikolaos Chatzarakis
Assistant Professor of Economics, The New School for Social Research (New York) & Trinity College Dublin
PhD in Political Economy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Author of Economic Growth and Long Cycles: A Classical Political Economy Approach (Routledge, 2024)
Talk: A M-K-S Analysis of the Future of Work and Technology
Nikolaos takes the long view, tracing how innovations—from the steam engine to AI and 3-D printing—have repeatedly reshaped labour productivity and economic institutions. Using a Marx-Keynes-Schumpeter framework, he models the cycles of capitalism and asks: What might the next phase of development look like? What institutions and labour relations will define it?
Why Attend?
  • Engage with leading voices on labour, innovation, and economic transformation.
  • Gain insights into how contradictions, crises, and creativity shape the evolving world of work.
  • Explore what the next era of capitalism might mean for organisations, workers, and societies.
  • Join CBISS in building an international research community that drives collaboration, innovation, and impact.

CBISS Research Forum: Minority Entrepreneurship & Social Change

CBISS Events
CBISS partnered with Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE)–European Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ECSB) Collaborative Workshop on Minority Entrepreneurship & Social Change
10 October 2025 | 10:00–16:00 (GMT) | Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill (2D 04)
Lunch included
How do minority entrepreneurs drive real social change—for better and sometimes for worse? Join us for a dynamic, interdisciplinary workshop co-hosted by the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (Entrepreneurship in Minority Groups) and the European Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (Social Change Group).
What’s inside:
⚡ Lightning talks with Professor Sukanlaya Sawang, Professor Natalia Vershinina, Dr Sophie Alkhaled, and Dr Deema Refai
💬 World CafĂ© discussions on challenges, frameworks, and methods
🚀 Collaborative sprint to shape new research ideas with impact
đŸ€ Networking to spark partnerships and funding opportunities
🧭 Reflections & next steps (including potential special issues)
Who should attend?
 Researchers exploring entrepreneurship through gender, ethnicity, religion, race, disability, refugee and other marginalised lenses—and anyone interested in how entrepreneurship transforms economies, communities, and institutions.

The 5th CBISS Business Leadership Forum: Making the Circular Economy Work – Bridging Policy, Business and Technology

CBISS Events
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming forum:
“Making the Circular Economy Work – Bridging Policy, Business and Technology”
📅 Date & Time: Wednesday 8th October 2025, 13:00–16:00
📍 Location: Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus (Room CLR 2/07)
Hosted by the Centre for Business Innovation and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS) in partnership with Edinburgh B Corp, this event brings together leaders from Scottish Government, pioneering businesses, and digital innovators to explore practical pathways to a circular economy. Expect lively discussion, real-world case studies, and networking with a community committed to building a sustainable future.
Programme Highlights:
đŸ”č Welcome and Opening Remarks – Associate Professor Miles Weaver, CBISS Theme Lead
đŸ”č Scotland’s Policy Roadmap for a Circular Economy – Maurice Golden MSP
đŸ”č Embedding Sustainability in Everyday Products – Eilidh O’Connor, Vegware
đŸ”č How Digital Tools Can Support Circular Business – Barry O’Kane, HappyPorch
đŸ”č Leveraging B Corp Certification for a Circular Scotland – Jayne Saywell, Black Skies Blue / Edinburgh B Corp 500
đŸ”č Panel Discussion (Policy, Business & Technology) – Practical insights on how to overcome barriers and scale solutions
đŸ”č Networking Session – Connect with fellow leaders and innovators
💡 Why attend?
  • Gain insider perspectives on Scotland’s policy direction
  • Hear from businesses successfully embedding circularity into their models
  • Explore how digital tools and certifications like B Corp can drive real change
  • Build your network across policy, academia, and industry
👉 Places are limited – join us to be part of the conversation shaping Scotland’s sustainable future.

