Ulysseus Research Days in Nice: “Future of Meaningful Work”

MCI advances new ideas for meaningful work in the age of AI together with partner universities

What makes work meaningful – and how is artificial intelligence reshaping our understanding of it? These questions marked the starting point of the first Research Days of the Ulysseus research group “Future of Meaningful Work”, held on March 26–27 at the Université Côte d’Azur in Nice.

The initiative is part of the Ulysseus European University Alliance and brings together researchers exploring alternative forms of work, organizing, and entrepreneurship. The research group is led by Hanna Dings, who designed a rich and inspiring program that fostered both exchange and collaboration.

Researchers from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, University of Montenegro, and Université Côte d’Azur came together to develop a shared research agenda on the future of meaningful work. The first part of the Research Days focused on getting to know one another not only as colleagues, but also in terms of our diverse theoretical backgrounds and perspectives on “meaningful work.” This exchange laid the foundation for deeper discussions throughout the event.

Building on this, discussions explored how meaningful work is understood across different contexts and, in particular, how technological developments, especially artificial intelligence, are shaping work processes, subjectivities, and possibilities for meaningful work. It quickly became clear that the conversation goes far beyond efficiency gains, touching on fundamental questions of identity, agency, and responsibility in the future of work.

A key highlight was the contribution of Marcos Barros, Full Professor at Grenoble Ecole de Management and Editor-in-Chief of the journal Organization. He shared insights into his current research and introduced publication formats and submission opportunities. Inspired by his input, participants worked around the guiding question “How can you unsettle?”, exploring how research can challenge dominant assumptions, make power structures visible, and open up alternative imaginaries of work.

The subsequent writing workshop provided space to further develop joint research projects and receive in-depth, constructive feedback. This exchange helped sharpen arguments, refine publication strategies, and identify new avenues for collaboration within the group.

Already during the two days, two concrete joint research projects were initiated. In parallel, the group developed a first collective manifesto on the future of meaningful work, outlining shared principles and research ambitions.

The Research Days in Nice were characterized by an open and inspiring atmosphere, bringing together international perspectives on meaningful work, management research, and the societal implications of AI. They laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration towards joint publications, third-party funded projects, and innovative teaching formats within the Ulysseus network. The collaboration will continue in July in Innsbruck.