Release | The Digital Transformation of Social Research: On the Emulation of Theory within Theory and the Emergence of Repository-Based Academic Writing

Abstract: The digital transformation of social research has significantly expanded the empirical and methodological capacities of the social sciences. Yet, social theory itself remains largely shaped by analogue modes of thinking and writing. This paper aims to explore what a digital transformation of social theory would entail, with particular attention to the implications for theory […]

Event | Wolfson Tool Factory

On 23 April 2026, we will convene for the first-ever Wolfson Tool Factory meeting—an experimental workshop dedicated to the co-production of theory-based management and consulting tools. This event is supported by the Wolfson College Research Networks. The idea is simple but ambitious: To bring together social (systems) theorists and consultants working with for-profit, non-profit, and […]

Event | Inaugural Meeting of the Next Society Institute Limited

The Next Society Institute Limited (in foundation) conducts and supports research on the structures and semantics of modern societies, with a particular focus on social systems theory and its contemporary extensions. Its formal establishment will be marked by an inaugural meeting held at Clare College, University of Cambridge, on Thursday, 05 March 2026.

CFP | EURAM 2026 | T12.03 Management History, Theory, and Philosophy

Proponents Track description The ‘Management History, Theory, and Philosophy’ track addresses the historical and philosophical foundations and challenges of management and organization theory and practice, as well as the application and evolution of historical research methods. Knowledge of these foundations and challenges is vital for interpreting trends, developing creative management solutions to persistent organizational problems, […]

Talk | Can social theory run like code? @Wolfson College, University of Cambridge

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how digitalisation reshapes social theory at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. Title: Digital Transformation of Social Theory Date: 25/11/2025 Venue: Gatsby Room (Chancellor’s Centre), Wolfson College, Barton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom & Teams Overview: This talk outlines a programme to build a universal social theory machine: a […]

CFP | IT&P | Coding society. Programmatic encounters between information systems and social theory

Special Issue of Information Technology & People (SSCI 5.6, Scopus Q1, CABS***, FNEGE***, VHB***) on Coding society. Programmatic encounters between information systems and social theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Tilia Stingl de Vasconcelos Guedes, Vienna University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication, Austria; Next Society Institute, […]

CFP | JOCM | Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory

Special Issue of the Journal of Organizational Change Management (SSCI 2.7, Scopus Q2, CABS**, FNEGE**, VHB***) on Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Vladislav Valentinov, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Halle, Germany; Next Society Institute, Kazimieras Simonavičius University, Lithuania […]

CFP | MD | Programmes in management and organisation. Observed with social systems theory

Special Issue of Management Decision (SSCI 5.1, Scopus Q1, CABS**, FNEGE**, VHB***) on Programmes in management and organisation. Observed with social systems theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, roths@excelia-group.com Augusto Sales, Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Brazil; Yale University, United States of America, augusto.sales@fgv.br Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31/01/2026 The issue […]

Release | Big data insights into social macro trends: Expanding the horizon (1800-2018)

Abstract: This article examines how big data can inform and challenge established theories and future visions of society. Utilising the most recent version of the arguably largest free online corpus, the Google Books corpus (version 20200217), we replicate and enhance Roth et al.’s (2019a) systems-theoretical methodology for analysing macro social trends. Thus extending the sample […]