Challenges and Research Trends of Energy Business and Management

Dear Colleagues,

Energy transformation significantly redefines enterprises’ business models from the energy sector, putting them before difficult decisions in terms of both strategy and operationalization of activities. This is especially visible when considering climate protection policies, assumptions of Industry 4.0, and the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing.

We are witnessing a turning point in technological breakthroughs, which in the long term will lead to fundamental changes both in the way of life and in the functioning of enterprises involved in the production, supply, and distribution of energy. It is also a tremendous pressure for managers to prepare their companies and employees for new challenges. The awareness of building an organization as part of customer relations, cooperation networks, eco-development, or energy efficiency is also becoming important.

In addition, companies from the energy sector are particularly susceptible to macroeconomic and environmental factors, such as government regulations, fluctuations in demand, price pressure on commodity exchanges, and measures to prevent global warming and engaging in the creation of renewable energy.

Furthermore, the situation related to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced many companies to rethink their actions, such as accelerating their digital transformation, supply chain, and risk management. However, some of them recorded a significant slowdown in technology implementation, as well as research and development. At present, we do not know what the long-term effect will be and whether it will influence the energy paradigm.

Therefore, the aim of this Special Edition devoted to Challenges and Research Trends of Energy Business and Management is to search for new theoretical and empirical works on changes in the energy sector management, including new business models, the use of Industry 4.0 technology, and its impact on organizations, digitization, sustainable development, companies’ energy self-sufficiency, and investments supporting the so-called green economy.

We are interested in answers to the following questions: What is the recipe for success in times of rapid industrial changes for the energy sector’s companies? How do business models shape what they should look like? How can digital transformation be effectively implemented? How can Industry 4.0 technologies improve the operation of enterprises in the energy sector? How do technologies create new manufacturing and competitive opportunities in the energy sector? How can leaders’ awareness and understanding of the needs and conditions of a dynamically changing environment be helpful in managing an energy company? How can a company be tailored to fit the goals of sustainable development and social responsibility? How can we shape inter-organizational cooperation so that it becomes a determinant that strengthens the competitive position or long-term development? How has the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected energy company management?

The call is addressed to both theoreticians and management practitioners. We believe that the exchange of knowledge, experience, and cooperation creates more space for new and unique solutions.

Prof. Dr. Bernard Ziębicki
Dr. Edyta Bielińska-Dusza
Guest Editors

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