FB04: Participation EURAM 2025 “Managing with Purpose” Conference, Florence, Italy

Applicant: Henry Orth
Faculty, specialisation: FB 04, Business Administration

On Monday, 23 June 2025, I presented my ongoing paper on Generative AI and organizational dynamics at the EURAM 2025 “Managing with Purpose” conference hosted by the University of Florence. The study, part of my PhD journey that began at the University of Münster in March last year, investigates how GenAI-driven innovation reshapes leadership structures and decision-making.

A central highlight was the track I was part of called “From AI to Digital Transformation in the Human+ Era: What are the Effects on Business for Society?”. Dialogue within this group proved exceptionally enriching: I discussed theoretical angles with scholars from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, exchanged ideas on research design, and received concrete suggestions for improving my causal identification strategy and variable measurement. These conversations broadened my network, opened doors to refined datasets and sparked potential cross-country collaborations that will add depth to the project.

The cultural setting amplified the academic value. Florence’s city characteristics, combined with informal dinners and late-evening walks, created space for candid debate and fresh perspectives unattainable in virtual formats. Engaging with researchers of such diverse backgrounds in a city steeped in history was both intellectually and personally inspiring.

I am grateful to SAFIR Research Funding Support for enabling my participation. The experience sharpened my methodology, expanded my professional network and strengthened my commitment to exploring GenAI’s strategic implications. I look forward to weaving these insights into the next manuscript draft and sharing further results in due course.