2024 Effectuation Conference in Nantes: Bridging Research and Practice, Amplified by Podcasting
The 9th Effectuation Conference, held in Nantes, France, on November 12th and 13th, 2024, brought together a vibrant community of researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to advancing the field of effectuation in entrepreneurship. With its theme, “Bridging Research and Practice,” the conference aimed to deepen the understanding of how effectuation-a decision-making logic that emphasizes leveraging available means and embracing uncertainty-can be applied across disciplines and real-world contexts.
A Gathering of Minds at the Audencia Media Campus
The event unfolded at the Media Campus of Audencia School of Management and Communication, a fitting venue for an assembly focused on innovation and collaborative learning. The conference opened with a keynote by Saras Sarasvathy, the originator of effectuation theory, who introduced attendees to her latest research on the CAVE framework (Causal, Adaptive, Visionary, Effectual). This framework provides a nuanced lens for understanding how expert entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty and make decisions in dynamic environments.
Slavica Singer followed with an inspiring session on reimagining higher education through effectuation, advocating for “creative destruction” in university structures to foster shared, adaptive learning. Her personal journey, which included launching entrepreneurship and microfinance initiatives in post-war Croatia, exemplified the transformative power of effectual thinking.
Interactive Pods and Practice-Oriented Learning
A hallmark of the Effectuation Conference is its participatory format. Attendees formed “Pods”-small groups designed to foster deep dives into research and practice.
These pods not only facilitated peer learning but also encouraged the co-creation of new educational tools and research projects, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to bridging theory and practice.
The Podcast Challenge: Giving Voice to Effectuation
A standout feature of the 2024 conference was the introduction of a “podcast challenge.” Each pod was tasked with preparing and recording a podcast episode to share their findings, insights, and reflections from the conference. This initiative transformed the learning experience, making it more accessible and amplifying the impact of the event beyond physical gathering.
The podcasts, now available through the Audencia entrepreneurship podcast platform, offer a unique window into the conference’s intellectual energy and collaborative spirit. For example, the inaugural episode features an in-depth conversation between Katrin Smolka and Saras Sarasvathy, exploring Sarasvathy’s entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of effectuation theory, and key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Subsequent episodes continue to unpack conference themes, highlight participant experiences, and discuss practical applications of effectual thinking.
“The podcast challenge this year took the entire experience to another level. Deeply grateful to see old faces and really excited to meet new ones… The unique yet familiar mix of focus on teaching, practice and ideas was delightful.” – Saras Sarasvathy
A Community Poised for Action
Beyond lectures and workshops, the conference emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration. Participants left with concrete plans for effectuation group projects-spanning teaching, research, and practice-to be developed and presented at the next conference in 2025. The event included the traditional “effectual dinner,” a celebration of community, creativity, and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Impact of Nantes 2024
The 2024 Effectuation Conference in Nantes succeeded in its mission to bridge research and practice, energize its community, and foster new modes of knowledge sharing. The integration of podcasting not only documented the event’s rich discussions but also democratized access to its insights, ensuring that the lessons of effectuation reach a wider audience.
As Saras Sarasvathy noted in her reflections, the real work lies ahead: applying effectual thinking to shape better futures in an unpredictable world. With its blend of rigorous scholarship, practical experimentation, and innovative communication, the Nantes conference set a new standard for how entrepreneurial communities can learn, collaborate, and inspire change.
For those interested in effectuation, entrepreneurship, or educational innovation, the podcasts from the 2024 conference are an invaluable resource-capturing the voices, stories, and breakthroughs that defined this landmark event.
Listen the podcasts: https://podcast-entrepreneuriat.audencia.com/show/effectuation/
Author: Vincent Lefebvre, Audencia Business School
