This roundtable, led by Dr Denise Currie and Dr Heike Schröder of Queen’s Business School, explored the persistent gap between HR policy design and real-world practice. Drawing on research in EDI, wellbeing, and conflict resolution, the session examined how a systems-based approach can ensure HR policies are embedded effectively across organisations. Attendees discussed the challenges of aligning policy with practice and the leadership strategies needed to foster fair, structured, and thriving workplaces.

This roundtable, led by Dr Juliet Hassard of Queen’s Business School, explored the SUPPORT framework—a research-based model outlining seven core values that promote psychologically healthy workplaces. Attendees engaged in discussion on how embedding well-being into business strategy can improve culture, productivity, and leadership. Drawing on international research and policy experience, Dr Hassard emphasised the strategic value of prioritising employee mental health in driving sustainable organisational performance.

This seminar, led by Professor Ulf Bosch of Queen’s Business School, examined how leadership can shape success in volatile global markets. Focusing on the evolving role of China as a ‘must-win market,’ the session explored strategies for navigating geopolitical change and uncertainty. Drawing on over two decades of international consulting experience, Bosch shared insights on how leadership styles and strategic adaptability are key to thriving in dynamic environments.

Experts from Queen’s University Belfast explored how low-carbon bioenergy solutions can align with existing agricultural practices to improve sustainability. The seminar focused on the food-energy-water nexus, highlighting innovations such as willow buffer strips that can reduce runoff and meet 8% of Northern Ireland’s heat demand. The discussion also addressed how better slurry and digestate management, alongside nutrient recycling, can support a circular economy.

Can better management practices solve Northern Ireland’s poor productivity performance? Professor John Turner and Dr David Jordan have been exploring the reasons why Northern Ireland has the lowest productivity of any UK region. Their research, undertaken for The Productivity Institute, highlights a number of factors. These include economic structure, peripherality, human capital, innovation, policy, and political institutions. However, an emerging explanation is the role of management in local firms. This webinar delved deeper into why management matters.