The 4th CBISS Business Leadership Forum: Shaping Scotland’s Circular Economy

CBISS Events
Hosted at Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS), and led by our Circular Economy, Sustainable Consumption and Supply Chains theme lead, Professor Eoin Plant-O’Toole PhD , this focused and practical session will explore how Scotland can take the lead in driving a sustainable, circular future.
Over two hours, you’ll hear from leading voices, including:
 ✅ Leah Gallacher – The Scottish Government Circular Economy Division, setting the broader Scottish CE context
 ✅ Sophie Rippinger – Freelance Circular Economy Advisor & Dr Alex Speakman – NHS Lothian, sharing practical applications of the Earth Centred Business Design Framework with EVA Biosystems
 ✅ Colin Brown – Sustainability Connects, on embedding sustainability in practice
You’ll gain:
Â đŸŒ± Insights into Scotland’s circular economy strategy
Â đŸŒ± Practical tools and frameworks like Earth Centred Business Design
Â đŸŒ± Real-world examples you can apply in your own organisation
The event will close with a networking session – your chance to connect with professionals, policymakers, and innovators who are committed to creating a sustainable future for Scotland.
📅 Date: 16th September
 📍 Venue: Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University (Room 3/09)
 ⏰ Time: 10:00 – 12:00
✹ Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, academic, or student – this is your opportunity to gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections.
👉 Secure your spot and be part of the conversation on how Scotland can accelerate its transition to a sustainable, circular economy.

The 3rd CBISS Leadership Forum: Responsible AI Symposium

CBISS Events
This symposium brings together key voices from both the public and private sectors, with keynote speakers from local Scottish agencies such as The Scottish AI Alliance and FinTech Scotland,JP Morgans, alongside international experts from Japan, where AI technology is at the forefront of national innovation strategies.
The event will also showcase some of the latest research and technological developments from Edinburgh Napier University and our partners, offering practical insights for SMEs seeking to adopt AI for business growth. We hope the symposium will also spark new research collaborations and industry partnerships.
Provisional Keynote Topics Include:
  • Why trust, ethics and inclusion matters?
  • From Regulation to Innovation: Shaping Ethical AI for Financial Inclusion
  • Conscious AI – Mission (Im)Possible?
  • Trustworthy AI in Multimodal Systems: Bridging Cognitive Data and Practice
Please note: keynote topics are tentative and may be subject to change.
The programme includes panel discussions and plenty of time for networking and idea exchange, with a shared commitment to advancing responsible AI in practice.
This event is funded by UKRI and the British Council, and delivered in partnership between Musashino University (Japan) and Edinburgh Napier University the Business School and Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Soultions (CBISS).
We look forward to welcoming you!
Note: Cancellation Policy
If you are no longer able to attend the symposium, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 2 days in advance, where possible.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please RSVP for catering purpose (lunch and breaks are included)
📅 Tuesday, 9th September 2025; 9.00-14.00
📍 Rivers Suite Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University

The 2nd CBISS Business Leadership Forum: Navigating Minimum Wage Changes – Challenges and Strategies for SMEs

CBISS Events

With the UK government’s upcoming minimum wage increase, SMEs must adapt quickly to balance rising costs while maintaining growth and competitiveness. How can businesses turn this challenge into an opportunity?

Join industry leaders and policymakers for an insightful discussion hosted by the Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS) in collaboration with ENU Alumni.

What to Expect:

  • The real impact of minimum wage changes on SMEs
  • Practical strategies to manage rising costs while staying competitive
  • How AI-driven solutions can help SMEs improve efficiency, optimise operations, and reduce costs
  • Government support schemes available for businesses
  • Insights on fostering resilience in a changing economic landscape

Expert Panel:

Joanne Davidson – Director of Policy and Insights, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Carolyn Currie – Chief Executive, Women’s Enterprise Scotland
Karthik R – Technical Architect, Tata Consultancy Services
Renata Krol – Managing Director, LuXClean Scotland

 Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, 25th March 2025
Time: 17:30 – 19:00
Location: Riverside Suite, ENU Craiglockhart Campus (Free parking available)

Hidden Politics of AI Adoption

CBISS Events

We are delighted to invite you to the Centre for Business Innovations and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS) Research Forum. This session will feature a distinguished guest speaker from King’s College London, sharing insights on the Hidden Politics of AI Adoption.

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus CRL_2/10

What’s Really Behind AI Adoption?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a neutral, unstoppable wave of progress. But what if there’s more to the story? What if the hidden struggles of workers and class dynamics are the real driving forces behind the rise of AI?

Join Dr. Juan Grigera, a renowned expert in international development and technological change, as he uncovers the untold story of AI adoption. This talk takes you beyond the hype, revealing how labour conflicts and resistance shape the future of AI in ways most of us never consider.

