Call for Papers: 14^th Young Economists Conference, Oct. 2^nd and 3^rd, in Linz

The global economy is at a crossroads. Rising geopolitical tensions, resurgent nationalist agendas, intensifying trade wars and escalating climate breakdown are reshaping the economic landscape – particularly at the expense of those already marginalized. While governments compete for markets, resources, and technological leadership, the costs are borne disproportionately by low-wage workers, women, migrants, and racialized communities – both in factories and in households around the world. 

At the same time, the climate crisis demands a fundamental transformation of our economies. Without integrating a justice dimension into this transition, however, this transformation threatens to reproduce or even deepen existing inequalities. A socio-ecological transformation must not be built on the continued exploitation of those whose labor is already undervalued and whose livelihoods are most vulnerable to climate change ramifications. 

Across regions, budget austerity, democratic backsliding, and economic recessions further exacerbate inequalities along intersecting lines of class, gender, race, and migration status. The structural exploitation of labor – often unrecognized, often precarious – remains a cornerstone of global economic systems. But it is precisely these foundations that must be rethought if we are to build a more democratic, sustainable, and solidarity economy. 

We welcome contributions that examine the current realities of paid and unpaid work, critically analyze national and international challenges and power relations, and explore proposals for alternative futures. A thorough and multi-disciplinary analysis can provide a grounded understanding of the economy and lay the foundation for necessary transformations. 

The Chamber of Labor Vienna and the Chamber of Labor Upper Austria will host the 14^th Young Economists Conference on October 2^nd and 3^rd, 2025 in Linz, Austria. We invite researchers in the early stages of their career (Master, pre- or post-doc) from all professions, especially economics, political sciences and sociology, to submit their work. We encourage female and LGBTIQ* contributors as well as researchers of color and first generation academics to present at the conference. 

Keynote speeches will be held by Professor Annina Kaltenbrunner, Professor of Global Economics at the Applied Institute for Research in Economics (AIRE), Leeds University Business School, and by MMag. Dr. Stephan Pühringer, head of the Socio-Ecological Transformation Lab at Johannes Kepler University Linz and deputy director of the Institute for Comprehensive Analysis of the Economy (ICAE). 

The deadline for abstracts (maximum 1 page) is May 18, 2025. Participants will be notified of acceptance by July 2025, the deadline for the submission of full (working) papers for consideration for the Eduard März Preis is August 31, 2025. 

The conference language is English. The conference is free of charge, presenters will be reimbursed for train travel cost within Austria, accommodations are paid for. An outstanding contribution will be awarded the Eduard März Prize of €1,000.