The SISE International Conference will be held in Rome at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of Sapienza University of Rome on 4, 5, and 6 February 2027. The conference will focus on transformations in economic space, forms of globalization, international relations, innovation processes, and the behaviour of development actors from a long-term historical perspective, from the medieval era to contemporary times.

Argument

Globalization is a historically complex phenomenon that assumes different forms depending on the context and the economic relationships in which it operates. It is not a linear process but rather one characterized by multiple differentiations. The study of its past and present configurations must begin with this awareness and with an understanding of its relationship to the evolution of economic cycles in both industrial and pre-industrial eras. Such an approach
allows for a deeper analysis of both the intrinsic characteristics of globalization and its effects on pre-existing geoeconomic structures.

In light of recent developments, it is particularly useful to reflect on how phases of transition and discontinuity—economic crises, conflicts, technological revolutions, and geopolitical transformations—have challenged the resilience of expanding economic spaces and accelerated their reconfiguration, potentially leading to different or less intense forms of economic integration. Studying globalization in the long run therefore requires examining not only periods of stability but also moments of rupture: when and why an international economic order enters into crisis, through what dynamics it disintegrates, and by what processes it reorganizes itself into new forms. Such an approach also helps us better understand changes in the positioning of individual countries, the evolution of territorial systems, institutional transformations, and the responses of firms and other development actors to changing contexts.

By way of illustration—and without claiming to be exhaustive—the conference welcomes contributions on topics including:

• Crises, evolution, and transformations of economic spaces and contexts across different historical periods (markets, trade, geoeconomic areas, changing forms of globalization over time, etc.);
• The role and evolution of international institutions and supranational organizations in globalization processes during the contemporary era (Bretton Woods institutions, GATT, WTO, etc.);
• The relationship between economic development and changing geopolitical scenarios (crises, colonialism, wars, major migration movements, etc.);
• Innovation processes and the redefinition of economic space (technological, organizational, and productive change, transformations in consumption patterns, etc.);
• Actors and adaptation strategies during periods of discontinuity and transformation among the protagonists of development (institutions, the state, firms, social actors, political and trade-union movements, etc.);
• Selected directions in economic history research (social change, labor, financial markets, growth, regional disparities, industrial policies, agriculture, etc.) and individual case studies (business history, influential personalities, associations, local development, etc.).

These themes, as well as any proposed case studies, should be approached from the perspective of the history of globalization and/or by using international economic relations as a key interpretative framework for understanding historical phenomena and processes.

The conference is open to scholars from all disciplines. Participants may submit individual paper proposals (single- or co-authored) as well as proposals for thematic sessions (3–5 speakers). Proposals, submitted in either Italian or English, may adopt a diachronic approach (addressing issues over the long term) or focus on specific periods and experiences ranging from the medieval era to contemporary times.

Research at any stage of development—ongoing, planned, or completed—may be presented.

Contributions from early-career scholars are particularly welcome, and dedicated sessions may be organized for them.

Submission Guidelines and Deadlines

To participate, please send your proposal to: presidenza.sise@gmail.com, indicating in the subject line: “Proposal (Paper/Session) – Annual Conference 2027”

Deadline for individual paper proposals: 31 August 2026 (abstract of up to 250 words, including paper title and author(s))

Deadline for session proposals: 31 August 2026 (abstract of up to 400 words, including titles of papers and names of authors)

Notification of acceptance by the Scientific Committee: 30 September 2026

Conference Registration Fees

• SISE members (faculty/permanent staff): €80 (includes 2027 SISE membership fee)
• SISE members (non-tenured/independent scholars, doctoral students, etc.): €40 (includes 2027 SISE membership fee)
• Non-SISE members: €50
• Non-members wishing to join SISE:
• €80 for faculty/permanent staff;
• €40 for nontenured/ independent scholars (membership applications subject to ratification at the General Assembly on 5 February 2027)

Scientific Committee

• Marco Doria (president of SISE, University of Genoa),
• Francesco Boldizzoni (University of Palermo),
• Andrea Cafarelli (University of Udine),
• Albane Cogné (École Française de Rome/University of Tours),
• Lars Döpking (Deutsche Historische Institut in Rom),
• Andrea Fara (Sapienza University of Rome),
• Giovanni Farese (Università Europea of Rome),
• Giampiero Fumi (Cattolica University),
• David Igual (University of Castilla-La Mancha),
• Heinrich Lang (Leipzig University),
• Pierre Labardin (University of La Rochelle),
• Amedeo Lepore (University of Campania L. Vanvitelli),
• Paola Nardone (d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara),
• Patrick O’ Brien (Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics),
• Angela Orlandi (University of Florence),
• Stefano Palermo (Sapienza University of Rome),
• Paola Pinelli (University of Florence),
• Gaetano Sabatini (Roma Tre University),
• Marco Santillo (University of Salerno)
• Bartolomè Yun Casalilla (Emeritus Professor, European University Institute).