2026 Call for Proposals for SMS Collections

Strategic Management Society 

Deadline: September 15, 2026

Purpose and Scope of SMS Collections

The Strategic Management Society (SMS) invites scholars to submit proposals for SMS Collections. SMS Collections are curated bundles of articles previously published in any of the three SMS journals: Global Strategy Journal (GSJ), Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal (SEJ), and Strategic Management Journal (SMJ). Each SMS Collection comprises about two dozen published articles that analyze a common topic, along with an original introduction. Collections are editorially distinct from Special Issues and do not involve a call for submissions.

Each SMS Collection includes an original introduction by the guest editors that outlines the importance of the topic, identifies key themes and debates, places the selected articles in context, and highlights opportunities for future research. The introduction will be published in whichever of the three SMS journals that best fits the topic.

Collections have been published since 2014. To see existing Collections and get a sense of the format and scope, please visit the SMS Journals Hub on Wiley Online Library. 

To formalize the publication process, we are establishing an annual call for proposals, aiming to publish four SMS Collections per year. Proposals may be submitted between July 15 and September 15, 2026, via Submittable.

Submission Guidelines

We welcome proposals for SMS Collections on any topic relevant to the SMS community. Strong proposals typically include: (1) A compelling title and a 125-word abstract summarizing the key arguments; (2) a brief introduction to the topic and its importance; (3) an overview of the state of the field, highlighting key arguments and debates; and (4) a brief set of directions for future research.

Proposals should be three to four single-spaced pages. Append a preliminary list of approximately two dozen articles previously published in the SMS journals, including their abstracts, along with short biographies (about 150 words) of the editorial team.

Please do not use Generative Artificial Intelligence to write proposals. Submissions should reflect your judgment of the topic, rather than a computer-generated summary of prior research. See the SMJ policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence for guidance. 

Review and Selection Process

Proposals for SMS Collections are reviewed by the SMS Collections Editor. The Collections Editor may consult with SMS Journal Editors, topic experts, or SMS staff, as appropriate. Selection decisions are based on: (1) Intellectual significance and clarity of the proposed theme. (2) Fit with SMS journals and the broader SMS scholarly community. (3) Feasibility and coherence of the proposed curated article set.

A subset of proposals will be selected to move forward. All proposal authors will be notified after the September 15th submission deadline. Collections are expected to be published starting in early 2027.

Invitation to Develop a Collection Introduction

Authors of selected proposals will be formally invited to prepare an SMS Collection Introduction manuscript for submission to the designated SMS Journal via Research Exchange. We welcome proposals from both established scholars and emerging researchers. Guest editors may be individuals or small teams with relevant expertise in the proposed topic.

Guest editors are responsible for selecting the articles and writing the introduction. They will work closely with the SMS Collections Editor throughout the process to improve its quality; the introduction will undergo double-blind review. The full creation and revision process of the introduction should ideally be completed within one year.

Questions regarding this Open Call may be directed to the SMS Publications Office via email at sms@strategicmanagement.net. 

For technical assistance with this submission process, please contact Submittable Customer Service.