Call for Special Issue Proposals (2027–2028)
The European Journal of Innovation Management (EJIM) invites proposals for Special Issues to be published in 2027 and 2028. The journal will select at least two and up to three Special Issues per year through a competitive selection process.
EJIM is an international, peer-reviewed journal published by Emerald that advances theoretical, empirical and methodological knowledge in innovation management and related fields.
Priority Themes
While proposals on all high-quality innovation management topics are welcome, EJIM particularly encourages proposals aligned with the following priority themes:
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
- Innovation Ecosystems
In addition, EJIM welcomes proposals addressing, among others:
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Sustainability transitions
- Open and collaborative innovation
- Entrepreneurial and regional ecosystems
- Innovation policy and governance
- Deep tech innovation
- Social innovation
- Innovation in emerging economies
- Knowledge, learning and capability development
Interdisciplinary, novel and theoretically ambitious proposals are especially encouraged.
Process
EJIM invites Special Issue proposals for issues scheduled for publication in 2027–2028. The selection process is competitive. All proposals that meet the basic requirements will be evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief.
If a proposal is successful, a revision process will follow to shape the final Call for Papers.
Key dates
- Proposal submission deadline: 30 April 2026
- Decision communicated by: 30 May 2026
Unsuccessful proposals cannot be resubmitted in response to future calls.
Submission Format and Procedure
All proposals must be submitted using the official EJIM / Emerald Special Issue Proposal Form.
The completed form must be sent as a single Word or PDF file by email to:
[email protected]
Proposals submitted in any other format will not be considered.
Content of the Proposal Form
The proposal form requires completion of the following sections:
Section 1 – Guest Editor Details
Information on each Guest Editor, including affiliation, contact details and background in the topic area.
Section 2 – Special Issue Details
Including:
- Special Issue title
- Topicality and expected impact
- Originality and contribution
- Aims of the Special Issue
- Indicative themes
- Leading scholars in the field and potential contributors
- Confirmation regarding the editorial
- Proposed author submission deadline
Section 3 – Promotional Information
Plans for promoting the Special Issue through academic communities, networks, events, and communication channels.
Section 4 – Issue Specification
Including:
- Target number of accepted papers (10–12)
- Peer review process
- Feasibility of meeting Emerald turnaround expectations
Editorial Team Expectations
The editorial team should normally comprise up to four members. Collectively, the team should demonstrate:
- Strong expertise in the Special Issue theme
- Academic excellence
- Some editorial or reviewing experience
- International reach
- Attention to diversity
Team members must confirm that they are not committed to other Special Issues on the same or similar topics in other journals during the proposed editorial period.
Editorial Introduction
The Special Issue editorial team may submit an article to the Special Issue.
However, the team will be also invited to write an editorial introduction that synthesizes and contextualizes the accepted articles and develops integrative insights for the field. This editorial must not be a stand-alone conceptual article.
Target Size of the Special Issue
Each Special Issue should aim to publish 10–12 articles, with most contributions normally being empirical, while conceptual and methodological articles are also welcome.
Audience Orientation
EJIM Special Issues are primarily oriented toward the academic community, while also encouraging relevance for practice and policy where appropriate.
Vincenzo Corvello
Editor-in-Chief
European Journal of Innovation Management
Emerald Publishing