An IAMCR pre-conference
Description
In the digital age, Big Tech companies have emerged as powerful global players, influencing not only technological innovation but also politics, business, culture, and societal values. Their platforms and technologies are now central to economies, governance, and public life, redefining global power dynamics. As active social actors, these companies leverage soft power through tools, narratives, and platforms to influence public opinion, cultural flows, and global perceptions. By positioning them- selves as drivers of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, Big Tech navigates strategic communication to build legitimacy across diverse geopolitical and social contexts.
However, this growing influence raises critical questions about their corporate social responsibilities (CSR), particularly in addressing global challenges like environmental sustainability, misinformation, and algorithmic bias. With increasing demands for accountability and transparency, their actions—or inaction—carry profound consequences for political stability, international relations, and public trust.
This preconference examines the interplay between technology, corporate power, societal responsibility, and strategic communication, aligning with IAMCR 2025’s focus on diversity in sustainability campaigns. By bridging theoretical exploration with practical insights from big techs like Tencent, the event fosters interdisciplinary dialogue between academics and industry leaders, enriching IAMCR’s commitment to addressing complex global challenges at the intersection of communication, technology, and society.
Location
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Date and time
Saturday 12 July, 2025
09h00 - 17h00
Participation and registration
Call for Proposals available here.
There is no registration fee.
Convenors
- Zhan Zhang (Ph.D., Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland) is currently an assistant professor in international communication at the School of International Communication, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Ningbo China. She is also the International Liaison and Exchange Officer of the school. Dr. Zhang’s research fields include strategic communication, intercultural communication, technology & society, and China’s soft power (in Europe). Email: zhan.zhang@nottingham.edu.cn.
- Rong Wang (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human and Organizational Development at Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University. Dr. Wang researches collective action, open collaboration, and inter- organizational alliances that are designed to achieve collective goals. Email: r.wang@vanderbilt.edu.
Organisers
- Zhan Zhang, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China.
- Rong Wang, Vanderbilt University, the United States.
- Anilesh Kumar, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, China.
- Deqiang Ji, Communication University of China, China.
- Gisela Gonçalves, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.
- Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, University of Ghana, Ghana.