Why You Should Attend
Discover the real forces behind AI adoption—far beyond just innovation and market trends.
Explore how workers’ voices and actions influence the spread of AI technologies.
Challenge common myths about AI being solely driven by technology, and gain a fresh perspective.
Engage in a lively discussion on how AI impacts society and the workforce.

About the Speaker
Dr. Juan Grigera is a Senior Lecturer at King’s College London with a passion for uncovering the social and economic impacts of technological transformations. From AI to cryptocurrencies, his work dives into the big questions shaping our world. He’s a leading voice in the field, with publications in top journals and an upcoming book, The Diffusion of Artificial Intelligence, set to release in 2025 by Cambridge University Press.

What to Expect
This is more than just a talk—it’s a chance to rethink how AI is shaping our lives. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the hidden politics of AI adoption and how labour dynamics influence the technologies we see around us every day.

Don’t Miss Out—Mark Your Calendar!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Horizon Europe: A Principal Investigator’s Reflections on Bidding for and managing Horizon projects

CBISS Events

Wednesday 8th May 2024 12.30-13.30

CRL 2/05 Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, 219 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ

Securing funding through Horizon Europe is an intricate journey that demands strategic navigation and comprehensive understanding. As the flagship research and innovation program of the European Union, Horizon Europe offers unparalleled opportunities for groundbreaking projects across various domains. However, effectively competing for these grants requires more than just a compelling proposal; it demands a holistic approach that encompasses strategic planning, consortium building, and a keen understanding of the evaluation criteria. This presentation delves into the intricacies of Horizon Europe bidding from the perspective of a Principal Investigator (PI).

Speaker Bio:

Dr Nicholas Vasilakos is Associate Professor in Sustainable Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of East Anglia. He is also a faculty member of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, faculty member of the Responsible Business Regulation group at Norwich Business School, a member of the International Association for Energy Economics and the British Academy of Management, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Over the last 20 years Nicholas has held a number of research appointments in top UK-based and international research organisations and universities, including among others, the University of Birmingham, King’s College London and the World Bank. Nicholas has substantial experience in engaging with industry and government organisations alike to help them achieve their long-term objectives.

Nicholas’s research focuses on the nexus of social justice, net zero and sustainable development. More specifically his recent work has explored: (1) the effects of regulation and regional/national policy frameworks on innovation and market behaviour; (2) the effectiveness of policy intervention on issues relating to climate policies, economic activity and distribution of wealth.  Nicholas’s work has been cited by various government and inter-governmental organisations, including the US Treasury, the World Bank, the United Nations and the OECD. Nicholas has authored several articles on these subjects in leading economics- and policy-related journals. He received the 2012 Campbell-Watkins Energy Journal best paper award from the International Association of Energy Economics.

Over the years, Nicholas has raised over 20 million euros in research income (about half of it in the last 6 years – both as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator). His research on climate impacts, climate services and adaptation to climate change is supported by the European Commission (most recent grant agreements 776868 and 101081377 ).   

Research Romance: Finding Your Scholarly Soulmate

CBISS Events

We are delighted to extend an invitation to the upcoming event, “Research Romance: Finding Your Scholarly Soulmate”. Following our introduction of the new research centre for Business Innovation and Sustainable Solutions (CBISS), it is now time to connect individuals with research passions to CBISS and discuss how CBISS can collaborate with you to enhance your research output and impact.

Have you found yourself in any of the following situations? 

You may have some data or a paper draft lying dormant for a while, and feel unable to progress alone.

You may have research ideas or interests but lack the know-how to pursue them independently, seeking like-minded individuals to drive the research agenda together.

You may be seeking an external research grant but lack industry partners.

You may be looking for creative ways to generate different research impacts but are uncertain how to proceed.

This event is akin to a first date, offering you the opportunity to find like-minded research collaborators or special teams to complement your current research journey. While solo research can be successful, collaborative teams can help optimise time and resource limitations. Additionally, connecting with like-minded teams will help you explore creative avenues to enhance your research impact.

Join us and discover who could be your soulmate in research!

Date: Tuesday 23rd April 2024

Time: 11.00-13.00

Location: CRL 1/10