Call for Papers
Aligning Finance with
Sustainable and Inclusive
Economic Transformation
Call for Women Researchers
Open from September 1st
until September 30th, 2026
For submissions and questions:
[email protected]
About this Call
The Women Leaders in Finance (WIF) Platform and the Strategic Economics Alliance (SEA) at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), University College London (UCL), invite original research articles offering novel theoretical and/or empirical contributions on how finance, public policy, and economic decision-making can support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic transformation. The call seeks insights directly relevant to real-world policy and financial decision-making and welcomes submissions from women economists, researchers, and practitioners, with an emphasis on contributors from the Global South.
The increasing complexity of global challenges — ranging from climate transition and persistent inequality to fiscal constraints and geopolitical fragmentation — has highlighted the limitations of conventional economic frameworks and financial practices. Traditional approaches have fallen short in addressing systemic, interdependent, and long-term transformations. In this context, it is urgent to rethink how economic theory can better inform public policy, as well as how public institutions can improve the design and implementation of financial decisions.
In Partnership with
The Strategic Economics Alliance (SEA) is a global initiative convened by the University College London Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP). Led by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, SEA aims to amplify the voices of women economists in economic theory and policymaking, building on IIPP’s strong intellectual foundation focused on rethinking value creation, the role of public institutions, and mission-oriented policy frameworks. SEA has partnered with WIF to shape this call's thematic direction and support the review of submissions. SEA is supported through funding from Co-Impact and the Ford Foundation.
About this Call
The Women Leaders in Finance (WIF) Platform and the Strategic Economics Alliance (SEA) at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), University College London (UCL), invite original research articles offering novel theoretical and/or empirical contributions on how finance, public policy, and economic decision-making can support more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic transformation. The call seeks insights directly relevant to real-world policy and financial decision-making and welcomes submissions from women economists, researchers, and practitioners, with an emphasis on contributors from the Global South.
The increasing complexity of global challenges — ranging from climate transition and persistent inequality to fiscal constraints and geopolitical fragmentation — has highlighted the limitations of conventional economic frameworks and financial practices. Traditional approaches have fallen short in addressing systemic, interdependent, and long-term transformations. In this context, it is urgent to rethink how economic theory can better inform public policy, as well as how public institutions can improve the design and implementation of financial decisions.
© Professor Mariana Mazzucato speaks on the SEA-WIF panel on Reclaiming Finance at IIPP's Annual Rethinking the State Forum 2026.
In Partnership with
The Strategic Economics Alliance (SEA) is a global initiative convened by the University College London Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP). Led by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, SEA aims to amplify the voices of women economists in economic theory and policymaking, building on IIPP’s strong intellectual foundation focused on rethinking value creation, the role of public institutions, and mission-oriented policy frameworks. SEA has partnered with WIF to shape this call's thematic direction and support the review of submissions. SEA is supported through funding from Co-Impact and the Ford Foundation.
Call for Papers
Submission Guidelines
Call for Papers
Submission Guidelines
Abstract and Paper Format
- Extended abstract of up to 500 words, outlining the research question, methodology, and expected contribution, due September 30, 2026.
- Final Papers (for selected contributions only): Papers between 5,000 and 8,000 words, not including footnotes and references. Successful authors will be notified in October 2026.
- All submissions must meet the editorial standards outlined in the guidance document.
Who Can Apply
- Women economists, researchers, and practitioners, this call is open to research proposals across regions and professional backgrounds.
- We especially encourage submissions from the Global South, including Latin America and cross-regional comparisons.
- We welcome research led by an early-career scholar (less than 10 years since PhD) in partnership with a mid- to senior-career scholar and/or practitioner.
- Partnerships between a scholar and a civil servant have priority.
Topics of Interest Include
Financing and Shaping Structural Transformation
How financial systems, public finance, development banks, and innovative fiscal instruments can shape inclusive and sustainable economic transformation, while addressing social, regional, and gender inequalities.
Mission-Oriented Innovation Finance and the Entrepreneurial State
How governments and public financial institutions can proactively shape markets, direct innovation towards societal goals, and embed gender-responsive targets and accountability into mission-oriented finance.
Rethinking Financial Governance, Public Financial Decision-Making and Value Creation
How public financial decision-making can be reoriented toward long-term, sustainable, and inclusive outcomes, considering power relations, distributional dynamics, systemic risks, and participation in financial decision-making.
Co-Creating Innovative Public Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Systems
How collaborative and experimental approaches, including co-creation and policy innovation, can build more adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable policy systems and strengthen women’s participation in policy design.
New Economic Thinking and Diverse Perspectives in Practice
Contributions that challenge dominant economic paradigms and bring forward new ways of understanding value, labour, growth, and development, particularly through diverse regional, disciplinary, and professional perspectives.
Women Leaders and Sustainable Finance Outcomes
How gendered power structures, institutional norms, and women’s participation in leadership shape economic and financial decision-making and influence development and sustainability outcomes.
Topics of Interest Include
Call for Papers
Timeline
September 1
2026
September 30
2026
October
2026
January 15
2027
Mid-february
2027
February 28
2026
May 31
2027
June
2027
Call for Papers Launch
-
Abstract Submission Deadline
.
Evaluation and Selection of Contributions
Selected authors will be notified and invited to develop their full research papers
Development of First Drafts by Selected Authors
Selected authors submit a first draft in preparation for the research workshop.
Research Workshop
Selected authors discuss their papers and receive feedback during the workshope
Written Feedback Shared
Authors receive written feedback to support the revision of their final papers.
Final paper Submission
Authors submit their final papers incorporating feedback from the workshop and review process
IIPP Rethinking the State Forum
Selected contributions will have the opportunity to participate in IIPP’s 2027 Rethinking the State Forum and may be considered for publication in an international research outlet
Call for Papers
Timeline
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
September 1
2026
Call for Papers Launch
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
Submit your Abstract
Ready to Contribute?
Submit your extended abstract by 30 September 2026 by email to
contact@womenfinance.org and help shape a more plural, inclusive,
and practice-oriented economic discourse.
© Rethinking the State: State Capabilities, Missions and Governing the Common Good 2026, UCL IIPP at Senate House. Photo by Kirsten Holst
Submit your Abstract
Ready to Contribute?
Submit your extended abstract by 30 September 2026 by email to
contact@womenfinance.org and help shape a more plural, inclusive,
and practice-oriented economic discourse.