First Annual Conference

Cambridge Industrialisation
Annual Conference 2026

Industrialisation in the Digital Age

📅 21 August 2026
📍 Institute for Manufacturing
University of Cambridge
🎯 Where Research Meets Practice

Conference Overview

Connecting Top Scholars, Practitioners, and Policy Makers

The Cambridge Industrialisation Annual Conference (CIAC) is a premier platform connecting academic research and practical applications in the field of industrialisation. It serves as a global forum for dialogue between industrialisation research and practice.

Hosted by Cambridge Industrialisation and held at the University of Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing, the conference brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and policy makers to explore the latest frontiers in industrialisation theory and practice.

2026 Conference Theme

The inaugural 2026 conference focuses on Industrialisation in the Digital Age, exploring how digital technologies are transforming global industrialisation pathways, business models, and policy frameworks.

Conference Features

  • 5 Parallel Thematic Sessions
  • Keynote Addresses from Leading Experts
  • Best Paper Awards & Certificates
  • 2026 Industrialisation Star Awards (for enterprises)
  • Optional: Industrialisation Training + Design Challenge
  • Networking Reception & Gala Dinner

Important Dates

May 2026

First Call for Abstracts

Conference announcement and call for abstract submissions

30 June 2026

Multiple Deadlines

  • Abstract Submission Deadline
  • Early Bird Registration Deadline
  • College Accommodation Booking Deadline
15 July 2026

Acceptance Notification

Authors notified of abstract acceptance

31 July 2026

Standard Registration Deadline

15 August 2026

Final Registration Deadline

21 August 2026

Conference Day

CIAC 2026 at the Institute for Manufacturing

Call for Abstracts

Share Your Research on Industrialisation

We invite abstract submissions covering all aspects of industrialisation research and practice. Submissions should relate to one of our five thematic sessions.

Submission Requirements

  • Length: 300-500 words (English)
  • Format: Word or PDF
  • Include: Title, author(s), affiliation(s), contact email
  • Select: 1-2 preferred thematic sessions
Submission Deadline
30 June 2026

Presentation Format

Accepted abstracts will be presented in 15-20 minute sessions followed by 5 minutes Q&A.

Recognition

Outstanding papers will receive Best Paper Awards and certificates issued by Cambridge Industrialisation.

Thematic Sessions

01

Digital Technology & Smart Manufacturing

Organised by: Research Centre for Digital Economy, Tsinghua University

02

Industrial Agglomeration & Regional Development

Organised by: Institute of Urban Governance, Peking University

03

Emerging & Future Industries

Organiser to be confirmed

04

Traditional Industry Upgrading

In discussion with UN World Food Forum

05

Investment & Financing

Organised by: USTC Silicon Valley

Submit Your Abstract

Complete the form below to submit your abstract for CIAC 2026. You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission.

Need help? Contact us at camindustrialisation@cambridgesu.co.uk

Conference Registration

Secure Your Place at CIAC 2026

All registration fees are VAT-free.

Academic

Scholars & Researchers

Early Bird
£180
Until 30 June 2026
Standard
£230
1 July - 31 July 2026
Late
£270
1 August - 15 August 2026

Student

With Valid Student ID

Early Bird
£100
Until 30 June 2026
Standard
£130
1 July - 31 July 2026
Late
£160
1 August - 15 August 2026

Registration Includes

  • Full-day conference access
  • Coffee breaks & refreshments
  • Lunch
  • Conference materials & proceedings

Optional Add-Ons

Gala Dinner

Networking reception and formal dinner

Early Bird: £50
Standard: £60
Late: £70

Conference Registration

Complete your registration for CIAC 2026. You will receive a confirmation email with payment instructions.

Questions about registration? Email camindustrialisation@cambridgesu.co.uk

Conference Programme

Detailed Schedule Coming Soon

The full conference programme will be published in August 2026 after the abstract review process is complete.

Expected Schedule

08:00 - 09:00
Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:00 - 10:30
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Address
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 - 12:30
Parallel Sessions I
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 15:30
Parallel Sessions II
15:30 - 16:00
Afternoon Tea
16:00 - 17:30
Parallel Sessions III
17:30 - 18:00
Closing Ceremony & Awards
19:00 - 22:00
Gala Dinner (Optional)

Organising Committee

Chair

Professor Yonjiang Shi

Director of Research, Institute for Manufacturing
Director, International Manufacturing Research Centre
Chief Advisor, Cambridge Industrialisation
University of Cambridge

Co-Chairs

Dr Tingrui Zhang

Acting President, Cambridge Industrialisation
Head of Industrialisation Research Group, IfM
University of Cambridge

Professor Tiyan Shen

Professor, School of Government
Executive Director, Institute of Urban Governance
Peking University

Professor Yong Wang

Professor, School of Social Sciences
Director, Research Centre for Digital Economy
Tsinghua University

[Additional Co-Chairs to be confirmed]

Conference Organiser

Dr Tingrui Zhang

Acting President, Cambridge Industrialisation

Additional team members to be announced

Volunteer Opportunities

We invite enthusiastic volunteers to help organise CIAC 2026.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Free conference registration
  • Volunteer certificate
  • Networking opportunities with distinguished guests
  • Behind-the-scenes conference experience

Requirements

  • Full-day availability (21 August 2026, 08:00-22:00)
  • Good English communication skills
  • Enthusiasm and professionalism

Applications open: March 2026

Limited spaces - first come, first served

🙋

Interested in Volunteering?

Applications will open in March 2026. Check back soon!

Express Interest