Successful Participation at IFERA 2026: Research on Twin Transformation in Family Firms
From June 9–12, 2026, the annual conference of the International Family Enterprise Research Academy (IFERA) took place in Naples, Italy, under the theme “Legacy in Action.” The international conference brought together researchers from around the world to discuss current developments in family business research.
Marlene Fröhlich, doctoral researcher at the University of Wuppertal and the EMF Institute, presented her work-in-progress paper, “Unfolding Twin Transitions in Family Firms: A Process Perspective on the Role of the Next Generation.” The research project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Birgit Felden (Berlin School of Economics and Law) and Prof. Dr. Julia de Groote (University of Wuppertal). The study focuses on the role of the next generation in shaping the so-called twin transformation—the interplay between digital and sustainable transformation in family firms.
The valuable feedback received from the international research community will contribute to the further development of the paper.
In addition to presenting her research, Marlene Fröhlich participated in the popular IFERA Shark Tank Pitch. This format provides early-career researchers with the opportunity to present their research projects and engage in critical discussions with experienced scholars. Marlene successfully defended her research idea, impressed the “Sharks,” and gained valuable insights for the further development of her project.
The research team plans to continue developing the project and present its progress for further academic discussion at IFERA 2027 in Limassol, Cyprus.
